How to Buy Bitcoin with Credit or Debit Card in the U.S.

For U.S.-based users, CEX.IO makes it easy to buy Bitcoin (BTC) and 200+ cryptocurrencies using convenient payment methods. Among these, credit and debit cards remain the most popular and straightforward way to enter the crypto market.

At CEX.IO, you can purchase Bitcoin instantly with Visa or Mastercard through our Instant Buy feature. Transactions are processed securely and typically complete within minutes. However, all users must complete identity verification before buying or selling crypto. This process ensures compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations, both of which are essential to protect your funds and keep the platform secure.

CEX.IO does not support buying BTC without verification, since anonymous transactions would breach U.S. regulatory standards and expose users to potential risks.

How to buy Bitcoin at CEX.IO in the U.S.: a Step-by-Step Guide

CEX.IO offers one of the best ways to buy crypto in the U.S., thanks to its intuitive interface, strong security measures, and instant funding gateways. Below is a simple guide to purchasing Bitcoin with a credit or debit card.

Step 1: Register Your Account

Visit the official CEX.IO website or download the CEX.IO App from Google Play or the App Store. Tap Create your account, enter your email, and set a secure password. After agreeing to the Terms of Use, verify your email to activate your account.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

Verification keeps your account secure and ensures compliance with financial laws. To complete this step:

1. Provide your residential address and Social Security Number (SSN) if you’re a U.S. resident.
2. Upload a valid ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID card).
3. Complete the facial recognition step by taking a clear selfie.
4. Once approved, usually within a few minutes, your CEX.IO account is ready for transactions.

Step 3: Access Instant Buy

Log in to your verified account and open Instant Buy under the Buy Cryptocurrency tab. This tool allows you to purchase Bitcoin and other supported digital assets instantly at current market rates.

Enter the amount of USD you want to spend and choose Bitcoin (BTC) from the dropdown list.

Step 4: Choose Your Payment Method

Select Credit/Debit Card as your payment gateway. Ensure the card is issued in your name and supports international online payments. You can link both Visa and Mastercard.

Card deposits start at $20 per transaction, with processing times typically instant. Daily limits depend on verification level, up to unlimited for established users.

Step 5: Review and Confirm

Check the order summary, including transaction fees (ranging between 0.49%–4.99% + service charge) and conversion rate. Once confirmed, your BTC will appear in your free CEX.IO Wallet immediately, ready for trading, selling, or transferring.

What other Payment Methods Can I use to buy Bitcoin?

CEX.IO provides multiple methods beyond card payments, ensuring flexibility for different user preferences and regions.

Buying BTC with PayPal

U.S.-based customers can also buy Bitcoin with PayPal directly through Instant Buy. This method offers similar convenience to card payments but requires both your PayPal and CEX.IO accounts to be verified and linked.

PayPal deposits range from $20 to $1,000 daily for new users and up to $10,000 for verified participants. Fees are approximately 3.99% + $5 per transaction.

Buy Bitcoin with Apple Pay / Google Pay

For mobile-first users, we’ve enabled our customers to buy Bitcoin with Apple Pay and Google Pay via the CEX.IO App.

To buy Bitcoin with Google Pay or Apple Pay, simply follow these steps:

1. Log in to the app.
2. Tap Buy, choose BTC, and enter the USD amount.
3. Select Apple Pay or Google Pay.
4. Review the transaction and confirm.

This method combines the ease of mobile payments with robust security, though daily limits for new users are capped at $1,000.