How to Buy Bitcoin with a Gift Card on CEX.IO

Buying Bitcoin (BTC) with a gift card sounds like a convenient shortcut: you take a prepaid card you already own and swap it for digital currency. Although this method is available on some platforms, CEX.IO does not currently support Bitcoin purchases with gift cards, and for a good reason: prepaid cards generally bring issues with transaction confirmation, so credit/debit cards have established themselves as a much reliable (and faster) solution.

Still, this guide explains what crypto gift cards are, for those who truly value the anonymity this payment method brings, and how they work on different exchanges in general, and which secure alternatives you can use on CEX.IO today.

What is a crypto gift card?

A crypto gift card is a prepaid voucher that allows you to exchange a fixed balance for digital currency. These cards function much like traditional retail or debit gift cards but are intended for crypto purchases.

Common types include:

• Branded retail gift cards (Amazon, Apple, etc.).
• Visa, Mastercard, or Amex gift cards (prepaid cards operating on card networks).
• Specialized crypto gift cards offered by some marketplaces.

The process typically involves redeeming the card through a peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace or a third-party exchange that accepts gift cards as payment.

How to buy Bitcoin with a Visa gift card

Some platforms allow users to buy Bitcoin with a Visa gift card by entering the prepaid card details during checkout. These cards work like regular debit cards, but you usually need to fund them with a preloaded balance.

On external exchanges that support this method, the steps are usually:

1. Sign up and verify your account.
2. Select Bitcoin as the asset to purchase.
3. Enter your Visa gift card details.
4. Confirm the payment and receive BTC in your wallet.

How to buy Bitcoin with a Mastercard gift card

To buy Bitcoin with a Mastercard gift card, you generally follow the same process as with Visa gift cards. Since these cards run on a global network, they’re often treated as standard debit payments on exchanges that accept them.

*Keep in mind that not all platforms accept prepaid cards due to fraud prevention and regulatory concerns.

How to buy Bitcoin with an Amazon gift card

If you’re searching for how to buy Bitcoin with an Amazon gift card, this usually involves a P2P marketplace. Sellers list offers to exchange BTC in return for Amazon balances.

Steps often include:

• Registering with a marketplace.
• Selecting an Amazon gift card as the payment type.
• Uploading proof of your gift card code or balance.
• Receiving BTC once the seller confirms the transfer.

Note: This method, while convenient at a glance, comes with higher risks, so always review seller ratings and fees carefully.

How to buy Bitcoin with a vanilla gift card

Vanilla gift cards are prepaid Visa or Mastercard products. To buy Bitcoin with a Vanilla gift card, the process resembles other card transactions, provided the exchange allows prepaid balances.

You’d usually enter the Vanilla gift card number at checkout. However, some marketplaces may restrict the usage of these cards for cryptocurrency purchases.

How to buy Bitcoin with an Apple gift card

If you’re wondering why you struggle to find any guide on how to buy Bitcoin with an Apple gift card, let us save you some trouble – you can not. The reason is fairly straightforward: these cards are designed for Apple Store or iTunes purchases, not for crypto directly.

Some P2P platforms may let you trade Apple balances for BTC, but this is far less common than Visa or Mastercard gift cards. Be prepared for higher markups and limited seller availability.

How to buy Bitcoin with an Amex gift card

To buy Bitcoin with an Amex gift card, users need a platform that recognizes prepaid Amex cards as valid payment. While less widely supported than Visa or Mastercard, some exchanges may process them similarly to debit transactions.

Where unavailable, you might need to use a P2P service that accepts Amex gift cards as payment for Bitcoin.

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

Although gift cards are not supported, you can buy Bitcoin on CEX.IO using multiple reliable payment methods. Here’s how:

Step 1 – Create and Verify Your Account

Begin by registering at CEX.IO. You’ll need to provide your email address, create a strong password, and confirm your registration through a verification link sent to your inbox.

Once registered, the next step is identity verification (KYC). This process is essential for unlocking deposit and purchase features, as well as ensuring compliance with global regulations. You will be asked to:

• Upload a government-issued document (passport, driver’s license, or ID card).
• Provide a selfie or video verification to match your ID.
• Confirm your residential address and submit a proof-of-address document (such as a utility bill or bank statement).

Verification helps protect your account and allows you to use all supported payment methods.

Step 2 – Log in and Access Your Wallet

After your account is set up, log in using your established credentials (email and password). For extra security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

From the main dashboard, navigate to your CEX.IO Wallet to review your balances, manage currencies, or prepare for a new purchase.

Step 3 – Access Instant Buy and Choose BTC

On your dashboard, or under the Products menu, select Instant Buy for a quick purchase process.

Once done, you’ll need to:

• Specify your preferred fiat currency (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.).
• Enter the amount you wish to spend.
• Choose Bitcoin (BTC) as your asset.
• Click Buy Crypto Instantly to move forward.

Step 4 – Select Payment Method

Next, under the Select Payment Method tab, choose your preferred funding method. CEX.IO supports multiple gateways, including debit/credit cards, bank transfers, and mobile wallets.

You’ll be prompted to enter your financial details (such as card number or bank account information). Note that the availability of payment methods depends on your country of residence.

Step 5 – Confirm Your Transaction

Finally, review the purchase summary, including the amount of BTC you’ll receive and the applicable fees. Follow the on-screen (or in-app) instructions to finalize your order.

Once confirmed, your Bitcoin will appear in your free CEX.IO wallet almost instantly, ready to hold, trade, or withdraw.

What other payment methods can be used to buy Bitcoin?

Although gift cards aren’t available, you can still purchase BTC on CEX.IO with secure and widely supported alternatives. Keep in mind, we also provide a free crypto wallet for registered and verified users, allowing them to seamlessly buy, sell, convert, hold, and trade Bitcoin.

Buying BTC with a Credit or Debit Card

One of the fastest ways to buy Bitcoins is by using a Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card through the Instant Buy feature. 

Here’s how it works:

1. Log in to your CEX.IO account.
2. Open Instant Buy from your dashboard or under the Products menu.
3. Choose Bitcoin (BTC) from the list of available assets.
4. Enter the amount of fiat currency you want to spend.
5. Under Select Payment Method, pick Credit/Debit Card.
6. Enter your card details: number, expiration date, and CVV code.
7. Confirm the transaction, and BTC will appear in your CEX.IO wallet within minutes.

This method is ideal for quick purchases and is available to verified users worldwide.

Buy Bitcoin with Apple Pay / Google Pay

If you prefer mobile wallets, CEX.IO supports both Apple Pay and Google Pay. This is especially convenient when using the CEX.IO Crypto Mobile App, which is optimized for simple on-the-go transactions.

Why use mobile wallets?

• They allow payments without exposing your card details directly.
• Transactions are confirmed instantly.
• You can use saved payment methods securely from your device.

Steps on the CEX.IO Mobile App:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Tap Buy on the home screen.
3. Select Bitcoin (BTC) from the list.
4. Enter the amount of fiat you want to spend — the app will show you the BTC amount you’ll receive.
5. Tap Buy Bitcoin with Google Pay (Android) or Buy Crypto with Apple Pay (iOS).
6. Link your Google Pay or Apple Pay account with CEX.IO if you haven’t already.
7. Complete the purchase following the on-screen instructions.

Apple Pay on Web:

Apple Pay users can also purchase via the CEX.IO website.

1. Access Instant Buy from your browser.
2. Choose Bitcoin and the amount you want to purchase.
3. Under Select Payment Method, pick Apple Pay.
4. Scan the on-screen QR code with your iOS device.
5. Approve the transaction in Apple Wallet to finalize your purchase.

Buy Bitcoin with Bank Transfer

If you prefer larger or more cost-effective transactions, you can always choose to buy Bitcoin with a bank account. Unlike card payments, this method is processed through your Wallet section, not Instant Buy.

Here’s how:

1. Log in to your CEX.IO account.
2. Go to Wallet from your dashboard or Products menu.
3. Select Bitcoin (BTC).
4. Click Add Funds.
5. Choose Bank Transfer as your payment method (SEPA, SWIFT, Faster Payments, depending on your region).
6. Copy the CEX.IO bank details displayed.
7. Paste these details into your online banking app to initiate the transfer.

Once the bank transfer is confirmed, the funds will reflect in your BTC wallet balance, ready for trading or holding.

Buy Bitcoin with Cash 

Although CEX.IO does not accept direct cash deposits, there are two popular methods to buy Bitcoin with cash and move it to your CEX.IO account:

1. Bitcoin ATMs – You can deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM, receive BTC in your personal external wallet, and then transfer those funds to your CEX.IO wallet.
    
2. MoneyGram via Instant Buy – Allows you to buy Bitcoin with cash, but might incur extra fees:
    
   • Log in to CEX.IO and open Instant Buy.
   • Choose Bitcoin (BTC) and the amount you’d like to purchase.
   • Select MoneyGram under the payment methods.
   • You’ll receive a unique user code.
   • Visit a participating MoneyGram location, provide the code, and deposit your cash.
   • Once processed, the BTC amount will reflect in your CEX.IO Bitcoin wallet.

This flexibility ensures that even if you prefer cash, you still have secure pathways to acquire Bitcoin and store it safely with CEX.IO.