In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about buying cryptocurrency with a credit card — including the best cards and the best exchanges that accept credit!
Where can you buy crypto with a credit card?
Let’s walk through a few exchanges that allow you to buy cryptocurrency with a credit card.
- Coinbase
- Kraken
- Uniswap (through MoonPay)
- Binance
- Crypto.com
- eToro
Which credit cards allow you to buy cryptocurrency?
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find credit cards that allow customers to buy cryptocurrency.
While Mastercard and VISA technically allow customers to buy cryptocurrency, most banks that partner with these companies don’t allow cryptocurrency purchases via credit cards.
At this time, even credit cards issued by cryptocurrency exchanges like Gemini don’t allow cryptocurrency purchases.
One popular option for a credit card to buy cryptocurrency is American Express.
- American Express cards: Cards issued by American Express do allow customers to buy cryptocurrency. However, you may pay high fees on crypto transactions (4% or more). In addition, many vendors do not accept American Express.
What credit card providers don’t allow me to buy crypto?
Here’s a list of credit card providers that don’t allow cardholders to purchase crypto.
- Bank of America
- Barclays
- Capital One
- Chase
- Citibank
- Discover
- TD Bank
- Wells Fargo
Policies vary, so check with your card provider before making a purchase.
What are some alternatives to buying crypto with a credit card?
Here are a couple of alternatives to buying crypto with a credit card.
- Debit cards: Typically, debit cards do not have the same restrictions on buying cryptocurrency that credit cards have.
- Bank transfers: Most cryptocurrency exchanges support the ability to transfer USD from your bank account to buy cryptocurrency.
Why is it not recommended to buy crypto with a credit card?
Buying cryptocurrency with a credit card is not recommended for most investors.
In the case of a sudden crash in the crypto market, you may not be able to pay off your credit card payments. In addition, using a credit card to buy cryptocurrency typically comes with high fees.
Risks of buying cryptocurrency with a credit card
Purchasing cryptocurrency with a credit card comes with the following drawbacks:
- Volatility: The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile. In the case of a sudden market crash, you may have trouble paying off your credit card bill.
- High fees: Cryptocurrency exchanges that support credit cards typically charge cash advance fees (higher than regular fees).
- Credit utilization: Using your credit card to make large cryptocurrency purchases may increase your credit utilization — in other words, the portion of your total available credit that you’re currently borrowing. High credit utilization can negatively impact your credit score.
What fees do I pay when I pay for cryptocurrency with a credit card?
When you buy cryptocurrency with a credit card, you may pay the following fees:
- Cash advance fees: Buying cryptocurrency with a credit card is typically considered a cash advance subject to cash advance fees from your credit card provider. Generally, these fees range from 3-5%.
- High interest on cash advance: When you make a cash advance, you start accruing interest from the day the purchase is made. Cash advances are subject to a high APRs — ranging between 17.99-29.99%!
- Low limits/ no rewards: Unfortunately, purchases for cash advances typically are not subject to rewards. In addition, cash advances have low limits compared to other types of purchases!
How to buy crypto with a credit card (step-by-step)
Here’s a step-by-step process to buying cryptocurrency with a credit card.
Step 1: Research Credit Cards and Exchanges: Identify whether your credit card supports cryptocurrency purchases. Next, select a trusted exchange that supports credit cards (such as Coinbase).
Step 2: Link Your Credit Card: Create an account with an exchange that supports credit card purchases. It’s likely that you’ll need to complete the KYC process before adding your credit card and other payment methods.
Step 3: Purchase Crypto: Navigate to the buying section, select the cryptocurrency you wish to purchase, enter the amount, and choose credit card as your payment method. Carefully review the transaction details and relevant fees before confirming your purchase.
How to buy crypto with a credit card with no KYC?
It’s very difficult to buy cryptocurrency with a credit without providing Know Your Customer (KYC) information.
Typically, centralized exchanges require you to verify your identity to start trading cryptocurrency.
While decentralized exchanges like Uniswap offer the option to pay in credit cards through third-party applications like MoonPay, these applications typically require users to submit KYC information.
What credit cards offer cryptocurrency as a reward?
Some exchanges offer credit and debit cards that allow you to earn cryptocurrency as a reward. The Gemini Card is a popular credit card that allows users to earn cashback rewards up to 4%!
It’s important to note that these cards often do not allow users to purchase cryptocurrency on credit.
