In recent years, digital banks have started incorporating services for buying, selling, and custody of cryptocurrencies directly into their apps. In Brazil, names like Nubank, Itaú, BTG Pactual, and Banco do Brasil have announced various solutions promising to facilitate access to digital assets for millions of customers.
But what does this mean in practice? Are we facing a structural transformation in the adoption of crypto, or is it still just a marketing strategy with limited functionalities?
In this article, we will present the main movements of digital banks in relation to the crypto universe, understand how these services work, what their limits are compared to specialized exchanges, and whether this can really boost the use of cryptocurrencies by a broader audience.
What are digital banks offering?
Most financial institutions that began offering crypto assets started with basic operations: buying and selling cryptocurrencies directly through the app, with a user-friendly interface integrated into the checking account.
Taking advantage of the fact that users already knew the platform, it would just be an offering of a new item. Nubank, for example, offers access to Bitcoin and Ethereum within its app, allowing purchases starting from low amounts, like R$ 1.
Other banks, such as BTG Pactual (with the Mynt platform) and Itaú, have gone further, creating more robust environments with integrated digital wallets and projects for tokenization of real assets. Banco do Brasil was a pioneer in allowing Brazilian taxpayers to pay taxes with cryptocurrencies, even though this feature still depends on integration with other fintechs.
Exchanges vs. Banks: who offers more possibilities?
Although access through banks is more intuitive for those who are already customers of these institutions, there are still significant differences compared to specialized exchanges. In general, banks offer a very restricted selection of cryptocurrencies (usually only Bitcoin and Ethereum), do not provide options for transferring to external wallets, nor more advanced functionalities like staking, yield farming, futures, or derivatives.
In exchanges, it is possible to trade dozens or hundreds of assets, with more competitive fees, technical analysis tools, support for decentralized wallets, and greater exposure to the DeFi ecosystem. For more experienced investors, this is a crucial point.
Moreover, the control over private keys — or the possibility of transferring crypto to personal wallets — remains a significant advantage of native crypto platforms.
Regulation and security: are banks ahead in this aspect?
On one hand, digital banks offer limited services; on the other, they convey a greater sense of security for beginners. Many of these banks are subject to Central Bank oversight and operate under clearer regulatory frameworks, which instills more confidence in a segment of the public still skeptical about the crypto sector.
The integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional banking infrastructure also favors traceability and compliance with tax regulations, which can be a differentiator for those seeking practicality and tax transparency.
And, of course, do not forget one very important detail: exchanges are a novelty, a direct entry into a new universe, which is very different from the 'come have a coffee with us' of the traditional banking world (even though digital banks do not have branches, the 'spirit' of their operations is very similar to the big banks of the past). This kind of thing also makes a big difference - as it is seen as an additional point of security.
However, this same regulation can be seen as a barrier to freedom and innovation: restricted transfers, high hidden fees (in addition to being opaque in some cases), and lack of integration with decentralized protocols are often pointed out as structural limitations of these services.
User experience: a strong point of digital banks
One area where digital banks clearly stand out is in user experience (UX). The interfaces for buying crypto are usually simple, intuitive, and designed for those who have never invested in this type of asset before. Direct integration with the bank balance, elimination of steps like registration on new platforms, and the established reliability with the customer are factors that have facilitated the entry of newcomers into the market.
This comfort can be a determining factor for mass adoption, especially among people who wish to have a small exposure to the crypto economy but do not feel ready to explore more complex tools.
Is this just marketing or a solid trend?
It is still early to say whether the crypto integration of banks is an irreversible trend or just an opportunistic move in light of the sector's growth. Many experts point out that banks are testing models, observing public receptivity, and assessing regulatory risks before advancing more aggressively.
The fact is that, with crypto regulation advancing in Brazil and worldwide, banks likely do not want to miss out on the new phase of the financial market. The next generation of financial services should involve tokenization, smart contracts, stablecoins and integration between traditional and decentralized finance (TradFi and DeFi).
What is the impact of this insertion on the adoption of crypto?
Perhaps the greatest legacy of this movement by digital banks is not in the services themselves, but in financial education and the change in public perception regarding crypto assets. By incorporating Bitcoin and other assets into apps already used by millions of Brazilians, banks help break down barriers and reduce the fear of the unknown.
Even though the experience is still limited, it represents an important entry point. It is quite possible that some of these users, over time, will seek to learn more about the sector and migrate to platforms with greater freedom and sophistication.
Have you noticed that your digital bank sells crypto?
The movement of digital banks towards the integration of cryptocurrencies is a significant step in the process of mass adoption of digital assets. Although still limited in scope and functionalities, this movement contributes to the normalization of crypto use in people's daily lives.
Whether it is just marketing or a solid trend, time will tell. But one thing is certain: the more accessible cryptocurrencies are, the greater the interest of the general public will be. And in this scenario, banks and exchanges still have complementary roles, not necessarily competing with each other.
And you, have you bought crypto through a digital bank?
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