Bitcoin is permissionless, meaning anyone with internet access can use it without asking for approval from any authority. Bitcoin operates without gatekeepers - no one can deny you access. Banks, however, can refuse to open accounts, freeze existing accounts, or deny services based on their policies or government regulations.

The Bitcoin network operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year without maintenance windows or holidays. Banks have limited operating hours, close on weekends and holidays, and often have system maintenance periods when services are unavailable.

All Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public blockchain that anyone can verify and audit. Banks operate with private ledgers and opaque internal processes that customers cannot independently verify.

With Bitcoin, you can hold your own private keys and have complete control over your money. Learn about Bitcoin wallets to understand self-custody. Banks hold your money in their accounts and can freeze, limit, or restrict access to your funds at any time.

Bitcoin transaction fees are transparent, predictable, and typically very low. Banks often have hidden fees, monthly account fees, overdraft charges, wire transfer fees, ATM fees, and other penalties that can add up significantly over time.

Bitcoin prevents you from spending money you don't have - you can only spend Bitcoin that you actually own. Banks allow overdrafts (spending more than your account balance) and then charge substantial fees for this 'service,' often leading to cascading penalty charges.

Bitcoin transactions are censorship resistant - once broadcast to the network, they cannot be stopped or reversed by any central authority. Banks can block, freeze, reverse, or restrict transactions based on their policies, government orders, or suspicious activity algorithms.