How to buy Crypto with UnionPay on CEX.IO?

CEX.IO makes crypto purchases simple and secure by supporting multiple payment methods for users worldwide. Whether you prefer credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or mobile wallets, you can easily access over 300 cryptocurrencies in EUR, USD, and GBP.

If you’re looking to buy Bitcoin with UnionPay, here’s how you can do it — step by step.

What is UnionPay?

UnionPay is a global payment network originating from China, providing card and digital payment services to billions of users worldwide. If you’re wondering how does UnionPay work, it operates similarly to Visa or Mastercard, connecting banks, merchants, and cardholders. Some crypto exchange UnionPay partnerships also allow direct purchases of digital assets using UnionPay cards.

How to use  UnionPay on a crypto exchange?

UnionPay provides various services, including credit and debit cards available both online and offline. It also offers QuickPass, a mobile payment gateway using QR codes and contactless technology.

CEX.IO was among the first exchanges to enable credit and debit card purchases of crypto. As such, we accept global brands such as UnionPay and Payoneer. This means you can seamlessly buy crypto or top up your account using your UnionPay card. 

While some exchanges may accept UnionPay’s QuickPass, CEX.IO currently does not. But that doesn’t mean UnionPay users are short of possibilities. With CEX.IO, eligible enthusiasts can use alternative mobile payment methods, including PayPal (for U.S.-based customers only), Google Pay, and Apple Pay. These platforms allow users to link their bank cards and buy crypto directly through our secure exchange.

How to buy crypto with a UnionPay Card?

To buy crypto with a UnionPay card, users need to complete verification on CEX.IO. This process ensures compliance with global regulations and helps protect both users and the platform.

Unlike decentralized exchanges (DEXs) that may allow transactions without verification (KYC), CEX.IO’s approach guarantees higher safety, fraud protection, and transparent transactions.

Whether you use a UnionPay debit card or a credit card, CEX.IO provides a reliable and compliant way to access the crypto market. 

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

Buying BTC with a UnionPay card on CEX.IO is quick once your account is verified. Below, each subsection explains the “why” in plain language, then provides a short, actionable checklist you can follow. Your purchase settles through Instant Buy, and your Bitcoin appears in your CEX.IO Wallet moments after confirmation. Here are the steps:

1) Create and secure your CEX.IO account

Start by opening an account and locking it down with best-practice security. This ensures smooth payments later, reduces the chance of card declines, and helps you stay compliant with our Terms of Use and regional requirements.

1. Sign up with your email and a strong, unique password.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) in Security.
3. Review regional availability and limits before funding.

2) Complete verification (KYC) to unlock card payments

Verification protects you and the platform by preventing fraud and enabling chargeback handling. It’s also required by regulations and helps increase payment and withdrawal limits as you advance through tiers.

1. Upload a valid government ID and, if requested, proof of address.
2. Ensure your profile details match your card billing info.
3. Wait for the in-app status update before attempting a purchase.

3) Access Instant Buy

Upon registering and completing the KYC, you become eligible to buy crypto at CEX.IO. To do that, go to Instant Buy under the Buy Cryptocurrency tab in your dashboard. CEX.IO supports purchases in EUR, USD, and GBP, across 300+ assets. 

The Instant Buy quote reflects a live rate and fees, so you know exactly what you’ll receive before you approve. Here are the steps to buy Bitcoin or other crypto with your UnionPay card:

1. Pick EUR / USD / GBP to align with your card billing currency. If you use another currency, this will be converted to the selected fiat upon confirming your transaction. 
2. Determine the amount of fiat. 
3. Choose the asset you want to buy from the dropdown list. 
4. Click Buy Crypto Instantly. 

4) Add your UnionPay Card Details

From the Add Funds page, you need to click Select Payment Methods and choose credit/debit cards as your preferred funding gateway. Then, you need to enter your UnionPay card details, such as:

• Card number
• Expiration date
• CVV

Once done, click Add Card. Card tokenization and 3-D Secure help safeguard your transactions. Saving the card is not mandatory, but it speeds up future checkouts.

5) Confirm Your Payment with 3-D Secure

Your bank’s authentication (OTP/SMS/app) confirms that you authorized the charge. Avoid refreshing or navigating away until you’re returned to CEX.IO.

• Approve the charge in your bank’s 3DS flow.
• Wait for automatic redirection back to CEX.IO.
• If the code times out, request a new one and retry.

Receive BTC instantly in your CEX.IO Wallet

Once approved, your crypto is credited immediately and ready to use. You maintain full flexibility to hold, trade, or convert.

• Check Wallet → Transactions for the completed purchase.
• Access your balance in Wallet → Crypto.
• Hold, convert, or trade as desired.

How to Withdraw Cryptocurrencies with UnionPay?

At present, you cannot withdraw crypto directly to a UnionPay card, as the network doesn’t support crypto transactions. However, you can trade or convert crypto to fiat using the CEX.IO Convert and withdraw funds to your preferred payment method through CEX.IO.

Here’s how to convert crypto at CEX.IO:

1. Log in to your CEX.IO account.
2. Go to Wallet from your dashboard or under Products.
3. Find the asset you wish to convert under the Cryptocurrency tab.
4. Click Convert next to it.
5. Select the fiat currency you wish to receive.
6. Confirm your conversion.
7. Return to Wallet and locate the fiat balance under the Fiat menu.
8. Click Withdraw next to it.
9. Choose your preferred withdrawal method.
10. If credit/debit cards are supported in your region, select the card gateway and enter your UnionPay details.
11. If available, your funds may be credited directly to your card.

What other payment methods can be used to buy Bitcoin?

In addition to UnionPay cards, users can buy crypto with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal (U.S. only), and bank transfers.

You can store funds securely in your CEX.IO Wallet and trade Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies anytime.

Buy Bitcoin with Apple Pay / Google Pay

Users can also buy crypto with Apple Pay or Google Pay directly in the CEX.IO App or on the web platform.

Steps:

1. Log in to the CEX.IO app.
2. Tap Buy.
3. Choose the asset you want to acquire.
4. Specify the amount of fiat you wish to spend on your crypto purchase.
5. Tap Buy Crypto with Google Pay/Apple Pay, depending on your device. 
6. Link your CEX.IO account with the chosen mobile processor. 
7. Complete the payment as instructed in the app. 

These methods offer a fast, secure, and mobile-first way to fund your purchases without re-entering card details.

Buy Bitcoin with Bank Transfer

Eligible users can also buy crypto with a bank account. This process differs slightly from card payments. Instead of purchasing directly via Instant Buy, you need to access your wallet and use bank transfers to top up your balance:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Go to Wallet → Add Funds.
3. Choose the desired fiat currency and amount.
4. Select Bank Transfer as the payment method.
5. Complete the transfer using your online banking.

Once funds arrive, you can use them to trade or convert into crypto anytime.