You cannot send money directly from MetaMask to a bank account
MetaMask is a cryptocurrency wallet, not a bank or payment service. It holds digital assets like Ethereum and other tokens, not dollars or euros. To move money from MetaMask to your bank account, you must first convert your cryptocurrency to regular currency through a separate service, then transfer that currency to your bank. This is a two-step process, and the second step is where your bank account comes in.
The conversion happens on a cryptocurrency exchange — a platform that buys and sells digital assets. Popular exchanges include Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, and Crypto.com. You send your cryptocurrency from MetaMask to the exchange, sell it for dollars (or your local currency), and then withdraw that money to your bank account. Each step takes time and costs money in fees.
Key Takeaways
- MetaMask holds cryptocurrency, not regular money, so you must convert it to dollars or your local currency before your bank will accept it.
- You need a cryptocurrency exchange account to convert your crypto to regular currency; MetaMask itself cannot do this conversion.
- The process involves three separate transactions: MetaMask to exchange, selling crypto on the exchange, and exchange to bank account.
- Fees apply at each step — network fees to move crypto, exchange fees to convert it, and sometimes bank transfer fees to receive it.
- The entire process typically takes one to five business days, depending on your bank and the exchange you use.
Step-by-step: moving crypto from MetaMask to your bank
Step 1: Open an account on a cryptocurrency exchange. Choose an exchange that operates in your country and supports your bank. Coinbase and Kraken are the most widely available in the United States; Gemini, Kraken, and Crypto.com also operate in many countries. You will need to verify your identity with a government ID and sometimes a photo or video call. This verification can take minutes to hours.
Step 2: Connect your bank account to the exchange. Log into your exchange account and add your bank as a withdrawal destination. You will provide your routing number and account number. The exchange may run a small test deposit to confirm the account is yours — this appears as a tiny credit (usually under $1) that you must verify by logging into your bank.
Step 3: Send your cryptocurrency from MetaMask to your exchange wallet. In MetaMask, click "Send," paste your exchange deposit address (not your username — the actual wallet address the exchange gives you), and confirm the amount. You will pay a network fee (called "gas" on Ethereum) that goes to the blockchain, not to the exchange. This fee varies wildly depending on network traffic — it can be $5 or $50 on Ethereum. Check the fee before you confirm. The transfer usually completes in minutes to an hour.
Step 4: Sell your cryptocurrency on the exchange. Once your crypto arrives in your exchange account, you will see it in your wallet. Click "Sell" or "Convert," choose your cryptocurrency, select how much to sell, and confirm. The exchange will show you the price and its fee (typically 0.5% to 2% of the sale). You now hold dollars (or your local currency) in your exchange account, not cryptocurrency.
Step 5: Withdraw to your bank account. Click "Withdraw" or "Transfer to Bank," select your linked bank account, enter the amount, and confirm. The exchange will show you its withdrawal fee (if any) and the expected arrival time. Most banks receive the money within one to three business days. Some exchanges offer faster options (like same-day) for an extra fee.
Fees you will pay at each stage
Moving money from MetaMask to your bank involves three separate fees, and they add up. A network fee (gas) is paid to the blockchain when you send crypto from MetaMask to the exchange — this is unavoidable and varies by network and time of day. Ethereum network fees are typically $5 to $50; other networks like Polygon or Arbitrum are much cheaper (under $1). You pay this fee regardless of how much crypto you are moving.
An exchange fee is charged when you sell your cryptocurrency. This is a percentage of the sale — usually 0.5% to 2% depending on the exchange and your account history. A $1,000 sale at 1% costs you $10. Some exchanges charge a flat fee instead; others charge less if you trade frequently or hold a certain amount of their own token.
A withdrawal fee may be charged by the exchange when you send money to your bank. Some exchanges (like Coinbase) charge nothing for bank transfers; others charge $10 to $25. Your bank may also charge a fee to receive an incoming wire transfer, though most do not. Ask your bank before you start if it charges for incoming transfers.
How long the entire process takes
The speed depends on which exchange you use and which network your crypto is on. Sending crypto from MetaMask to the exchange takes 5 minutes to 1 hour, depending on network congestion. Selling on the exchange is instant — you click and it happens. Withdrawing to your bank is the slowest step: most banks receive transfers within 1 to 3 business days, though some exchanges offer expedited options that arrive the same day (for a fee).
If you are moving money on a Friday afternoon, expect it to arrive Monday or Tuesday because banks do not process transfers over weekends. If the exchange is closed or experiencing technical issues, the entire process stalls. Check the exchange's status page before you start if you are in a hurry.
Which exchanges let you withdraw to a bank account
Not all cryptocurrency exchanges support bank withdrawals, and support varies by country. Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, and Crypto.com all support bank transfers in the United States. In Europe, Kraken and Gemini are widely available; Coinbase operates in some countries but not others. In other regions, options are much more limited — some countries have only one or two exchanges that support bank withdrawals.
Before you open an account, check the exchange's website to confirm it operates in your country and supports your bank. Some exchanges only support certain types of bank accounts (checking, not savings) or certain banks. If your bank is not listed, you may need to use a different exchange or a different withdrawal method like a debit card or PayPal.
What happens if something goes wrong
If your crypto does not arrive at the exchange after an hour, check the transaction on a blockchain explorer (Etherscan for Ethereum, Polygonscan for Polygon, etc.). Paste your MetaMask transaction ID and you will see whether the transfer succeeded or failed. If it succeeded, contact the exchange support — your crypto may be stuck in a queue. If it failed, the network fee is lost and you must try again.
If you sent crypto to the wrong address, it is almost certainly gone forever. Cryptocurrency transfers cannot be reversed. Double-check the deposit address the exchange gives you before you send anything. Copy and paste it; do not type it by hand.
If your bank transfer from the exchange does not arrive after 5 business days, contact your bank first — they can track incoming transfers. If your bank has no record of it, contact the exchange. Some exchanges will cancel a transfer and refund your account if you ask within a certain window (usually 24 to 48 hours).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send crypto directly from MetaMask to my bank?
No. MetaMask is a wallet for holding cryptocurrency, not a service that converts it to regular money or connects to banks. You must use a separate cryptocurrency exchange to convert your crypto to dollars (or your local currency) before your bank will accept it.
What is the cheapest way to move money from MetaMask to my bank?
Use a low-cost network like Polygon or Arbitrum instead of Ethereum — network fees are under $1 instead of $5 to $50. Then use an exchange with low or no withdrawal fees, like Coinbase (which charges nothing for bank transfers). Avoid exchanges that charge high trading fees or withdrawal fees.
How much does it cost to move $100 from MetaMask to my bank?
It varies. On Ethereum, expect $5 to $50 in network fees, plus 0.5% to 2% exchange fee ($0.50 to $2), plus any withdrawal fee from the exchange ($0 to $25). On Polygon, network fees are under $1. Total cost ranges from $6 to $77 depending on network and exchange.
Can I use PayPal or Venmo instead of a bank account?
Some exchanges support PayPal or Venmo withdrawals, but not all. Coinbase and Crypto.com support PayPal in some countries. Check your exchange's withdrawal options before you open an account. PayPal and Venmo may charge their own fees for receiving transfers.
What if my country does not have a cryptocurrency exchange?
Options are limited. Some global exchanges like Kraken and Gemini operate in many countries; others do not. You may need to use a peer-to-peer exchange (where you trade directly with another person) or a service that converts crypto to money through a different method, like a crypto debit card. These options often have higher fees and less protection.