How to Buy Bitcoin with Credit or Debit Card*

In the early days of Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s first blockchain-based digital asset, cryptocurrency trading primarily took place on niche forums. Today, anyone can buy Bitcoin online through a regulated cryptocurrency exchange like CEX.IO, using fiat currencies and popular payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, mobile payment processors (such as Google Pay and Apple Pay), and e-wallets like PayPal (for US-based customers only).

*New and existing U.K. Customers are required to pass extra steps of onboarding as required by the FCA. Including but not limited to customer categorisation, an appropriateness test, and a 24-hour cooling-off period.

How to Buy Bitcoin at CEX.IO: a Step-by-Step Guide*

The first step is registration, followed by KYC verification, a process that helps CEX.IO meet KYC and AML requirements. You’ll also be prompted to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security, which is the best practice for all crypto exchange users. 

The most intuitive way to buy Bitcoin is through Instant Buy. This feature allows eligible users to obtain over 300 vetted assets by linking their Visa or Mastercard, e-wallet, or mobile payment processor. Here’s the easiest way to acquire Bitcoin at CEX.IO:

Step 1 – Register an Account

Start by visiting the CEX.IO website or downloading the CEX.IO App for iOS or Android. Click Register, then enter a valid email address and set a strong password.

For your security, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) via Google Authenticator or Authy. This step protects your account against unauthorized access and is considered best practice across all cryptocurrency exchanges.

Creating an account also generates a secure CEX.IO Wallet, courtesy of our platform, where we store your fiat and crypto balances safely under PCI DSS Level 1 compliance.

Step 2 – Verify Your Identity

To activate full account functionality, complete identity verification through our KYC process. Verification helps CEX.IO comply with AML regulations and ensures a safe trading environment.

You’ll be asked to:

• Upload a government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license).
• Take a selfie verification for identity confirmation.
• Provide proof of residence (utility bill or bank statement).

Step 3 – Access Instant Buy

After verification, head to the Instant Buy page, one of the most beginner-friendly ways to purchase Bitcoin at CEX.IO.

This service lets you buy Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies instantly using your preferred payment method. You can select from over 300 listed assets, each paired with live market rates drawn from the CEX.IO Spot Trading platform.

Instant Buy automatically processes your order at the best available rate, converting your chosen fiat currency (USD, EUR, and GBP) to Bitcoin without requiring manual trade execution. Here’s how it works: 

1. Log in to your CEX.IO account using established credentials. 
2. Navigate to Instant Buy from the user dashboard, labeled as Buy Cryptocurrency. 
3. Specify your fiat currency. 
4. Determine the amount you want to spend on BTC. 
5. Choose Bitcoin (BTC) from the dropdown menu. 
6. Click Buy Crypto Instantly. This will guide you to our Add Funds page. 

Step 4 – Select Your Payment Method

From the Add Funds page, you can change the amount you previously entered. You can either type in another amount or select from predefined denominations. If everything is ready, you can proceed by clicking the Select Payment Method tab and choosing the most convenient funding gateway. 

*Please note that payment method availability may vary depending on your country of residence, verification level, and applicable regulations. Some funding gateways, such as SEPA, Faster Payments, PayPal, or Venmo, are available only to users in supported regions.

Step 5 – Review and Confirm

Once your payment method is selected, check the transaction summary:

• Amount of Bitcoin (BTC) you’re purchasing
• Exchange rate and network fee (if applicable)
• Payment method details

After confirming, the transaction is processed instantly. Your newly purchased Bitcoin will appear in your CEX.IO Wallet under your Spot Balance.

From there, you can:

• Hold your BTC securely on CEX.IO.
• Transfer it to another crypto wallet.
• Use it for Spot or Margin Trading within the CEX.IO ecosystem.

All operations are protected by encryption standards, anti-DDoS measures, and real-time fraud monitoring systems, ensuring that every Bitcoin purchase remains secure and compliant.

Payment Methods to buy Bitcoin at CEX.IO

Buying Bitcoin (BTC) on CEX.IO is designed to be simple, fast, and flexible. Whether you prefer card payments, bank transfers, or digital wallets, our platform supports multiple fiat-to-crypto payment methods to make your purchase as seamless as possible.

For instant purchases, users can buy Bitcoin directly with Visa or Mastercard through our Instant Buy service. You can also buy Bitcoin with Apple Pay or Google Pay for quick mobile checkouts linked to your verified card.

Meanwhile, CEX.IO Pay allows instant crypto transfers between CEX.IO users, with zero fees and no blockchain confirmations required. It’s an ideal way to move funds within the ecosystem instantly, whether you’re paying a freelancer or transferring crypto between your accounts.

For customers preferring traditional finance solutions, we support SEPA, SWIFT, and Faster Payments for bank transfers. These methods are perfect for larger deposits and withdrawals in EUR, USD, or GBP. 

Additionally, we offer integration with leading e-wallets, including PayPal (for US-based users only), Skrill, and Neteller, as well as fintech platforms such as Wise, Payoneer, and Revolut, which help users top up their accounts worldwide.

All transactions are subject to our transparent fee structure, which varies depending on the payment type and region. We encourage users to review the latest details on our Limits and Commissions page to ensure they choose the most cost-efficient method.

Supported Payment Methods and Fees

Below you’ll find a complete overview of supported deposit methods for purchasing Bitcoin at CEX.IO. Each gateway lists its region of availability, daily limits, and deposit fees, so you can easily choose the method that best suits your needs.

Buy Bitcoin with Credit/Debit Card or Bank Transfer

For most CEX.IO customers, the two most popular ways to fund a purchase of Bitcoin (BTC) are credit/debit cards (e.g., Visa, Mastercard) and bank transfers (SEPA, SWIFT, Faster Payments). Both are secure and widely supported; the right choice depends on your speed, fees, and limit preferences.

When to use which:

• Cards (Visa/Mastercard): Fastest—typically instant deposits via Instant Buy. Fees are 0.49%–4.99% + service charge. Great for smaller or time-sensitive buys.
• SEPA (EUR): Low flat fee (€2.99), suitable for larger EUR deposits across the EEA. Typical settlement same day–1 business day.
• Faster Payments (GBP): £2.99 fee; near-instant GBP deposits in the UK, with higher daily limits (up to £250,000).
• SWIFT (multi-currency): 0.1% (min $/€/£10) deposit fee; suitable for international USD/EUR/GBP funding. Settlement may take 1–5 business days (intermediary bank fees may apply).

*Always review current details on our Limits and Commissions page. Availability depends on your country/region, verification level (KYC/AML), and applicable regulations.

Buy Bitcoin with a Credit or Debit Card (Instant Buy)

Cards are the simplest way to purchase BTC immediately through Instant Buy. This route supports Visa and Mastercard and can also be completed with Apple Pay or Google Pay (device-dependent) if you prefer a mobile wallet checkout.

Step-by-step instructions are as follows:

1. Log in to your CEX.IO account (web or CEX.IO App for iOS/Android).
2. Under the Buy Cryptocurrency tab, specify your fiat currency (e.g., USD, EUR, GBP).
3. Enter the amount you wish to spend (or pick a preset).
4. Choose Bitcoin (BTC) as your desired asset.
5. Click Buy Crypto Instantly to proceed.
6. Click Select Payment Method and choose Credit/Debit Card (Visa/Mastercard).
7. Enter card details (card number, expiration date, CVV/CVC). 3-D Your bank may require secure/SCA.
8. Click Add Card (if new), then Review the order (amount, exchange rate, and fees) and Confirm.
9. Your BTC is credited to your CEX.IO Wallet (Spot balance) once the payment is authorized.

Notes:

• The fee and final quote are clearly shown before you confirm.
• Card availability and limits may vary by region and verification level.

Buy Bitcoin with a Bank Transfer (SEPA / Faster Payments / SWIFT)

Bank transfers are ideal for larger deposits and predictable flat fees. On CEX.IO, bank funding is initiated from the Wallet and is not processed via Instant Buy. After the fiat deposit lands, you can purchase BTC via our Crypto Converter, Spot Trading, or Margin Trading.

Here’s a quick guide on how to buy Bitcoin with a bank account:

1. Log in to your CEX.IO account.
2. Go to Wallet.
3. Switch to the Fiat balances (not Cryptocurrency).
4. Select the fiat you want to deposit (USD, EUR, or GBP).
5. Click Add Funds.
6. Select Bank Transfer, then choose SEPA, Faster Payments, or SWIFT as applicable.
7. Generate deposit instructions. You’ll see the beneficiary details (account/IBAN, BIC/SWIFT, or sort code, where applicable), as well as a unique Reference/Memo/Payment ID.
8. Open your banking app/online banking and create the transfer to the provided beneficiary.
9. Paste the Reference/Memo exactly as shown (this links the payment to your account).
10. Ensure the sender name matches your verified CEX.IO account name (no third-party payments).
11. Submit the transfer. You can track status under Wallet → Transactions.
12. When funds arrive in your fiat balance, buy BTC via Convert, Margin Trading, or Spot Trading.

Alternate Ways to Buy Bitcoin

Here are other common paths to acquire Bitcoin (BTC). Each solution has trade-offs in speed, fees, limits, and risk controls. 

You can always transfer BTC you obtained elsewhere to your CEX.IO Wallet to access our liquidity, fiat on/off-ramps (e.g., SEPA, SWIFT, Faster Payments), and ecosystem features.

Decentralized Exchanges

Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) run on blockchain smart contracts and match trades using automated market makers (AMMs) and liquidity pools, or on-chain order books. Popular DEX flows typically require a non-custodial wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Ledger, Trezor), managing a seed phrase, and paying network gas fees (e.g., on Ethereum).

• Pros: Self-custody, broad token access, 24/7 on-chain settlement.
• Cons: Generally no direct fiat on-ramp; many DEX markets use wrapped assets (e.g., WBTC), slippage/MEV risk, and higher UX complexity.

CEX.IO angle: If you prefer native BTC on the Bitcoin network, it’s simpler to buy BTC with fiat on CEX.IO (cards or SEPA/SWIFT/Faster Payments) and then withdraw to your self-custody wallet. If you’ve already acquired crypto on a DEX, you can transfer BTC (or convert to BTC) and deposit to CEX.IO to trade, convert, or cash out to fiat.

ATM

Bitcoin ATMs (BTMs) are physical kiosks operated by licensed providers. You feed in cash (or, in some cases, use a card) and receive BTC to a specified Bitcoin address or a printed paper wallet.

• Pros: Cash-based access, useful when bank rails aren’t available.
• Cons: Higher fees (operator + location costs), variable KYC limits, limited on-screen pricing context, and fewer sell/off-ramp options.

CEX.IO angle: After purchasing via a BTM, you can send BTC to your CEX.IO deposit address to potentially benefit from our transparent fee schedule, Spot Trading liquidity, and fiat withdrawals through supported networks.

P2P

Peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces connect buyers and sellers directly, often utilizing escrow services, reputation systems, and dispute mediation. Trades may involve cash, bank transfers, or e-wallets, and sometimes stablecoins (e.g., USDT, USDC).

• Pros: Wide payment flexibility, potential local pricing.
• Cons: Counterparty risk, risk of reversals/chargebacks with some methods, and the need to adhere to KYC/AML and local regulations.

CEX.IO angle: If you use P2P, consider moving your BTC to CEX.IO for safer storage, conversion, or fiat off-ramping. Our compliance controls, 2FA, and PCI DSS Level 1 standards help protect your activity, while our Limits and Commissions page keeps costs clear.

Note: The availability of third-party services (DEXs/BTMs/P2P) and specific payment methods varies depending on your country of residence, verification level, and local regulations. Always verify fees, limits, and compliance requirements before initiating any transactions.

Buy Bitcoin via a Reputable Exchange

Buying Bitcoin (BTC) with a reputable provider matters. CEX.IO provides a secure, globally recognized environment for crypto-to-fiat transactions, combining US regulatory oversight with European market coverage and advanced security standards, including PCI DSS Level 1 certification.

Operating since 2013, we’ve built an ecosystem that connects 15M+ users across 185+ countries through seamless payment rails, including Visa/Mastercard, SEPA, SWIFT, Faster Payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal (for eligible US-based users).

Designed for Every Type of Buyer

Whether you’re a first-time Bitcoin buyer, an experienced trader, or a European customer preferring SEPA transfers, CEX.IO adapts to your needs:

• US-based users benefit from FinCEN MSB registration and state Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs), ensuring transparent operations in compliance with federal and state laws.
• European users enjoy localized banking through SEPA, SWIFT, and Faster Payments, supported by our VASP registration in Lithuania.
• Active traders can move easily between products such as Spot, Margin, Convert, Staking, and Savings, all within one verified account.

Why Users Choose CEX.IO

• Transparent, competitive fees: All deposit, withdrawal, and conversion rates are clearly listed on our Limits and Commissions page.
• Regulated and trustworthy: Licensed in the US and EU, with compliance aligned to KYC/AML standards.
• Frictionless experience: Simple onboarding, fast card processing, and user-friendly apps for iOS and Android.
• Diverse payment solutions: Choose from Visa, Mastercard, SEPA, SWIFT, Faster Payments, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Wise, or Payoneer.
• Integrated crypto ecosystem: Access over 300 cryptocurrencies, explore our Crypto Staking and Savings products that allow eligible participants to potentially receive crypto-based rewards, or seamlessly convert between assets in real time.
• Proven reliability: One of the first exchanges to enable BTC card purchases over a decade ago, now trusted by millions worldwide.

The CEX.IO Difference

CEX.IO bridges the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset economy, empowering users to move between fiat and crypto securely, transparently, and efficiently.

Whether you’re funding your account in USD, EUR, or GBP, or diversifying across leading cryptocurrencies, CEX.IO provides the liquidity, compliance, and confidence expected from a reputable exchange, making our platform a reliable gateway to buying Bitcoin today.

Explore the CEX.IO Ecosystem

CEX.IO offers a connected suite of products that support beginners, traders, and businesses alike.

Each service is designed to provide secure access to digital assets, whether you’re buying, storing, converting, or managing crypto within one regulated environment.