This content is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. bunq doesn't give trading advice. Always do your own research or consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Cryptocurrency investments come with risks, including the potential loss of the principal invested. Prices can fluctuate significantly. bunq Crypto is powered by our partner Kraken.

Bitcoin is digital money you can send, save, or invest, without banks or borders. It runs on a public, tamper-proof record called the blockchain, and only 21 million Bitcoin will ever exist. That fixed supply is one of the reasons many people treat it as a long-term store of value, similar to digital gold. It launched in 2009 as the world's first cryptocurrency, and it remains the most widely recognized one today.

How Bitcoin works

Bitcoin uses blockchain technology to record every transaction. When you send Bitcoin, a global network of computers verifies the payment and adds it to the blockchain. No single person, company, or government controls it, that's what makes it decentralized and secure.

The network relies on a process called Proof of Work: specialized computers compete to confirm transactions by solving complex puzzles. Once confirmed, the record is permanent. No one can alter it. Every transaction is publicly visible, so the system is auditable by anyone, at any time.

Why people use Bitcoin

Bitcoin appeals to people for different reasons. Some hold it as an alternative asset alongside traditional savings or investments. Others use it to send money across borders quickly and without intermediaries. A few things that set it apart:

Fixed supply. Only 21 million Bitcoin will ever exist. That scarcity is built into the protocol, not decided by any authority.

Global reach. Anyone with an internet connection can receive or send Bitcoin, regardless of where they bank or what country they're in.

Transparency. Every transaction is publicly recorded on the blockchain. The system doesn't require trust in a central institution because the record speaks for itself.

Bitcoin opened the door to thousands of other digital assets and a new way of thinking about money and ownership.

Getting started with Bitcoin at bunq

You can buy, sell, and track Bitcoin directly in the bunq app, powered by our partner Kraken. Start from as little as €1, keep your crypto alongside your everyday accounts, and set Price Alerts so you stay informed when prices move. No extra platforms, no complicated setup, just tap into the Crypto tab and go.

Want to balance your portfolio? Explore bunq's investment options or keep growing your euro balance with a Savings Account.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bitcoin real money?

Bitcoin has real economic value, you can buy, sell, trade, or hold it. In many places, you can spend it directly too. But unlike the euro, it isn't issued or backed by any government, so it behaves more like a digital asset than traditional currency. Its value is determined by supply and demand, not central bank policy.

Is Bitcoin safe to buy?

The Bitcoin network itself has a strong security track record. However, holding Bitcoin carries real risks: price volatility means the value can rise or fall significantly in a short time, and you could lose what you put in. With bunq, your Bitcoin is held securely through Kraken, so you don't need to manage private keys or separate wallets.

How much Bitcoin do I need to start?

You don't need to buy a whole Bitcoin. In the bunq app, you can start from as little as €1. Bitcoin is divisible into very small units, so you own a fraction of one coin, and its value reflects that fraction proportionally.