Can You Buy Crypto With a Credit Card? A Step-by-Step Guide

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If you’re looking to diversify your portfolio, you might be wondering, “Can you buy crypto with a credit card?” The short answer is yes. But there are fees and restrictions to know. Learn more in this full guide.

Quick Facts

• Not all exchanges accept credit cards, but several, including KuCoin and Binance.us, do.
• Exchanges that accept credit cards usually charge a processing fee.
• Buying crypto with a credit card is risky, especially if you carry a credit card balance.

How To Buy Crypto With a Credit Card: 5-Step Guide

There are certain steps you need to take in order to buy crypto with a credit card. Here is a step-by-step guide: 

Step 1: Choose an Exchange That Accepts Credit Cards

Verify that the exchange accepts credit cards before you open an account. Binance.us, KuCoin and Crypto.com are among exchanges that do.

Be sure to look at reviews, and check the exchange’s security before you open an account. Research to find out which exchange is not only reliable, but also allows you to purchase bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies with the most reasonable fees. 

Here are some exchanges to consider:

• KuCoin: You can use your Visa, Mastercard or any of 70 other payment methods to purchase cryptocurrencies on KuCoin.
• Binance.us: You can purchase USDT tokens with a Visa and Mastercard credit card or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay through a third party from the Binance.us platform, then use the USDT to purchase the cryptocurrency of your choice.
• CEX.IO: Established in 2013, CEX.IO allows credit card transactions once you set up an account with the exchange.
• Crypto.com: Verified customers can make credit card crypto purchases as part of Crypto.com’s Pay On-ramp service.
• Xcoins: The Xcoins exchange accepts Visa and Mastercard as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay for crypto purchases.
• Moonpay: You can use Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal to purchase cryptos on Moonpay.

Restrictions To Know

Some major banks in the United States, like Bank of America and Wells Fargo, do not authorize credit card transactions for cryptocurrency. Check with your card issuer before you try to use the card to purchase crypto.

Step 2: Create an Account and Complete Verification

To create an account, you’ll submit your name, email address and phone number. You will also likely be required to verify your identity in compliance with “Know Your Customer” requirements, which will mean submitting the following.

• Government-issued ID: Passport, driver’s license or national ID
• Selfie verification: Some platforms require real-time facial recognition
• Proof of address: Utility bill or bank statement for higher limits

Step 3: Add Your Credit Card and Check Limits

Once your identity is verified, you will add your credit card information. Make sure you understand the transaction limits of your credit card.

Some credit cards treat a crypto purchase as a cash advance, so for these credit card companies the limit is a percentage of your credit limit. Some banks also cap the amount of crypto you can buy with their credit card. 

It is also a good idea to let your credit card company know that you will be purchasing crypto. Otherwise, the transaction may be declined.

Step 4: Buy Crypto and Review Fees Before Confirming

Choose the crypto you’d like to purchase. Some popular options include bitcoin, ethereum and litecoin.

Double-check the transaction details and make certain everything is correct before you complete your purchase. Pay particular attention to transaction fees, which might include a credit card processing fee.

Step 5: Transfer to a Wallet for Security

Once you receive your crypto, you can store it in a hot or cold wallet. 

• Hot wallets: Internet-connected software you install on your computer or other device.
• Cold storage: Physical storage device, such as a USB drive or external hard drive, not connected to the internet.

Check with your exchange to find out which storage options it supports.

Best Exchanges That Accept Credit Cards

Here’s a look at the platforms that allow credit card purchases for crypto and how they compare to one another based on fees, limits and security features.

Fees Involved When Buying Crypto With a Credit Card

Multiple fees can add up when buying cryptocurrency. Here are a few to know:

• Transaction fees: Crypto exchanges typically charge a processing or transaction fee ranging from 2% to 6%. 
• Cash advance fees: Because credit card companies treat crypto purchases like cash advances, you will be charged a one-time fee, usually totaling 3% to 5% of the purchase amount.
• Foreign transaction fees: If an exchange processes payments outside your home country, your credit card company will charge a foreign transaction fee. The typical range is from 1% to 3%. 
• Exchange rate and conversion fees: Some exchanges may charge a conversion fee if you buy your crypto in a different currency. This may vary from exchange to exchange. 
• Interest charges: The interest on the credit card cash advance typically accrues immediately, with no grace period. 

How To Reduce Fees

You can’t eliminate the credit card fees unless you use a different payment method, but you can offset them by minimizing other crypto fees.

• Reduce the number of trades you make
• Take advantage of volume discounts
• Leverage loyalty and referral programs
• Trade on less-expensive blockchains such as Solana and Avalanche

Risks of Buying Crypto With a Credit Card

Although buying crypto with a credit card is convenient and easy, it does come with inherent risks. Here are some to consider:

Financial Risks

Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile. For example, in August 2024, bitcoin dropped 7% in just one hour.

Paying with a credit card magnifies that volatility by increasing your cost per coin. For example, you might pay your credit card company a cash advance fee — nearly 30% in many cases — and you’ll pay the exchange a credit card processing fee.

Always consider both market volatility and borrowing costs before buying crypto with a credit card.

Security Risks

Buying cryptocurrency on an exchange doesn’t necessarily mean your information won’t be compromised.

Before picking a platform, look at its reputation and reviews. Make certain you monitor your credit card information, and if it is compromised, take immediate action. 

Impact on Credit Score

Charging crypto purchases to your credit card increases your balance, which could impact your credit score.

Credit scoring models favor credit utilization rates of 30% or less, meaning you should have no more than 30% of your total credit limit outstanding at any one time.

Alternatives To Buying Crypto With a Credit Card

These alternative payment methods can help you reduce fees:

• Debit card
• Bank transfers
• Peer-to-peer platforms, such as KuCoin P2P

Credit Cards That Offer Crypto Rewards

Similar to how traditional rewards credit cards might give you cash back on purchases, crypto rewards cards give you crypto instead of cash. Here are three to consider:

• Coinbase One Card: The upcoming Coinbase One Card will offer up to 4% cash back on every purchase, depending on the value of the assets you hold on Coinbase.
• Gemini Credit Card: Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, the Gemini Credit Card gives 4% crypto back on transportation spending, 3% on dining, 2% on groceries and 1% on everything else.
• Crypto.com Visa Card: This card earns you up to 4.5% crypto back in CRO, Crypto.com’s native coin, depending on which LevelUp Program tier you qualify for.

Is Buying Crypto With a Credit Card Worth it?

Buying crypto with a credit card usually isn’t worth it because of high fees and interest charges. If you want to invest in crypto, a better approach is to use cash from a linked bank account or a debit card so you’re not taking on debt in the process.

Lydia Kibet and Rudri Patel contributed to the reporting for this article.

Information is accurate as of Sept. 30, 2025.

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