Washington State

Compare fees, payment methods, and features to find the best way to buy Bitcoin in Washington.

Top Pick
River
Best Overall
Fees ~0.3% Free DCA
iOS 4.9
Android 4.8
0-fee recurring buys (DCA)
Bitcoin-only, full-reserve custody
eToro
Best for ETFs
Fees Varies
iOS 4.6
Android 4.6
Buy Bitcoin ETFs like IBIT & FBTC
Popular social trading features
Gemini
Best for Debit Card
Fees ~0.5%
iOS 4.7
Android 4.0
Debit card & PayPal support
Regulated by NY DFS
River Private Client
Best for Large Amounts
Fees Varies
iOS 4.9
Android 4.8
Built for $100k+ purchases
Dedicated relationship manager

Exchange Support


Exchange Name Support for Washington
Uphold Yes
Gemini Yes
Fold Yes
Coinbase Yes
Crypto.com Yes
Binance.us Yes
Kraken No
Kucoin No
Luno No



Frequently Asked Questions

Compare Debit Card Rates in Washington

Check real-time Bitcoin prices then buy with a debit card instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I compare offers?

  1. Enter Amount: Enter the USD amount you want to spend.
  2. Select crypto: Choose which cryptocurrency you want to buy.
  3. Compare offers: Click the button to see real-time rates from top exchanges.
  4. Select exchange: Pick the exchange with the best rate for you.

Can I use my card to buy bitcoin at a Bitcoin ATM?

At this time, no. Most Bitcoin ATMs accept cash only. However, you can use your debit card to get cash at a normal ATM, and then use the cash to buy bitcoin at an ATM.

Can I buy bitcoin with a pre-paid debit card?

Most exchanges will not allow you to use a pre-paid debit card.

Why are fees so high when I use a credit card?

Most credit card processors charge 3%, so this is the minimum fee when using a card to buy crypto.

How quickly can I buy bitcoin with my debit card?

Many exchanges offer instant or near-instant verification, allowing you to buy bitcoin within minutes of signing up. Here's what to expect:

  • Coinbase: Usually minutes, sometimes up to 48 hours if manual review is needed
  • Gemini: Often instant, can take a few hours
  • Kraken: Minutes for basic verification, longer for higher limits
  • eToro: Typically 1–3 business days
  • Uphold: Usually hours, though times can vary

For fastest results, have a clear photo ID ready and ensure the name on your ID matches your account info exactly.

What If You Bought Bitcoin?

See how much you would have made if you bought Bitcoin in the past.






Transaction Fees

A look at the transaction fees for each exchange, both spread and commission.

  • Spread fee: Exchanges may charge a higher price than the actual price of Bitcoin.
  • Fee: Exchange fee for the transaction.
  • Total fees: The sum of the spread fee and the fee.
Exchange Spread Fee Fee Total Fees
RiverRiver 0.3% 1.0% 1.3%
UpholdUphold 1.5% 0.0% 1.5%
GeminiGemini 0.5% 2.99% 3.49%
CoinbaseCoinbase 1.0% 2.99% 3.99%

Actual fees may vary. Fees are subject to change. Fee estimates based on our research and testing. Some exchanges may charge less depending on volume.


Estimated Fees on $100

An estimate of the fees for buying $100 worth of Bitcoin using a bank account.

Exchange Total Cost on $100
RiverRiver $1.3
UpholdUphold $1.5
GeminiGemini $3.49
CoinbaseCoinbase $3.99


History of Bitcoin in Washington

Washington state has played a significant role in Bitcoin's development, particularly due to its abundant hydroelectric power and tech-friendly environment. The state was an early adopter of cryptocurrency regulation, with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) providing guidance on virtual currency as early as 2014. Washington requires cryptocurrency exchanges to obtain money transmitter licenses and comply with strict consumer protection measures.

The state's tech hub in Seattle has fostered numerous blockchain startups and cryptocurrency initiatives. Washington's low-cost hydroelectric power has also attracted significant Bitcoin mining operations, particularly in areas like Central Washington, though some counties have imposed restrictions due to power consumption concerns.



Financial & Regulatory Licenses

Exchange Licenses & Regulation
RiverRiver Registered MSB with FinCEN in the United States.
GeminiGemini Licensed by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).
UpholdUphold Registered with FinCEN (US), FCA (UK), FINTRAC (Canada), and FCIS (EU).
eToroeToro Registered with FinCEN; regulated by the SEC and FINRA in the United States.
River Private ClientRiver Private Client Registered MSB with FinCEN in the United States.
CoinbaseCoinbase Chartered by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) for virtual currency.
Bitcoin ATMsBitcoin ATMs Regulations vary by jurisdiction; check with individual ATM operators for their regulatory status.


Deposit Fees

These are fees exchanges may charge for deposits. Fees are subject to change.

Exchange Deposit Fees
RiverRiver ACH: $0
Wire: $0
GeminiGemini ACH: $0
Wire: $0
SEPA: $0
SWIFT: $0
UpholdUphold ACH: Free
Wire: $0 - $20
SEPA: Free
FPS: Free
eToroeToro ACH: $0
River Private ClientRiver Private Client ACH: $0
Wire: $0
CoinbaseCoinbase ACH: Free
Wire: $10 USD
SEPA: €0.15 EUR
SWIFT: Free



Bitcoin Scams in Washington

Washington state has been proactive in addressing cryptocurrency fraud. The DFI has investigated numerous crypto-related scams, with reported losses totaling millions of dollars. In 2021, a notable case involved a Seattle-based crypto investment platform that allegedly defrauded investors of over $6 million through a sophisticated trading scheme.

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions actively monitors crypto activities and has issued multiple warnings about unauthorized platforms and investment schemes. Washington residents are advised to verify that any crypto investment opportunity is properly registered with the DFI and to be particularly cautious of mining investment programs and high-yield trading schemes.



Mobile App Support

Exchange iOS AppiOS Android AppAndroid


Earn Interest & Rewards

The following table shows interest rates offered by exchanges.

Exchange Interest Rate & Details
RiverRiver 3.3%
Earn 3.3% interest on FDIC-insured cash, paid out in Bitcoin. No fees or minimums. Withdraws allowed anytime.
UpholdUphold 2 - 4.65%
Earn up to 4.65% APY on USD balances of $1,000 or more, or 2% APY on balances below $1,000 in Uphold's USD Interest Account.
River Private ClientRiver Private Client 3.3%
Earn 3.3% interest on FDIC-insured cash, paid out in Bitcoin. No fees or minimums. Withdraw anytime.
CoinbaseCoinbase 4.70%
Earn 4.70% APY rewards by holding USDC on Coinbase. USDC is fully backed 1:1 by US dollars. Minimum $1.




Exchange snapshots

River

Visit Exchange
Minimum Deposit $1
iOS app score 4.9
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of June 14, 2026.
Android app score 4.8
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of June 14, 2026.
Deposit Methods ACH, Bank Account, Wire Transfer
Review Read our review

Gemini

Visit Exchange
Minimum Deposit $1
iOS app score 4.7
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of June 14, 2026.
Android app score 4.0
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of June 14, 2026.
Deposit Methods ACH, Bank Account, Wire Transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay

Uphold

Visit Exchange
Minimum Deposit $1
iOS app score 4.7
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of June 14, 2026.
Android app score 4.7
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of June 14, 2026.
Deposit Methods ACH, Bank Account, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Credit Card, Debit Card, SEPA, Interac e-Transfer

eToro

Visit Exchange
Minimum Deposit $1
Deposit Methods ACH, Bank Account, PayPal

River Private Client

Visit Exchange
Minimum Deposit $1
Deposit Methods ACH, Wire Transfer, Bank Account

Coinbase

Visit Exchange
Minimum Deposit $1
iOS app score 4.7
Official rating from the iOS App Store as of June 14, 2026.
Android app score 4.4
Official rating from the Android Play Store as of June 14, 2026.
Deposit Methods ACH, Wire Transfer, Debit Card, Bank Account, PayPal, Apple Pay, iDEAL, SEPA, Interac e-Transfer, Google Pay

Bitcoin ATMs

Visit Exchange
Minimum Deposit Each ATM will have a different minimum deposit amount. Typically $20-$50 minimum.
Deposit Methods Cash