How to Buy Crypto with HSBC Malta [2024]

Summary: Unfortunately, HSBC Bank Malta customers can’t buy cryptocurrencies on its platform directly. Nevertheless, investors can use their HSBC Malta banking accounts to transfer funds to a licensed third-party broker or crypto exchange to purchase Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other digital assets.

To buy crypto with HSBC Malta, we suggest using the reputable, crypto-friendly investment platform Interactive Brokers (IBKR). After testing several popular trading platforms, we found it to be the best option because of its low trading fees and extensive selection of crypto assets.

Can you buy crypto with HSBC? 

You can buy crypto with HSBC Malta, but you need to connect to a licensed broker that offers cryptocurrencies. As mentioned above, this is because HSBC Malta does not offer cryptocurrency services directly through its online banking platform.

How to buy crypto with HSBC?

The most reliable way to buy Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies with an HSBC Malta bank account in Malta is through a broker like Interactive Brokers, a highly trusted multi-asset investing platform that supports trading and holding Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Additionally, clients can hold EUR and cryptocurrencies in their accounts, trade cryptocurrencies around the clock, place non-marketable limit orders, and withdraw assets to an external wallet from their Paxos or Zero Hash accounts.

How to buy crypto with HSBC Malta: Step-by-Step

You can get started in minutes with four simple steps:

• Step 1: Register an account on Interactive Brokers and complete the necessary verification process, whether it is for personal or company use;
• Step 2: Enter the EUR amount you want to deposit on the IBKR platform;
• Step 3: Connect your HSBC Malta account to deposit your selected fiat currency;
• Step 4: The final step is to find the cryptocurrency you want to purchase and execute your trade.

Disclaimer: Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply.

About HSBC Malta

HSBC Bank Malta is the Maltese division of the British multinational banking and financial services company HSBC Holdings PLC and has been operating in Malta since 1999.

The bank boasts around 30 locations across the islands of Malta and Gozo, offering a comprehensive selection of financial and banking services for both personal and business clients. The bank’s customers can also access their accounts and services online and through mobile banking.

Services offered by HSBC Malta include: 

• Personal banking: Checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, loans, overdrafts, lines of credit, as well as various insurance products;
• Business banking: Business checking and savings accounts, loans, overdrafts;
• Wealth management: Financial planning and investment advisory services, retirement pension plans, and managed funds. 

HSBC Malta crypto policy

HSBC Malta does not provide cryptocurrency investing services directly from its platform. However, HSBC Malta crypto users wishing to use their bank accounts to trade crypto can deposit funds to licensed crypto-friendly exchanges to invest in digital assets. 

How to buy crypto safely

As an emerging and relatively untested territory, digital currency markets are highly speculative and largely unregulated. Nevertheless, in an attempt to eliminate obscurity in this new and ungoverned market sphere, Malta has designed a legislative package in which both cryptocurrency and industry can operate and thrive. These cryptocurrency regulation acts were launched in 2018 and are referred to as the MDIA, ITAS, and VFA.

Still, in a market space teeming with fraud and subject to tremendous price volatility, investors are at risk. Fortunately, there are measures you implement to ensure you’re staying safe when investing in crypto. Here are a few essential guidelines for getting started with digital assets and how to best protect yourself and your money.

How to buy crypto safely – tips

• Research the cryptocurrency you want to buy: Make sure you understand how it works and what the risks are; 
• Only use a safe device: Avoid public computers and Wi-Fi networks. Always use your personal computer with a VPN, which helps establish a secure connection between you and the web, keeping your sensitive information safe;
• Choose a reputable exchange: Ensure the exchange is licensed by the appropriate regulators in your country and has a solid track record. Study the exchange’s user terms and agreements carefully to learn more about where your money is kept and what happens to your funds if the business goes bankrupt. You may also want to scour through user reviews to catch any red flags;
• Secure your account: Use two-factor authentication and a strong password to protect your account;
• Use a secure wallet: Store your cryptocurrency in a secure wallet to protect it from hackers. You can opt for either a hot (online) or cold (offline) wallet. To choose the right one for you, make sure to check out our in-depth guide on crypto wallets;
• Don’t invest money you can’t afford to lose: Because the crypto market can be so volatile, you need to be conservative with your investments, particularly when starting out. For more investing tips, have a look at our guide on investing mistakes to avoid;
• Monitor your investments: Keep an eye on the market and be aware of any changes in the price of the cryptocurrency you’re investing in. 

Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk. 

FAQs about how to buy crypto with HSBC Malta: 

Can you buy crypto with HSBC Malta?

While HSBC Malta doesn’t offer crypto trading directly through its own platform, customers can connect their bank accounts to a regulated exchange to buy digital assets.

How to buy crypto with HSBC Malta?

You can buy crypto with HSBC Malta by depositing EUR to a licensed third-party trading platform that offers cryptocurrencies.

What crypto exchanges does HSBC Malta allow?

Customers can deposit funds from their HSBC Malta accounts to licensed crypto brokers, such as IBKR. 

What is HSBC Malta’s crypto policy?

HSBC Malta’s crypto policy allows its customers to use their accounts to buy, sell and trade digital assets through regulated brokers.