UK Banks Face 10,092 Crypto Complaints Over Payment Limits

British lenders have faced 10,092 complaints regarding restrictions on cryptocurrency payments over a 90-day period, according to a report by advocacy group Stand With Crypto UK. The figures highlight ongoing customer friction as Britain prepares for new digital asset rules.

Between May and August 2026, 9,803 individuals utilized the advocacy group's online complaint tool across all 650 parliamentary constituencies to challenge blocked or restricted transactions. Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays and NatWest Group accounted for 5,144 complaints, representing approximately 51% of total submissions.

Leading Lenders and Published Limits

Lloyds Banking Group recorded 2,297 complaints covering Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, followed by Barclays with 1,569 and NatWest Group with 1,278. HSBC UK received over 1,000 submissions, while Virgin Money and the Co-operative Bank recorded 103 and 76 respectively.

The report identified substantial operational differences among lenders. Barclays and HSBC UK permit transfers of up to £2,500 per transaction with a £10,000 limit over 30 days. NatWest imposes limits of £1,000 per day and £5,000 over 30 days, while Santander UK enforces a £1,000 transaction ceiling and a £3,000 monthly limit. Institutions such as Starling Bank, Chase UK, TSB, Metro Bank, Virgin Money and the Co-operative Bank were listed as prohibiting cryptocurrency-related payments entirely.

Regulatory Framework and Industry Response

The complaints emerge as Britain prepares to implement a new cryptocurrency regulatory framework scheduled for October 2027. HM Treasury announced plans in December 2025 to position the UK as a leading destination for digital assets while bolstering consumer protection through Financial Conduct Authority authorization.

Industry representatives, including Coinbase's European policy head Katie Harries, have criticized blanket restrictions that affect purchases via FCA-registered businesses, arguing for individual payment assessments. Meanwhile, Barclays defended its measures as necessary protections against cryptocurrency scams and financial losses.

Key facts

• Stand With Crypto recorded 10,092 complaints from 9,803 people over 90 days.
• Lloyds, Barclays and NatWest accounted for 5,144 complaints, or roughly 51% of submissions.
• Banks with published transaction limits accounted for 6,198 complaints, or about 61% of submissions.
• The UK plans to implement its new cryptocurrency regulatory framework in October 2027.