Finding places to buy Bitcoin (BTC) in the UK with a credit card at decent rates used to be difficult.
But in 2021, there are more places than ever to choose between. The same is true if you’re considering buying Bitcoin (BTC) with a debit card or UK bank transfer.
In this quick guide, I’ll cover some of the best places (that I know about) to buy bitcoin with a credit card in the UK.
Here’s a quick look at the places we’re going to talk about:
Remember: I’m not a financial advisor. Read my full disclaimer for more information.
Should You Use a Credit Card to Buy Bitcoin (BTC)?
Even though you’ve come to this post looking for places to buy Bitcoin (BTC) with a credit card, I would caution you against using one to buy cryptocurrency.
This is because Visa and Mastercard changed the Merchant Category Code (MCC) for cryptocurrency purchases (to MCC 6051) at the start of 2018. MCC’s are something used by card issuers to understand what a business provides to the public.
Why does this matter?
The bottom line is that your credit card issuer will consider purchases (or deposits) you make on a cryptocurrency exchange or broker as a cash advance:
- Cash advances aren’t usually included in promotional offers (i.e., 0% purchase cards).
- You’ll probably be charged a higher-than-normal interest rate.
- Interest will usually start to be charged immediately on a cash advance (there’s no grace period).
- You’ll likely need to pay a cash advance fee (usually more than 3% of the total amount).
Together, this makes buying Bitcoin (BTC) with a credit card more expensive than other payment methods.
Numerous banks in the UK have also restricted credit card payments to cryptocurrency exchanges and brokers.
In fact, I think you’d find it difficult to find more than a few that haven’t banned buying Bitcoin with a credit card.
However, this ban does NOT apply to debit card purchases or UK bank transfers you make (at least for most banks). You also won’t be charged any of those extra fees if you use either of these payment methods.
For these reasons, I would personally never buy Bitcoin (BTC) with a credit card. It’s cheaper and a lot less hassle to just use a debit card or UK bank transfer.
Want to buy bitcoin as CHEAPLY as possible in the UK?
Check out my list of the best places to buy Bitcoin (BTC) for my favourite UK options.
Best Ways to Buy Bitcoin With Credit Card
1. Wirex
Wirex isn’t as great as it used to be.
However, it still allows you to buy Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies with a credit card at competitive rates.
In total, you’ll usually be charged about 2.5% in fees when you buy Bitcoin (BTC) with a credit card. This includes a hidden fee in the exchange rate of about 1.5% and another 1% fixed fee.
In addition to Bitcoin (BTC), you can also buy the following cryptocurrencies with a credit card on Wirex:
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Waves (WAVES)
- Wollo (WLO)
- Dai (DAI)
- Nano (NANO)
- Stellar (XLM)
- Wirex Token (WRX)
Wirex is fully supported in 37 countries, which includes the UK, EU, and Singapore.
Wirex has a cryptocurrency debit card. However, you don’t need to order a Wirex Card in order to buy Bitcoin (BTC) with a credit card using its platform. You will have a more limited experience on their platform if you don’t get one, but it can be avoided.
I think the interface sucks, but it’s easy enough to navigate around – especially on the mobile app.
2. Crypto.com
Crypto.com is an interesting option available to UK residents.
If you’re from the UK, you’ll need to pay a fee of 2.99% when you buy Bitcoin (BTC) with a credit card. Unlike Wirex, it doesn’t hide any fees in the BTC to GBP exchange rate though.
Crypto.com supports more than 90 other cryptocurrencies too – which includes NEO, DASH, LRC, and many more. Like when you buy Bitcoin (BTC) through this app, you’ll be quoted the real exchange rate and be charged the same 2.99% fee if you buy them with a credit card.
But this is more than just a good place to buy cryptocurrencies:
- Provides one of the best bitcoin debit cards that’s out there (up to 8% cashback).
- It allows you to earn interest on your cryptocurrency (up to 12% annual interest)
- Up to 10% cashback when you buy gift cards for popular brands (e.g., Amazon, Tesco, Sports Direct, etc.).
Find out more in my Crypto.com review or click the link below to download the app and check it out yourself.
3. Luno
Luno is probably one of the most beginner-friendly places where you could buy Bitcoin (BTC) in the UK.
The mobile app is smooth, simplistic, and easy to use.
If you buy Bitcoin (BTC) or any other cryptocurrency with a credit card on Luno, you’ll pay a 3.5% fee. When I checked, there were no fees hidden in the exchange rate.
Luno doesn’t support many cryptocurrencies. The full list includes just:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- USD Coin (USDC)
Regardless, Luno seems perfect for beginners. Verification was almost instantly sorted for me too.
4. Coinbase
Coinbase is an easy, quick, and very popular way to buy bitcoin (BTC) in the UK.
You can also buy Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Ethereum Classic (ETC), Litecoin (LTC) and many more cryptocurrencies with a credit card on Coinbase.
Some fun facts about Coinbase:
- The world’s largest bitcoin broker (established 2012).
- Available in more than 100 countries (including the UK, Europe, and the United States)
- Have over 43 million customers.
- Traded over £320 billion in different assets.
Getting started with Coinbase in simple. Expand the sections below if you need help.
Head over to Coinbase and make an account.
Coinbase guides you through the whole process. You shouldn’t have much of a problem, and it won’t take long to get started.
Tips:
- Signup using the (full) name and address on your ID.
- If you have any issues with identify verification, check out this post.
Follow these steps.
- How much you want to buy in local currency (e.g., pounds) OR
- How much you want to buy in bitcoin (BTC).
When you enter a number into one box, it will update the other.
When you’re happy with the quoted price, click ‘Buy Bitcoin Instantly’ on the left side of the page.
- It’ll ask you to confirm the purchase.
- Check the details and press ‘Confirm Buy’ when you’re ready.
You now own some Bitcoin (BTC)!
Thanks for Reading
Thanks for reading this guide to buying Bitcoin (BTC) with a credit card.
Have a question? Or want to share something?
Let me know in the comments section below!
Hi.
I have about £1000 in Coinbase spread across a few Crypto Currencies.
I have made purchases using my credit card and have read HSBC will not allow cashing in.
Are there any other methods to convert to cash ?
If HSBC won’t allow you to withdraw cash from a cryptocurrency exchange like Coinbase, then you could open a secondary current account with a bank that’s more crypto-friendly?
Alternatively, you could cash-out via something like Localbitcoins or Paxful. These both allow you to sell Bitcoin (BTC) to other people – for GBP into your bank account, in-person cash (on Paxful), gift cards, PayPal, etc.
There’s also something like BC Bitcoin. They’re a little more expensive to use, but offer great customer service (via email, chat, and phone).