If you're an Israeli resident looking to buy or sell cryptocurrency using shekels, Bit2C is probably the first name that comes up. It’s been around since 2013 - longer than most crypto exchanges in the world - and it’s still the only platform in Israel that lets you deposit and withdraw NIS directly from your local bank account. That alone makes it a go-to for thousands of people who want to get into crypto without jumping through hoops with foreign banks or risky third-party services.
What Makes Bit2C Different?
Most global exchanges like Binance or Coinbase let you trade crypto with USD, EUR, or GBP. But Bit2C doesn’t care about those currencies. It only works with the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). That’s not a bug - it’s the whole point. If you live in Israel and want to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin without converting your money first, Bit2C is one of the few ways to do it cleanly and legally.
The platform is simple. You log in, link your Israeli bank account, deposit shekels, and buy crypto. No complex order types, no margin trading, no futures. Just buy and sell. That’s why it’s popular with beginners. You don’t need to know what a limit order is. You just need to know how to use a bank transfer.
Cryptocurrencies Supported
Bit2C supports 12 major cryptocurrencies, including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Stellar (XLM)
- Dash (DASH)
- Zcash (ZEC)
- Monero (XMR)
- TRON (TRX)
- Bitcoin Gold (BTG)
You can trade them against both NIS and USD. For example, you can buy BTC/ILS or ETH/USD. That gives you flexibility if you want to hold crypto in a stronger currency while still funding your account in shekels.
Some sites claim Bit2C only offers two coins. That’s wrong. It’s been offering at least 12 since 2023. CoinGecko’s data is outdated. If you’re looking for a wide selection of altcoins, Bit2C isn’t the best - but if you want the big names, it’s covered.
Fees: Straightforward, But Not Cheap
Bit2C charges a trading fee between 0.5% and 0.79%, depending on your volume. That’s in line with what you’d pay on other small exchanges. But here’s the catch: when you withdraw money back to your Israeli bank account, you pay a flat fee of 60 NIS per transaction.
That’s expensive. Compare that to bitcoin.de in Germany, which charges under 10 euros for withdrawals. Or even PayPal crypto, which lets you cash out for free in some cases. For someone who moves money often, that 60 NIS fee adds up fast. If you’re buying 5,000 NIS worth of Bitcoin once a year, it’s not a big deal. But if you’re trading weekly? You’re losing 300 NIS a month just in withdrawal fees.
Deposits are free. Minimum trade is 10 NIS. No hidden fees for registration or account maintenance. Just the trading fee and the withdrawal charge.
Security: Solid, But Not Perfect
Bit2C has Norton Secured certification, SSL encryption, and two-factor authentication (2FA) using Google Authenticator. That’s the bare minimum for any crypto exchange - and Bit2C meets it. It also claims to store most user funds in cold storage, though it doesn’t share details like how much or how often it’s audited.
Here’s the problem: your funds are not insured. Unlike Coinbase, which insures up to $250,000 per user, Bit2C makes it clear on its website: "Funds Are Not Insured." If the exchange gets hacked or goes under, you’re out of luck. There’s no safety net.
That’s a real risk. But it’s also the reality for most small exchanges. If you’re only keeping a few thousand shekels in crypto, it’s manageable. If you’re storing life savings? You’re taking a gamble.
User Experience: Simple, But Limited
The website is clean. No flashy charts. No candlestick patterns. No indicators. It looks like a basic online banking portal - which is exactly what it’s designed to be. You click "Buy," pick your coin, enter the amount in NIS, and confirm. Done.
There’s no mobile app. The website works fine on phones, but it’s not optimized for trading on the go. No API access for bots. No advanced order types like stop-loss or trailing stops. If you’re an experienced trader, you’ll feel stuck.
Customer support is available Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 3 PM Israel time. That’s only 5 hours a day, four days a week. No weekends. No late nights. No live chat. Support comes through email, fax, or phone. And yes, people report getting replies quickly - but only during those hours.
Most users say the support team is helpful and knowledgeable. That’s rare in crypto. But if you have a problem at 7 PM on a Friday? You’re on your own until Monday.
Who Is Bit2C For?
Bit2C isn’t for everyone. It’s not for people outside Israel. It’s not for traders who want to use technical analysis. It’s not for people who want to move money in and out daily.
It’s for:
- Israeli citizens who want to buy crypto with shekels
- Beginners who don’t want to overthink the process
- People who value regulation and local banking integration
- Those who don’t mind paying 60 NIS to cash out
If you’re in Israel and you’ve been trying to figure out how to buy Bitcoin without using a foreign exchange, Bit2C is the easiest path. It’s legal, it’s regulated, and it works with your bank.
What’s Missing?
Bit2C doesn’t have:
- A mobile app
- Advanced trading tools
- API access for bots
- Insurance on deposits
- 24/7 support
- Support for non-Israeli bank accounts
These aren’t small gaps. They’re dealbreakers for many users. But if you’re only looking to buy crypto with NIS and hold it long-term? You might not miss them at all.
Final Verdict
Bit2C isn’t the most powerful exchange. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the most feature-rich. But it’s the only one in Israel that lets you trade crypto with your local bank account - legally and reliably.
For Israeli residents, it’s a practical, no-frills gateway into cryptocurrency. If you’re just starting out and want to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin without jumping through hoops, Bit2C gets the job done. The fees are high on withdrawals, the support hours are tight, and there’s no insurance - but if you understand those limits, it still works.
For everyone else? Skip it. You’ll find better options elsewhere.
Can I use Bit2C if I’m not in Israel?
No. Bit2C only accepts Israeli bank accounts for deposits and withdrawals. You must have an Israeli ID and a local bank account to use the platform. Even if you have an Israeli passport but live abroad, you likely won’t be able to verify your account.
Is Bit2C regulated?
Yes. Bit2C operates under financial regulation in Israel. It’s registered with Israeli authorities and complies with local anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) laws. This makes it one of the few crypto exchanges in the region with official regulatory backing.
What’s the minimum amount I can buy on Bit2C?
The minimum order value is 10 ILS. That means you can buy a tiny fraction of Bitcoin or Ethereum for as little as 10 shekels - making it accessible even for people with small budgets.
Does Bit2C have a mobile app?
No. Bit2C does not offer a dedicated mobile application. However, its website is mobile-optimized and works well on smartphones. You can buy, sell, and check balances from your phone - but you can’t trade with advanced tools or receive push notifications.
Why is the withdrawal fee so high?
The 60 NIS withdrawal fee covers the cost of bank wire transfers within Israel’s banking system. Unlike global exchanges that use automated systems, Bit2C processes each withdrawal manually through Israeli banks, which adds administrative overhead. There’s no way around it - it’s a fixed cost for using NIS.
Is Bit2C safe to use?
Bit2C uses industry-standard security: SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and cold storage for most funds. It’s also regulated, which reduces fraud risk. But it doesn’t insure user deposits. If the platform is hacked or collapses, you could lose your money. Use it for small to medium amounts, not life savings.