This post has been updated in December 2021.
In this post, we’ll look at how buying Bitcoin with a supported bank account works, and the steps you need to take to start #StackingSats.
One of the biggest things to understand is that you can use the Abra app to send, receive, and HODL Bitcoin all right in the app. (On a related note, check out this post on crypto-cost averaging.)
Several ways to buy Bitcoin with a bank account
The Abra wallet supports several ways to buy Bitcoin in-app:
- Bank account ACH transfers
- Bank wire transfers
- By using a credit card
Bank account (ACH) transfers are available in the US and the Philippines; SEPA bank transfers are available in Europe.
We’ll cover how to buy Bitcoin with your bank account via ACH transfer. If you are interested in investing in other supported cryptocurrency assets via Abra, follow these instructions.
Buying Bitcoin with bank account (ACH) transfers
As mentioned above, bank account transfers are available in the US and the Philippines. In the US, Abra works with the fintech company Plaid to make thousands of banks and credit unions available to connect via the Abra app.
STEP 1: Add money to your Abra wallet from your bank account
If the bank transfer option is available, and you want to initiate a bank transfer, select the “Bank ACH transfer” button and then select your bank account.
Note: The sequence of steps is different for the Philippines, so please follow the in-app instructions.
ACH transfers are subject to a transaction limit; for higher amounts, check out the Abra wire program.
It usually takes one to two business days for your funds to become available after the bank deposit is initiated. You will receive a notification from Abra once the funds are in the app and ready to use to purchase Bitcoin. (Make sure you have push notifications enabled on your phone.)
STEP 2: Adding Bitcoin to your portfolio
To check that Bitcoin is part of your portfolio, look at the list on your home screen. If it’s not on that list, tap the “Manage Assets” menu from the upper right corner of the app. Then select Bitcoin from the crypto asset menu. Once selected, Bitcoin will be added to your portfolio. You will also see the other available assets from this screen.
STEP 3: Converting assets to Bitcoin
Navigate back to portfolio screen by hitting the back button. Then hit the “Exchange” button in the bottom part of the app.
Next, input the amount you want to transfer. In this example, we’re converting the entire USD wallet balance into the Bitcoin wallet, so we would select the “convert maximum available balance” button.
You will then be asked to confirm the transaction, so make sure everything is correct. Once you confirm, your transaction will process, and you’ll get your Bitcoin.
Success! You have just completed a purchase of Bitcoin with your Abra wallet.
(Note that all Bitcoin transactions are subject to a blockchain confirmation time, which ranges from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on network congestion. Until the transaction is confirmed, you will not be able to move your Bitcoin from Abra to an external Bitcoin wallet. That is why your “available balance” might differ from your wallet balance for a short period of time.
Don’t yet have an Abra wallet? Download the app here (for iOS or Android).
katherine
1001 days agoThanks for the article, this is very interesting information.