BBVA now lets users trade Bitcoin and Ethereum from its app: good, bad, or dangerous?
- Larisa - LoQueArde
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
El segundo banco más grande de España —BBVA— acaba de abrir la puerta al mundo cripto para sus clientes minoristas: comprar, vender y custodiar Bitcoin (BTC) y Ethereum (ETH) directamente desde su aplicación móvil. Un gran paso para la banca tradicional… que también trae sus dilemas.
After receiving approval from Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) under the MiCA regulatory framework (Markets in Crypto-Assets), BBVA began rolling out its crypto service on July 4, 2025. From now on, retail customers can buy, sell, and store Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) directly within the bank’s app — no external exchanges, no detours.
(News spotted early thanks to @clicksquepagan.)
✔ What it actually allows
Buying and selling Bitcoin and Ethereum (for now, just those two).
Holding those digital assets internally, through BBVA’s own crypto custody platform — no third parties involved.
Operating fully within the banking ecosystem: view balances, transfer euros, everything integrated inside the same app.
⚠ What it doesn’t do (or limits)
BBVA doesn’t offer financial advice or crypto trading recommendations — every move is on the client.
At this stage, only BTC and ETH are available; other digital assets might follow later, but there’s no firm timeline.
The rollout was gradual: first a few users, then all retail customers.
My take: progress or trap in a tailored suit?
When a giant bank embraces crypto, it messes with your head:does the system really want to include us —or just convince us it’s safer when they’re in charge?
Pros: it lowers the entry barrier. For anyone who doesn’t want to deal with exchanges, lost wallets, or setup headaches, this looks tempting.Cons: they’re not neutral players. Fees, spreads, or conditions might not be as transparent as in pure crypto platforms.Core crypto rule: “Not your keys, not your coins.”If the bank holds your keys, the decentralized spirit fades away.
MiCA brings structure, yes — but the usual risks (hacks, volatility, regulatory swings) remain alive.
For those already managing their own wallets or strategies, this is just the neighbor’s door — not a replacement for real control.
Sources:
BBVA official: “Activates for all its clients in Spain the Bitcoin and Ether trading and custody service”
BBVA official: “Will offer Bitcoin and Ether trading and custody services in Spain”
El Economista: “BBVA will allow Spanish retail clients to operate with crypto assets”
Europa Press: “BBVA gets CNMV approval to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading and custody services in Spain”
Does it make you itch a little to see banks stepping into the crypto ring?
Don’t freeze in fear — the point is to understand them, and learn how to use them wisely.
If you want to learn how to handle your own keys, build an independent crypto strategy, and explore the tools that let you keep full control without relying on intermediaries, check out https://www.loquearde.net/ —I’ll show you how to walk on your own feet, not borrowed ones.
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