PNC Bank becomes the first major U.S. bank to offer direct Bitcoin spot trading in the accounts of its private clients, leveraging Coinbase’s Crypto-as-a-Service infrastructure.
The move targets high-end clientele looking to access BTC in a secure and familiar environment, mirroring their traditional banking operations.
Coinbase solidifies its position as a key partner of financial institutions by teaming up with a top 10 U.S. bank, while this cautious first step could pave the way for broader Bitcoin adoption among major U.S. banks.
PNC introduces crypto services through Coinbase
PNC Bank has opened direct access to Bitcoin for its affluent clients this week, a first among major U.S. banks. Eligible PNC Private Bank customers can now buy, sell, and hold BTC directly from their banking interface, bypassing an external crypto platform. A symbolic advancement for an industry that has been seeking to integrate into traditional finance for years.
The integration relies on Coinbase’s Crypto-as-a-Service infrastructure, a partner of PNC since 2021 and officially announced in July 2025. Behind the scenes, the crypto company manages order execution, asset custody, and compliance, enabling PNC to offer Bitcoin exposure without storing the funds itself or becoming a crypto broker.
Simplified Bitcoin access for private clientele
For PNC Private Bank clients, the experience is deliberately seamless. Buying BTC now equates to executing a transaction like any other within their banking space, with the same layer of trust and security as their traditional financial products. No need to create an account on an exchange, manage additional passwords, or navigate through multiple applications.
According to PNC, this integration meets a growing demand for secure access to digital assets. Last summer, CEO William Demchak already mentioned the desire to offer a simple gateway to Bitcoin for a clientele accustomed to high wealth management standards.
Coinbase strengthens its position in traditional finance
For Coinbase, this collaboration marks a strategic triumph. The American giant, which has been banking on its institutional pivot for several years, extends its infrastructure to a top 10 U.S. bank. Brett Tejpaul, co-CEO of Coinbase Institutional, applauds a ‘disciplined’ alliance between traditional finance and onchain technologies, highlighting the robustness of the infrastructure used by major global institutions.
On social media, CEO Brian Armstrong highlighted the unprecedented nature of the offering: PNC becomes the first major U.S. bank to allow its clients to hold Bitcoin directly in their existing accounts. A move that could expedite institutional adoption if other banks decide to follow suit.
A cautious yet structurally significant advancement for U.S. banks
This offering is limited to Bitcoin, a coherent choice for a first regulatory and operational foray. It allows PNC to test client appetite while mitigating risks and sending a clear signal: Bitcoin is no longer a peripheral asset but a component that banks are starting to integrate into their premium service range.
It remains to be seen if this initial breakthrough will shake up other banking giants. With the rise of Bitcoin ETFs and the standardization of custody services, the battle to capture high-end crypto demand is likely just beginning.
