12 Million Customers Could Soon Buy Crypto in-App as France’s BPCE Expands Access

BPCE, France’s second largest banking group, has started offering crypto purchases to its customers. Beginning Monday, users in four of its regional banks, about 2 million people, can buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and USDC directly through the bank’s mobile app.

This marks one of the largest moves into crypto by a European bank. BPCE manages around €1.5 trillion in assets and serves more than 12 million customers. The bank plans to extend crypto access to all its users by the end of 2026.

The new service removes one of the biggest hurdles for everyday users. Customers no longer need to sign up on a separate exchange. They can now buy crypto inside the same app they use for everyday banking.

The rollout is being done in stages so the bank can monitor performance and manage risks during the early phase. Crypto transactions will run through a dedicated digital asset account managed by HexaRK, BPCE’s in-house crypto unit. This account comes with a monthly fee of €2.99 and a 1.5% trading commission.

Several European banks have experimented with similar features, including BBVA in Spain and Santander’s digital arm. But BPCE’s size gives this launch a much wider impact.

BPCE’s entry also arrives as France debates new rules that would classify cryptocurrencies as “unproductive wealth” and apply a 1% tax on high-value holdings. For the unversed, France is moving ahead with plans to add cryptocurrency to its new wealth tax. The measure, introduced by lawmaker Jean-Paul Mattei, passed with a close 163–150 vote during budget talks.

This comes even as France has become a major Web3 hub, attracting companies like Binance and Ledger. The crypto community is pushing back, saying the move could hurt innovation and slow the industry’s growth.

The proposal still needs Senate approval, but it has sparked debate over whether taxing crypto like luxury goods could discourage innovation. Analysts say BPCE’s move could push other major banks to follow, especially as Europe’s MiCA rules give institutions clearer regulations for offering digital assets.