How to Buy Crypto with American Express

In addition to the plethora of payment methods CEX.IO offers, eligible customers can now buy Bitcoin & crypto with American Express. This added flexibility makes it easier than ever to enter the crypto market using a trusted and familiar payment solution. 

Whether you're topping up your balance or making a direct purchase through Instant Buy, using Amex on CEX.IO combines convenience, speed, and security in one seamless experience.

How to Buy Crypto with AMEX?

Buying crypto with American Express is as straightforward as using any other card, thanks to our intuitive, beginner-friendly platform. AMEX purchases are supported on both our web-based platform and the CEX.IO Mobile App, available for iOS and Android devices. 

Here’s a step-by-step instruction on how to buy cryptocurrency with American Express on CEX.IO:

Step 1: Register an Account

To begin, go to CEX.IO and click Register in the top right corner, then Create Your Account. You’ll need to provide a valid email address, create a secure password, and choose your country of residence. Once you’re done, go to your inbox and click on the link provided by the CEX.IO to confirm your email. 

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

Before you can buy Bitcoin with American Express on CEX.IO, you’ll need to complete identity verification. 

This is a required step for all users on regulated exchanges like CEX.IO, helping to uphold international KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) standards. It ensures that your trading account remains secure and that CEX.IO continues to offer a compliant and trustworthy environment for crypto transactions.

To verify your identity, follow these steps:

1. Confirm Your Residence – Select your country of residence and enter accurate address details, including your postal code and street information.
2. Secure Your Account with a Phone Number – Enter a valid mobile number, along with the appropriate country code.
3. Complete Biometric Verification – Use your device’s camera to perform a quick facial scan.
4. Upload an Official ID Document – Choose one form of identification (passport, national ID, or driver’s license) and upload clear images of both the front and back.
5. Provide Document Details – Input the required data associated with your chosen ID document.
    

Note: In some countries, additional questions may be required to comply with local financial regulations in the form of a short questionnaire.

Step 3: Buy Bitcoin with American Express

Once verified, your CEX.IO account will be fully activated, giving you access to a free crypto wallet, as well as the ability to buy, sell, trade, convert, or store Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. 

You also gain access to Instant Buy, our user-friendly feature that allows you to buy Bitcoin and other crypto with credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Here’s how to purchase Bitcoin with AMEX through Instant Buy: 

1. Log in to your account using established credentials. 
2. Navigate to Instant Buy from the dashboard or under the Products tab. 
3. Specify the fiat currency you want to use for your crypto purchase. 
4. Enter the amount. 
5. Choose Bitcoin or other preferred cryptocurrency you want to buy from the dropdown menu. 
6. Click Buy Crypto Instantly. This will guide you to our Add Funds page. 
7. Click Select Payment Method. 
8. Choose credit/debit card as your preferred payment method. 
9. Enter your American Express card details, such as card number and expiration date. 
10. Complete your Bitcoin purchase as instructed on the screen. 

Benefits of Buying Crypto with an AMEX

Buying crypto with an American Express card on CEX.IO combines flexibility, speed, and a strong layer of financial protection. When you buy crypto with AMEX, you benefit from its advanced fraud detection systems and buyer protections, making it a trusted solution for purchasing cryptocurrency online.

In addition, using your AMEX card on CEX.IO allows you to bypass the manual process involved in bank transfers, fund your account instantly, and take advantage of a seamless checkout experience through both desktop and mobile platforms. 

This is ideal for users who want a fast and secure way to access over 200 vetted digital assets without delays.

Key advantages include:

• Instant transactions without waiting for bank approvals.
• Built-in fraud monitoring and chargeback protection.
• Compatible with both web and mobile platforms.
• No need to pre-fund your account in advance.
• Access to a wide range of supported cryptocurrencies.
• Trusted payment method with global recognition.

Things to Consider Before Using American Express

While using American Express offers many advantages, it’s important to be aware of potential downsides. 

Many credit card issuers, including AMEX, classify cryptocurrency purchases as cash advances. This classification often results in additional cash advance fees, typically between 3% and 5% of the transaction amount, and interest charges that start accruing immediately, without the usual grace period. 

Additionally, if you’re purchasing from outside the US or on platforms headquartered abroad, you might encounter foreign transaction fees ranging from 1% to up to 3%.

To avoid unexpected costs, always check your card’s terms and consider these fees when buying crypto with American Express.

Here are the key factors to keep in mind before using American Express for crypto purchases:

• Crypto purchases with AMEX may be treated as cash advances.
• Cash advance fees typically range from 3% to 5% per transaction.
• Interest on cash advances starts accruing immediately, with no grace period.
• Possible foreign transaction fees of 1% to 3% if buying from outside the U.S. or international platforms.
• Fees and terms can vary.

Alternative Ways to Buy Crypto on CEX.IO

With over a decade of experience, CEX.IO is a trusted exchange that provides millions of users with the convenience of paying with their preferred payment methods, including AMEX. 

However, if you, for any reason, prefer not to (or are unable to) buy crypto with American Express, we offer plenty of alternatives worth considering, such as: 

PayPal (US-based users only)

US-based customers can buy Bitcoin with PayPal by linking their PayPal account to their CEX.IO wallet. This is supported through Instant Buy, offering a fast and secure way to fund your crypto purchases without sharing your card details directly. 

More importantly, PayPal integrates seamlessly with American Express, allowing users to fund their purchases using their AMEX cards indirectly while enjoying PayPal’s additional security and buyer protection features.

Prepaid Card

Users can also buy Bitcoin with prepaid cards issued by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express through Instant Buy, just like with any standard credit or debit card. 

However, we generally do not recommend this method, as some users have reported issues with transaction confirmation and processing reliability.

Bank Account

Another way to secure your crypto on CEX.IO is to buy Bitcoin with a bank account. We support methods such as SWIFT, SEPA, and Faster Payments. 

This pathway is especially convenient for users looking to fund larger transactions securely and often with lower fees compared to card payments (0.1% deposit commission with a $10 minimum). Depending on your location, you can choose the most suitable bank transfer method and top up your account directly from your bank.

Bank transfers are not available through Instant Buy, but can be used via our Wallet functionality. Once your funds are credited, you can convert fiat into Bitcoin or any of the 200+ supported cryptocurrencies on the platform using our Crypto Converter.

Note: Bank transfers are currently not supported for U.S.-based customers, but alternatives like PayPal and debit/credit cards remain available.

Apple Pay

Users can also buy Bitcoin with Apple Pay on CEX.IO. You can link Apple Pay to your credit or debit card, including AMEX, to complete transactions without sharing card details. This payment solution is available through our iOS mobile app. 

Google Pay

Android users can buy Bitcoin with Google Pay. By linking Google Pay to a supported credit or debit card (including American Express), users can complete purchases without manually entering payment details. This method is available through our Android mobile app and supports Instant Buy transactions.