Using a debit card to buy Bitcoin is fast and widely supported at many crypto exchanges.
Below you’ll find a complete guide to buying Bitcoin with a debit card in the UK — including exchanges that accept British debit cards — and a step-by-step guide for new investors.
Unsure about what exchange to use?
Where to buy Bitcoin with a debit card
On website
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.
eToro Crypto
Highlights
- Trade and stake a range of crypto assets with low fees.
- Copy successful traders. Practice with a demo account.
- eToro is regulated by CySec, FCA and ASIC.
Pros
Cons
On website
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. Take 2 mins to learn more.
CoinJar
Highlights
- Trading fees are 0% - 0.1% on CoinJar Exchange and 1% on CoinJar.com and mobile apps.
- Trade over 50 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Shiba Inu, Dogecoin, Solana, and Cardano.
- Free GBP deposits and withdrawals (bank transfers), 2% fee on credit/debit card crypto purchases.
- Earn CoinJar Rewards when you spend your crypto with a CoinJar Card. Free to activate, no monthly charges.
Pros
Cons
On website
Coinsmart
Highlights
- Get $20 in BTC with your first deposit.
- Trade major coins and popular altcoins including Dogecoin, Cardano, Solana, Polkadot, and Polygon.
- Fund your account with wire transfers, credit / debit cards, or crypto with access to trade funds the same day.
Pros
Cons
First time buying?
How to buy Bitcoin with a debit card
Step 1: Select a crypto exchange
To buy Bitcoin with a debit card, sign up with an exchange that supports deposits made with a debit card (most do).
You can compare different crypto exchanges here on Finty. All the exchanges listed on this page accept deposits made with debit cards.
When comparing crypto exchanges, important factors to consider include what the exchange’s commission is to buy Bitcoin, if there are any fees when depositing and withdrawing funds, and what tokens are available apart from Bitcoin.
You may be interested to compare other features like the ability to stake crypto with the exchange and yield a reward, get access to your account balance with a card, etc.
Step 2: Confirm your identity
After your account has been set up, verify your identity by providing your driver’s licence, passport, or another form of government-issued ID. Some crypto exchanges also require an image of yourself holding the photo ID so they can verify it’s really you setting up the account.
Step 3: Decide how much to invest
Given that Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, be careful about how much you invest in it. The general rule of thumb is that you should only invest what you can afford to lose.
Step 4: Deposit funds in your exchange account
Next, you can deposit funds in your exchange account. Using a debit card is typically the fastest way to deposit funds.
- Not all banks allow their cards to be used to buy Bitcoin.
- There are alternative funding options if your bank blocks transactions at crypto exchanges, but you still want to buy Bitcoin. For example, you could transfer funds to your PayPal account and use it to deposit funds at the exchange.
Step 5: Place an order
There are generally three different types of orders: market, trigger, or recurring.
Market orders execute immediately at the next available price and require practically no configuration whatsoever. By configuring a trigger order, you can set a target price at which you watch the order to be executed. You may be able to set up recurring orders to buy a certain amount of Bitcoin periodically, e.g. buy £100 of Bitcoin every month (if there are enough funds in your trading account at the exchange).
Step 6: Buy Bitcoin
Once the order of your choice has been configured, you can execute the transaction.
Still not sure?
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast and convenient. Buying Bitcoin with a debit card is faster than using a bank transfer.
- Limits speculation. You can only buy as much as you have available to use in your bank account, limiting the risk of investing too much in a speculative and volatile asset.
Cons
- Limited bank support. Not every bank permits their customers to use their own debit card to buy Bitcoin.
- Less fraud protection compared to a credit card. Although debit cards are more widely accepted compared to credit cards, there is less consumer protection.
- Transaction fees. Exchanges may charge a fee to process deposits made with a debit card.
Extra help
FAQs
How long does it take for funds to transfer using a debit card?
Funds deposited into your exchange account using a debit card are typically available to use immediately.
Can I buy Bitcoin with a debit card anonymously?
You can purchase bitcoins with a debit card anonymously on decentralised peer-to-peer exchanges.
Can I buy other cryptocurrencies with a debit card?
Yes, you can buy other cryptocurrencies with a debit card. Once you have funded your trading account at the exchange, select the cryptocurrency you want to buy, fill out the order form, and complete the purchase.
