Bitcoin Payments Brokers 2026
Bitcoin is a decentralized network of digital money, powered by users. Bitcoin provides crypto payments to businesses with integration via an API plugin so they can receive transfers across the globe regardless of market size and volume.
Our review looks at Bitcoin payments as a deposit and withdrawal method for traders. We explain how to make a transfer request, how long payments take, and list the top brokerages accepting Bitcoin deposits in 2026.
Best Bitcoin Platforms
Based on our analysis, these are the best 6 brokers that offer Bitcoin deposits:
This is why we think these brokers are the best in this category in 2026:
- CEX.IO - CEX.IO is one-stop-shop for crypto investors where you can buy and sell popular digital tokens, speculate on prices with margin trading and earn rewards through staking. Since it launched in 2013, more than five million traders have deposited over $7.5 billion. CEX.IO is registered with the FinCEN in the US and the GFSC in the EU.
- xChief - xChief is a foreign exchange and CFD broker, established in 2014. The company is based offshore and registered with the VFSC and FMA. Users can choose between a wide selection of accounts and base currencies, making ForexChief accessible to global traders. The brand also stands out for its no deposit bonus and fee rebates for high-volume traders.
- Kraken - Kraken is a leading cryptocurrency exchange with a proprietary trading terminal and a list of 220+ tradeable crypto tokens. Up to 1:5 leverage is available with stable rollover fees on spot crypto trading and up to 1:50 on futures. The exchange also supports crypto staking and has an interactive NFT marketplace.
- InstaTrade - InstaTrade, based in the British Virgin Islands, is an online broker specializing in fixed income structured products and active trading through CFDs. Its zero-spread accounts, excellent research notably through InstaTrade TV, and access to the popular MT4 alongside its own web-accessible InstaTrade Gear, make it an attractive option for short-term traders at every level.
- Pionex - Pionex is a crypto trading platform that specializes in trading robots, offering a variety of ready made bots and strategies to traders as well as integrated AI to help customize a strategy or come up with your own. These can be used on spot crypto markets as well as crypto futures.
- Nexo - Nexo is a centralized crypto exchange founded in 2018 in Bulgaria and today operates across some 200 jurisdictions from its base in Switzerland. It provides services including spot trading, futures trading, peer-to-peer loans, cold wallet storage and fiat-on ramps to buy crypto tokens. The crypto firm is registered with some respected financial authorities, such as the ASIC, and offers some fairly unique additional services including a credit card.
Compare The Best Bitcoin Payments Brokers
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Instruments | Platforms | Leverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEX.IO | $20 | Cryptos | TradingView | - |
| xChief | $10 | CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices | MT4, MT5 | 1:1000 |
| Kraken | $10 | Cryptos | AlgoTrader, Quantower | - |
| InstaTrade | $1 | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 | 1:1000 |
| Pionex | $0 | Cryptos | Own | - |
| Nexo | $10 | Cryptos | Nexo Pro | - |
CEX.IO
"CEX.IO continues to serve a range of crypto investors looking to buy, sell, trade, hold and earn with low fees. The tiered pricing structure will appeal to active traders while rookie investors will enjoy the straightforward platform interface and excellent education."
CEX.IO Quick Facts
| Demo Account | No |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Cryptos |
| Regulator | GFSC |
| Platforms | TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $20 |
| Minimum Trade | $1 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- The range of 200+ cryptocurrencies is competitive and will serve more experienced traders
- The broker offers 24/7 support with fast response times during tests
- There's a wide range of global payment methods available including PayPal
Cons
- It's a shame that there's no demo account for traders looking to practice strategies
- The Exchange Plus platform delivers a cluttered interface compared to competitor platforms
- The broker has limited regulatory oversight
xChief
"xChief continues to prove popular with investors looking to trade highly leveraged CFDs on the popular MetaTrader platforms. The broker's rebate scheme and investment accounts will particularly appeal to seasoned traders. However, the lack of top-tier regulatory oversight is a major drawback."
William Berg, Reviewer
xChief Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Metals, Commodities, Stocks, Indices |
| Regulator | ASIC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, CHF |
Pros
- The broker offers several account types to suit different traders, including a Cent account for beginners and pro-level hedging/netting accounts
- xChief delivers a high-quality day trading environment via the MT4 and MT5 platforms, with market-leading charts, indicators and tools
- xChief offers STP/ECN execution with low spreads from 0.0 pips and low commission rates starting from $2.50 per side
Cons
- The Classic+ and Cent accounts provide access to fewer instruments than the other account types, at 50+ and 35+, respectively
- xChief is an offshore broker with weak regulatory oversight from the VFSC, so traders will receive limited safeguards
- Fees and minimums are imposed on most withdrawal methods, including a €60 minimum for SWIFT bank transfers
Kraken
"Kraken will suit traders looking for a diverse list of cryptos including Bitcoin and a good security track record."
Kraken Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Cryptos |
| Regulator | FCA, FinCEN, FINTRAC, AUSTRAC, FSA |
| Platforms | AlgoTrader, Quantower |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | Variable |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF |
Pros
- 3D secure required
- Low exchange fees on Kraken Pro
- Crypto staking
Cons
- Does not support many newer altcoins
- Low leverage on spot trading
- Slow verification process on Pro account
InstaTrade
"Although InstaTrade offers active trading on a comprehensive platform, it stands out with its fairly unique Fixed Income Structured Product (FISP), providing passive investment opportunities with up to 50% returns in 6 months if conditions are met. "
Christian Harris, Reviewer
InstaTrade Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | FISP, CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos, Futures |
| Regulator | BVI FSC |
| Platforms | InstaTrade Gear, MT4 |
| Minimum Deposit | $1 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, RUB |
Pros
- InstaTrade delivers an excellent suite of charting tools for day traders with its web trader comprising 250+ indicators, 11 chart types and a user-friendly design.
- InstaTrade claims to "guarantee" returns through the structured element of its passive trading solution (FISP), with applications approved within 24 hours.
- VPS hosting caters to algo trading strategies with a dedicated physical server providing rapid execution speeds as low as 9 milliseconds.
Cons
- Profits are only guaranteed in the FISP if investors do not reach the 50% profit level and attract other users with a total sum of $4 for each dollar in compensation.
- InstaTrade’s growing educational tools provide valuable information for aspiring traders, but still trail category leaders like eToro with no structured course based on experience level.
- Marketing of the FISP, especially phrasing around the “guarantee of profitability” and the “elimination of risks of trading on financial markets” raises concerns.
Pionex
"Pionex is an excellent option for crypto traders with an interest in cutting-edge AI like ChatGPT and automated trading."
Pionex Quick Facts
| Demo Account | No |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Cryptos |
| Regulator | FinCEN |
| Platforms | Own |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.1 USDT |
Pros
- Powerful integrated AI chatbot 'PionexGPT' helps users programme trading bots on Pine script
- Excellent and innovative liquidity engines aggregated from Binance and Huobi
- Money Services Business (MSB) license by US FinCEN
Cons
- Does not accept fiat deposits
- Withdrawal fees and limits may apply
- Weak regulatory oversight raises safety concerns
Nexo
"Nexo gives crypto traders the capability to trade, invest, lend and borrow digital assets in one place, and it’s especially good for its credit functions that pay out very high yields to lenders. However, its fees are relatively high and many day traders will prefer a more tightly regulated crypto broker."
Michael MacKenzie, Reviewer
Nexo Quick Facts
| Demo Account | No |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Cryptos |
| Platforms | Nexo Pro |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | $30 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- Nexo’s crypto staking and credit features support crypto lending and borrowing, and the yields lenders receive are among the best going
- Reputable crypto exchange that has been in business since 2018 and has taken some steps toward regulation
- Nexo Pro is a user-friendly proprietary platform that suits day trading strategies with great charting features
Cons
- High maker/taker fees mean day traders will pay more to trade derivatives than they would at some rival exchanges
- High deposit and withdrawal fees for cards and e-wallets will price many traders out of the most convenient payment methods
- Although Nexo has registered with some reputable watchdogs, it is riskier to trade with than established crypto brokers like AvaTrade and Vantage
How Did We Choose The Top Bitcoin Payment Brokers?
To uncover the top Bitcoin brokers, we:
- Searched our database of 500 online brokers, focusing on all those that accept Bitcoin payments
- Ensured that they support Bitcoin deposits and withdrawals for day trading
- Listed them by their total rating, leveraging our in-depth observations and 100+ data points
About Bitcoin Payments
Bitcoin was the first provider of cryptocurrency payments developed in 2009. It is still a relatively new transfer system for businesses and individuals to accept, however, it is forecast that the cashless payments market will double by 2030 due to the increased flexibility of B2B transfers and the mass adoption of Bitcoin. The coin itself is expected to exceed $100,000 by 2025, according to some market commentators.
Businesses like Mastercard are also looking to follow in PayPal’s footsteps and integrate Bitcoin payments for subscriptions, brokerage deposits, bills, and salary transfers.
Pros Of Investing With Bitcoin Payments
Secure Transactions
One of the key benefits of making Bitcoin payments is the anonymity and security offered to traders, based on the crypto’s underlying blockchain technology. No sensitive data needs to be shared on the internet when making transactions. There is no requirement to share credit card information, for example.
Payment Accessibility
It is easy to send and receive Bitcoin cross-border international payments, at any time and volume per day, as users are in full control of transactions. As long as you have a crypto wallet and a forex brokerage that accepts BTC deposits, you can simply fund your account as you would with any other payment method, such as a bank transfer.
Cons Of Investing With Bitcoin Payments
Limited Availability
While many Bitcoin brokers allow investing in cryptocurrencies on their websites and platforms, BTC is not yet widely accepted as an online deposit and withdrawal payment method due to the volatility and anonymity of the currency. Traders are restricted in their choice of providers until Bitcoin payments are universally adopted.
Limited Protection
Bitcoin is not recognized as a currency in every global market and is subject to review by regulators. Countries such as Canada and South Africa, for example, do not recognize or verify Bitcoin payments as legal tender while Australia and the Philippines do.
As a result, we’re likely to see more countries and regulators take a stance on Bitcoin which may impact your ability to make crypto deposits.
Volatility
The number of businesses accepting cryptocurrency as a recurring method is still small. Its developmental nature and relatively unknown price reactions to market factors have been influences for companies such as Steam and Amazon not to accept Bitcoin payments. And because the price of the coin can fluctuate hugely, the value of your crypto when you deposit vs withdraw can change substantially.
Cost
Compared to other cryptos, such as USDT and XRP, Bitcoin is relatively expensive. The average BTC transaction fee is $7.63 as of 2024 and the token therefore faces fierce competition from other coins which typically offer average fees of less than $2.
Speed
Bitcoin payments are fast, with consensus settlement averaging 10 minutes for confirmation, while micropayments via the Lightning Network can settle in under one minute. Payments via Bitcoin are also not subject to pending delays such as currency conversions or bank holidays, allowing users to make payments anywhere and anytime.
Check your exchange’s website for individual time constraints on deposits and withdrawals.
Security
Bitcoin payments are encrypted through the blockchain ecosystem and each transaction is unique. The payment gateway provides high levels of security, though there is limited password recovery so it is the user’s responsibility to protect funds.
Bitcoin suggests using the following security protocols:
- Back up wallets regularly
- Add two-factor authentication to wallets
- Use the latest versions of market software
- Don’t hold large amounts in Bitcoin accounts
- Encrypt wallets with passwords for withdrawals
- Don’t send payments to unconfirmed and unverified accounts
For added protection, you may want to consider keeping your BTC in cold storage on a physical offline wallet. This way your Bitcoin is safe from hacks and website malfunctions. A popular option is the Ledger Nano. However, if you want direct access to all of your coins in order to day trade this may not be possible.
How To Deposit Using Bitcoin
Bitcoin accepts various deposit methods including credit cards, USD bank transfers, and other cryptocurrencies via payment portals such as Coinbase. It is best to check the offering of each cryptocurrency exchange and choose which one suits your investment needs, whether that be accepting mobile app payments or favorable foreign currency conversion fees. In some cases, it is also possible to split Bitcoin payments across digital wallets and fiat currency.
Crypto attributes make Bitcoin payments challenging for both ecommerce and clients – all deposit transactions must be made manually by the investor. Log in to your account and follow your exchange’s process to make a Bitcoin payment.
Fees
Bitcoin payments can be free. However, many wallets charge default fees, such as Electrum, though higher charges can result in faster confirmation times. Fees are not generally related to the number of Bitcoins being sent and can be reviewed before executing the transaction.
Brands such as LiteForex and FX Choice offer free deposits and withdrawals using Bitcoin, though this is subject to the cryptocurrency network system.
Are Bitcoin Payments Good For Day Trading?
Bitcoin offers a relatively new digital payment method as a cryptocurrency gateway, with flexibility and few requirements to send transactions globally. There is limited acceptance of Bitcoin payments across merchants, including brokerages, due to its volatile nature. However, this is expected to change in the future as an increasing number of individuals, companies and governments adopt the crypto.
We have also compiled a guide to day trading Bitcoin.
FAQ
How Do Bitcoin Payments Work At My Broker?
Bitcoin payments are stored and executed via a decentralized blockchain network, which is essentially a digital ledger built and run by users. Nodes verify transactions and get paid in BTC. The Bitcoin payment infrastructure means it is harder for governments to control vs fiat currency.
Are Bitcoin Deposits To My Trading Account Safe?
Bitcoin payment gateways have high levels of transaction security, though it is always the user’s responsibility to protect funds. If your account is hacked or you forget your password, you may lose your tokens. Using escrow payments and new Bitcoin addresses may help protect against scams.
The Broker Is Saying My Bitcoin Payment Has Not Been Received, What Should I Do?
Check the receiving address is correct, Bitcoin payments are irreversible within 24 hours if the transaction is unconfirmed. See if the payment is showing a confirmation in the blockchain tracker, if so, the payment has been received. If not, speak to the broker to confirm the transaction details are correct.