How to Buy Crypto with BNZ [2024]

Summary: While the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) does not allow customers to buy cryptocurrency directly, you can still use their account to deposit New Zealand dollars (NZD) to a regulated crypto exchange and purchase popular tokens like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

Suppose you want to purchase crypto with the BNZ. In that case, you have to make an account with an intermediary crypto investment service like Interactive Brokers (IBKR) and use the BNZ account as a deposit for fiat currency.

Can you buy crypto with the BNZ?

Yes, you can use the BNZ to buy crypto. However, you cannot do that directly since the bank does not offer a way to trade digital assets through its platform. Instead, you must use an FMA– (Financial Markets Authority) or FINRA– (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) regulated cryptocurrency exchange. 

How to buy crypto with the BNZ?

The best way to buy crypto using the financial services of the BNZ is via a reputable and trusted cryptocurrency exchange such as Interactive Brokers.

With over 70 cryptocurrencies and digital assets, IBKR is a superb investment service specializing in advanced trading features like copy trading (a popular strategy of copying some of the best crypto traders on the market), hodling, and staking. Additionally, the exchange offers a range of dedicated tools, detailed charts, and technical analysis gauges to help you make better investing decisions.

How to buy crypto with the BNZ: Step-by-Step

Follow these four steps to buy cryptocurrency with the BNZ in less than two minutes:

• Step 1: Create an account on Interactive Brokers and complete the verification process (personal or company);
• Step 2: Enter the amount of NZD (or other fiat currency) you want to deposit on the IBKR platform;
• Step 3: Connect your BNZ account to deposit your selected fiat currency;
• Step 4: Navigate to the cryptocurrency you want to purchase and commit the transaction.

About the BNZ

The Bank of New Zealand is one of New Zealand’s ‘Big Four’ banks and a subsidiary of National Australia Bank. With headquarters in Auckland, it is the second-largest bank operating in New Zealand. Opening as early as 1861, the bank provides financial services in retail, business, and institutional banking with more than 5,000 employees in New Zealand. 

Services provided by the BNZ include: 

• Personal banking: Checking and savings accounts, credit cards, home loans, personal loans, investment banking services, mortgages, insurance;
• Business banking: Business checking and savings accounts for small, medium, and large businesses, loans and lines of credit, credit cards, investments, insurance, merchant services, and foreign exchange;
• Wealth management: Tools and educational resources for financial planning, investment management services, trust and estate management, as well as brokerage services.

The BNZ crypto policy

The BNZ does not provide crypto trading as part of its services. However, customers can still use their BNZ accounts to deposit funds to FMA- and FINRA-regulated crypto brokerages to buy cryptocurrencies and digital assets.

How to buy crypto safely

While undoubtedly widespread, crypto tokens are still an extremely volatile investment, especially if measured against traditional financial instruments, such as stocks or bonds. Hackers and scammers are preying upon beginners and careless investors to increase further the risks involved in the trade.

As another contributing factor, the authorities like FMA and FINRA require cryptocurrency exchanges to adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) and customer identification programs (CIPs) policies, but cryptocurrencies themselves remain unregulated.

However, you can implement measures to remain safe when buying crypto. We have compiled a set of instructions and tips that will help you preserve your safety and investments when dealing with digital currency:

Tips on how to buy crypto safely

• Research the cryptocurrency you want to buy: Make sure you know your crypto and the risks involved with investing in it; 
• Only use a safe device: Avoid public computers and protectionless Wi-Fi networks. Always use a personal device with a VPN, which helps establish a secure connection between you and the web and keeps your sensitive information safe;
• Choose a reputable exchange: Check that your crypto exchange abides by the regulatory policies in your country and has a perfect track record. Find out where they store your funds and what happens to your investment if the business files for bankruptcy. Read through user reviews to spot potential red flags;
• Secure your account: Use two-factor authentication (2FA) and a strong password to prevent unauthorized logins;
• Use a secure wallet: Store your cryptocurrency in a secure wallet to protect it from hackers. You can opt for 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: The crypto market is volatile, and investing in digital assets has no guaranteed outcome. If you are still learning the ropes of buying crypto, be conservative. 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:

How to buy crypto with the BNZ?

You can obtain cryptocurrencies with the BNZ by depositing your banking account to a licensed third-party cryptocurrency exchange platform.

Can you buy crypto with the BNZ?

While the BNZ does not allow buying crypto directly through its platform, customers can connect their bank accounts to a FINRA- and FMA-regulated crypto brokerage to trade digital assets.

What crypto exchanges does the BNZ allow?

Customers can link their BNZ account to a FINRA- and FMA-licensed cryptocurrency exchange service to buy crypto.

What is the BNZ's crypto policy?

The BNZ’s crypto policy allows customers to use their online banking accounts to buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies and digital assets via regulated platforms.