TL;DR: Your purchase typically completes in 2 to 70 minutes depending on two factors: how quickly your bank processes the SPEI transfer, and whether you choose to receive bitcoin over Lightning or on-chain. Once Aureo receives your deposit, the rest is automatic.
Why it matters
- Bitcoin transactions involve multiple independent networks, each with its own timing
- Understanding where delays come from helps you plan and avoid unnecessary concern
- The choice between Lightning and on-chain affects both speed and use case
- The only step outside Aureo's control is your bank's SPEI processing time
The two steps in every purchase
Every bitcoin purchase through Aureo involves two distinct stages:
1. Your SPEI transfer arrives. You initiate a SPEI from your bank to Aureo. Once Aureo receives it, your exchange rate is locked and the process becomes automatic. This step typically takes 1 to 10 minutes, but depends entirely on your bank.
2. Aureo sends your bitcoin. Once your deposit is confirmed, Aureo sends bitcoin to your wallet. How long this takes depends on the network you chose: Lightning or on-chain.
Lightning purchases
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| SPEI received | 1–10 min |
| Bitcoin sent | Instant |
| Total | ~2–12 min |
Lightning is a payment network built on top of Bitcoin designed for fast, low-cost transactions. When you choose Lightning as your destination, Aureo sends your bitcoin the moment your SPEI is confirmed. The transfer itself settles in seconds.
Lightning is the better choice if you want speed and plan to use your bitcoin for everyday transactions or transfers.
On-chain purchases
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| SPEI received | 1–10 min |
| Bitcoin sent + confirmed | 10–60 min |
| Total | ~15–70 min |
On-chain refers to a transaction recorded directly on the Bitcoin blockchain. After Aureo sends your bitcoin, it needs to be confirmed by the network — a process that typically takes between 10 and 60 minutes depending on network congestion at the time.
On-chain is the better choice if you're moving bitcoin to a self-custody wallet, a hardware device, or any destination that requires a standard Bitcoin transaction.
The step you control least: your bank
The SPEI network is fast — transfers are designed to settle within minutes. In practice, processing times vary by bank. Some process SPEI transfers immediately; others introduce delays depending on the time of day or internal processing queues.
If your purchase is taking longer than expected, the most likely cause is your bank's processing time, not Aureo's systems. Once Aureo receives your deposit, the remainder of the process is automatic and requires no action on your part.
What happens after your SPEI arrives
Once Aureo receives your deposit:
- Your exchange rate is locked at the market rate at that moment plus Aureo's fee
- The transaction is processed automatically
- Bitcoin is sent to your specified wallet or address
- You receive confirmation
No further action is required from you after initiating the SPEI.
Which option should I choose?
The right choice depends on what you plan to do with your bitcoin after purchase.
Choose Lightning if you want your bitcoin quickly and plan to use it for transactions, payments, or transfers where Lightning is supported.
Choose on-chain if you're moving bitcoin to a hardware wallet, a self-custody setup, or any destination that requires a standard Bitcoin address. On-chain transactions are slower but settle directly on the Bitcoin blockchain without any intermediary network.
If you're unsure which to use, on-chain is the more universal option. Lightning requires a compatible wallet.
A note on risk
Exchange rate movements during the SPEI processing window are outside Aureo's control. Your rate locks the moment your deposit is received — not when you initiate the transfer. If the market moves significantly during the time your bank takes to process the SPEI, your final rate will reflect the market price at the moment of receipt.
This window is typically short, but worth understanding before transacting during periods of high volatility.
FAQ
Why does my total time depend on my bank?
SPEI is processed by your bank before it reaches Aureo. Once Aureo receives it, everything is automatic. The variable in the process is your bank's internal processing time, which Aureo cannot control or predict.
Can I change my destination network after initiating the purchase?
No. The destination network is selected before you initiate the transfer and cannot be changed mid-transaction.
What if my SPEI takes longer than 10 minutes?
SPEI transfers occasionally take longer depending on your bank. If your transfer has not been received after a significant delay, contact Aureo support with your transfer reference number.
Is Lightning faster than on-chain?
Yes. Lightning settlements are nearly instant once Aureo receives your deposit. On-chain transactions require Bitcoin network confirmations, which add 10 to 60 minutes.
Does Aureo charge extra for faster delivery?
No. The same 1.96% fee applies regardless of whether you choose Lightning or on-chain.