How to Buy Crypto with Hargreaves Lansdown

Can I Buy Bitcoin with Hargreaves Lansdown?

Hargreaves Lansdown does not support direct Bitcoin purchases or spot Bitcoin ETFs like IBIT by Blackrock. Instead, it offers indirect crypto exposure through exchange-traded products (ETPs) and stocks of crypto-related companies like Coinbase and MicroStrategy.

For real crypto investing, consider a UK-based crypto exchange. These platforms enable GBP deposits via bank transfers, offering secure cryptocurrency transactions within a regulated framework.

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How to Buy Crypto with a Hargreaves Lansdown Alternative

UK investors seeking alternatives to Hargreaves Lansdown for cryptocurrency can consider eToro, a regulated platform offering secure access to over 6,000 assets, including over 100 cryptocurrencies. With competitive fees and easy GBP deposits via UK bank transfers, it’s a trusted choice for portfolio diversification.

Here’s a quick guide to getting started:

1. Create an Account: Sign up on eToro’s official website.
2. Link Your Bank: Connect your UK bank account to enable GBP deposits.
3. Browse Cryptocurrencies: Access eToro’s diverse selection of supported digital assets.
4. Make Your Purchase: Select your cryptocurrency, enter the investment amount, and complete the transaction.

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What are the Fees?

When it comes to fees, each platform has its own structure. Hargreaves Lansdown charges an annual platform fee of 0.25%–0.45% for holding ETPs or crypto-related stocks, a £11.95 trade fee (£5.95 for frequent traders), and up to 1% for non-GBP transactions.

On eToro, trading real crypto incurs a 1% fee added to the spread, GBP-to-USD deposits cost 0.5%, and withdrawals are $5 for USD accounts, with free GBP transfers to UK banks.

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Will Hargreaves Lansdown Offer Cryptocurrencies?

Hargreaves Lansdown has not issued public statements suggesting plans to offer real cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana on its platform.

Additionally, regulatory hurdles limit their ability to offer Spot Bitcoin ETFs. U.S.-based ETFs, such as BlackRock's IBIT, are unavailable in the UK due to the lack of a Key Investor Document (KID), a requirement for UK and European markets. 

Furthermore, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned the sale of exchange-traded notes (ETNs) containing unregulated transferable cryptoassets in 2021, adding another barrier to such offerings.

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About Hargreaves Lansdown

Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK’s largest investment platform, serves around 1.9 million clients and manages £155 billion in assets. Founded in 1981, it offers a broad suite of services, including ISAs, SIPPs, and share dealing accounts, alongside financial advice and tools like Active Savings, a marketplace for competitive bank savings rates.

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Bottom Line

Hargreaves Lansdown’s absence in direct crypto offerings underscores the need for alternatives like eToro, where UK investors can access regulated platforms for real digital asset exposure. 

As crypto adoption grows, understanding platform options and regulatory shifts is essential for informed portfolio decisions.