How to Buy Bitcoin With a Credit Card in 2023 (2024)

Bitcoin, the world’s largest coin by market capitalization, is currently traded on several exchanges across the globe. As an investor, one question always comes to mind and that’s how to buy Bitcoin with a credit card.

Buying Bitcoin with a credit card involves entering your credit card number, card verification value (CVV), and expiration date on an exchange’s checkout page to get the value of the Bitcoin you desire. Besides being quick and easy, this process of buying Bitcoin comes with enormous benefits. However, there are things investors must consider before purchasing Bitcoin with credit cards to ensure they are doing it correctly.

How to Buy Bitcoin With a Credit Card

Buying Bitcoin with a credit card can be relatively easy. However, several factors must be considered and this includes the type of credit card and if the exchange of your choice supports it.

Steps Required to Buy Bitcoin With a Credit Card

Purchasing Bitcoin with a credit card follows a particular sequence. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Research the credit card. Should you plan to purchase Bitcoin with a credit card, the first thing to do is research the card and payment company. This is because not every credit card supports the purchase of Bitcoin.

Credit cards that support Bitcoin purchase include:

  • American Express
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Each of these cards demands its own unique fees. Researching these cards gives insight into the fees each payment company charges.

Step 2: Research the exchange. While some exchanges support the purchase of Bitcoin using credit cards, others may not allow you to. Even when using an exchange that may allow you to make purchases using credit cards, the process may not be instant due to the validation process used to ensure there is no fraud. Exchanges that don’t accept credit card purchases simply use peer-to-peer (P2P) means for the transfer of Bitcoin. As a result, investors must conduct adequate research to know which exchanges will support their credit cards.

Some popular exchanges that use credit cards in the purchase of Bitcoin include:

  • Binance
  • Kucoin
  • Revolut

Step 3: Link the credit card. Once you’ve researched and found an exchange that meets your requirement, you should verify your account by providing your personal information to meet know-your-customer (KYC) requirements. The next step is to link your credit card to the exchange. To do this, click “add new card” and enter your full name, card number, CVV, expiry date, and billing address.

Once you click on "buy Bitcoin," enter the amount you desire, and choose the option of paying with a credit card. You will then be redirected to your bank’s one-time password (OTP) transaction page. Follow the instructions and get your Bitcoin deposited into your wallet, provided the transaction is successful.

What You Need to Open an Exchange Account

There are several requirements needed to open an exchange account. For decentralized exchanges, the process is pretty simple: Download the software or browser extension, set up an account, and store your recovery phase.

For centralized exchanges, you are expected to meet the know-your-customer (KYC) verification requirement before being able to fund your account and trade. Things needed to open an exchange account are explained below.

Personal Information

Exchanges often require customers to provide their personal information to meet KYC requirements as mandated by regulatory authorities. Personal information required includes:

  • Full name
  • Means of identification such as a passport
  • Proof of address such as utility bills
  • Social Security number
  • Others as required by the exchange

Minimum Deposits

Every exchange has a range of deposits that users must fund their accounts with. For example, Coinbase and Binance require users to deposit a minimum of $50 and $10, respectively, to complete their trades.

Best Bitcoin Exchanges

CompanyTransaction FeesCurrenciesMinimum Deposit or PurchaseTrade Limits
Kraken0.00% to 0.26%185+$1Yes
Coinbase0.00% to 0.60%200+$2Yes
Crypto.com0.00% to 0.075%250+$1Yes

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Bitcoin With a Credit Card

Exchange Fees

When swapping dollars for Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency, it’s important to understand that an exchange may charge a fraction of the transaction cost. In most cases, an additional fee is charged when investors decide to fund their accounts using credit cards. The exchange may also charge extra fees for its services.

A typical example is Coinmama—every single purchase demands a fee and making payment with a credit card requires an additional fee of 5%. This means purchasing $1,000 worth of Bitcoin using credit cards will attract an extra fee of $50, excluding platform fees. You, therefore, will need a good return on investment to make up for the fees.

Debt

Bitcoin is volatile and this makes investing quite risky. It’s more risky if you’re using a credit card to go into debt to buy cryptocurrency. This translates into paying exorbitant interest on volatile investments.

Scams

Choosing a currency exchange without any security reputation can be risky. You might have your personal information, including your credit card number, stolen.

Cash Advance Penalties From the Card Issuer

Just like using your credit card to withdraw funds from an ATM, your credit card issuer is likely to view the crypto purchase as a cash advance. This isn’t favorable as it has the following downsides:

  • Higher interest rate: As with most payment processors, a higher annual percentage rate is charged for cash advances compared to regular purchases.
  • Foreign exchange fee: Should an investor use an exchange based outside the U.S., a foreign exchange fee may be incurred if the credit card charges one. This is usually a 3% fee.
  • Cash advance fee: Typically 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, this is a one-time fee charged when you take your advance. An advance of $100 will likely attract $3 or $5 in fees which will be deducted from your account balance.
  • No grace period: Credit card companies usually allow for a 21-day grace period to pay off your purchase before interest is charged. This only works provided you pay your balance in full monthly. This, however, doesn’t rule out the fact that cash advances start to accrue interest from day one.
  • Lower credit limit: While there’s a general credit limit, some credit cards have a separate cash advance credit limit, which is lower than the general one.
  • Credit utilization: Using your credit to make small purchases such as groceries doesn’t have much impact. However, big crypto purchases use up your available credit which gravely impacts your credit scores.
  • No credit card rewards: Using your credit card and maintaining a good credit score comes with significant rewards such as cash back, travel points, or miles. However, should the card issuer consider a crypto purchase a cash equivalent, your spending probably won’t qualify for rewards. Overall, this depends on the issuer. As part of your credit card research, you could call the company to ask whether a cryptocurrency purchase is considered a cash advance.

FAQs

How to Buy Bitcoin Anonymously With a Credit Card?

If you want to buy Bitcoin with a credit card without ID verification, you’ll still need a wallet where you can safely store the coins. Wallets such as Exodus, Mycelium, and Ledger Nano X are great choices since they support Bitcoin.

To buy Bitcoin, you may consider using P2P marketplaces such as Paxful which allow you to trade directly with individuals while eliminating the middleman. Some software wallets such as Lobster allow you to trade seamlessly and anonymously. Exchanges are also great options, but just a handful give room for optional identity verification, hence you may want to choose these.

Overall, the methods itemized above let you buy Bitcoin seamlessly with your credit card.

What Happens If You Buy Bitcoin With a Credit Card?

Buying Bitcoin with a credit card means you’ll have to select a card and exchange that supports Bitcoin purchases and credit cards respectively. Even though the process is seamless, transactions aren’t instant.

The exchange will need to verify to validate that the transaction is real and no fraudulent traces are found.

How Long Does It Take to Buy Bitcoin With a Credit Card?

Since buying Bitcoin with a credit card is convenient, one will expect it to be instant. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case because the exchange must verify the transaction and ensure no scam is involved.

Why Won’t My Credit Card Work for Bitcoin?

There are several credit card processing companies in existence. If you plan to buy Bitcoin with one and notice it doesn’t work, it could be one of two things: The credit card doesn’t support Bitcoin purchase, or the exchange doesn’t support credit cards.

As an investor, research should be paramount. Before using a credit card, you should research to know whether it supports Bitcoin purchases. Also, choose an exchange that supports credit card payment.

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  1. CoinMarketCap. "Bitcoin, BTC."

How to Buy Bitcoin With a Credit Card in 2023 (2024)

FAQs

Can I buy Bitcoin with just a credit card? ›

You can buy coins in many ways, including with a credit card. Make sure you have your credit card number, card verification value, and expiry date if you want to buy Bitcoin with your credit card. You'll have to enter these details on the checkout page of an exchange to get your desired Bitcoin value.

Which crypto app accepts credit cards? ›

Binance supports hundreds of crypto markets, so will appeal to active traders. Coinbase: Launched in 2012, Coinbase is a leading crypto exchange for user-friendliness and security. It allows investors to instantly buy Bitcoin with a credit card after completing a quick KYC process.

How to buy Bitcoin instantly? ›

You can buy Bitcoin instantly in the BitPay app or through the BitPay website online. Select the amount you want to convert to Bitcoin. Enter your wallet information to confirm where you'd like to receive your Bitcoin.

Can I buy Bitcoin with my credit card on cash App? ›

When presented with supported payment methods, pick “Other” to pay with Cash App. In addition to Cash App, you can buy crypto with a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or ACH (plus other local banking methods).

Which credit cards allow the purchase of Bitcoin? ›

Even if you don't want to use a cash advance loan for your crypto purchase, some credit card issuers will automatically process the transaction that way, including American Express. Alternatively, you could buy crypto using a credit card issued by the trading platform, like the Gemini Mastercard or a Crypto.com VISA.

Why can't i buy Bitcoin with my credit card? ›

Credit card issuers may have crypto-specific policies, or may refuse to process transactions that are deemed too risky. Policy information varies for each card issuer, and transactions are typically coded as a cash advance, which may come with high fees and interest rates from most credit card companies.

What is the best wallet to buy crypto with a credit card? ›

Binance. Binance is the best choice for anyone who is looking to buy crypto with credit card. Its supports buying crypto through Visa and Master Card channels. Binance takes additional help from third-party payments such as Simplex, Koinal, Paxful, and Banxa.

Does MoonPay accept credit cards? ›

MoonPay offers a wide range of payment methods around the world. Those include credit and debit cards, bank transfers, mobile options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. It also offers local options such as SEPA in the EU, Open Banking in the UK, YellowCard in Nigeria, and PIX in Brazil.

Can I buy Bitcoin on Coinbase with a credit card? ›

Coinbase no longer supports linking credit cards for a payment method. If you already have a credit card linked to your account, note that some card issuers are blocking cryptocurrency purchases or charging additional fees for credit-card purchases on Coinbase. Consider linking a debit card or bank account instead.

What is the best app to buy Bitcoin immediately? ›

Coinbase is the easiest and most trusted place to buy, sell, and manage your digital currency. This update includes bug fixes and performance improvements.

What is the easiest site to buy Bitcoin? ›

Because of its large number of supported assets (5,500+) and easy-to-use platform, Coinbase has become the go-to exchange for many first-time crypto buyers.9 The platform has the look and feel of an online banking app, which most people are using already, making the transition to crypto investing simple.

What is the easiest site to buy and send Bitcoin? ›

Crypto exchanges are typically the best places to buy Bitcoin, including exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken. To buy BTC on an exchange, you must register and fund your account. Keep in mind that the trading fees and trade minimums vary by exchange.

How much will I get if I put $1 dollar in Bitcoin? ›

0.000016 BTC

What is the best way to buy Bitcoin? ›

The easiest way for an individual to buy bitcoin is through a crypto exchange, such as Kraken or Binance.US. Online stockbrokers, such as Robinhood, also offer their customers the ability to buy bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Where is the best place to buy Bitcoin? ›

Compare the best platforms to buy Bitcoin
OfferCommissions
Gemini ExchangeInvesting simplicity and and high interest ratesOpen Account
CoinbaseTrading platform and crypto selectionOpen Account
RobinhoodDiversified investing needsOpen Account Limitations Apply
Cash App InvestingUser-friendly trading platformRead Review
Mar 7, 2024

Can I buy Bitcoin without cash card? ›

You can purchase bitcoin online with fiat using multiple payment options such as credit and debit cards, bank transfers, or online wallets - in just a few clicks.

What is the easiest way to buy Bitcoin in the US? ›

The three main ways to buy bitcoin are through Bitcoin wallet apps like the Bitcoin.com Wallet app, through brokerages like eToro (buy Bitcoin on eToro here),* and through cryptocurrency centralized exchanges (CEXs) like those listed here.

Can I use my credit card to buy Bitcoin from Bitcoin ATM? ›

The vast majority of Bitcoin ATMs accept only cash or debit cards as payment for Bitcoin (due to chargeback issues). You will not be able to pay with your credit card at a Bitcoin ATM. How can I buy Bitcoin with a Visa? All of the exchanges listed on this page accept Visa cards as a form of payment.

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