Even as global banks expand into crypto custody and blockchain services, everyday users continue reporting frozen accounts and blocked transfers. Panos Mekras, CEO of Anodos Labs, says the issue persists years after his first experience with rejected crypto payments in Greece. As recently as a few months ago, he claims his account at Revolut was frozen for three weeks after transferring funds from a crypto exchange.

According to a report by the UK Cryptoasset Business Council, nearly 40% of crypto-related payments in the UK encounter restrictions, while 80% of exchanges report increased banking friction. Revolut says freezes are a last-resort compliance measure tied to AML and KYC rules, noting that only 0.7% of crypto-depositing accounts were restricted after review. Still, many users argue that blanket risk policies continue to treat crypto exposure as inherently suspicious.