Cryptocurrency exchanges are now offering different methods to buy Bitcoin (BTC) using Apple Pay. This is a significant step in the adoption of Bitcoin, especially considering that Apple Pay has over 507 million mobile wallet downloads and holds a dominant 43.5% market share in the U.S. mobile payments sector.
This new feature allows iPhone users to explore new crypto opportunities. This article outlines the process of buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using Apple Pay.
Understanding the Apple Pay Digital Wallet
Apple Pay, launched in 2014, is a mobile payment service for online payments using iOS devices and is compatible with Apple products. It is commonly used through the Apple Pay app on iPhones and Apple Watches, enabling users to make easy payments for music, movies, and apps with a single touch.
With the introduction of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, brick-and-mortar stores now accept Apple Pay, leading to a rise in contactless payments using Apple Pay. NFC is a wireless connectivity technology that uses magnetic fields for device communication when in close proximity. Apple Pay is supported by numerous apps and physical stores worldwide, allowing users to buy a variety of goods and services, including Bitcoin through their iPhones and Apple Watches using NFC.
Different Ways to Purchase Bitcoin with Apple Pay
Although Apple does not directly support Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies on their devices, numerous popular apps and platforms facilitate crypto transactions. Here are some ways to buy Bitcoin using Apple Pay.
Buying Bitcoin with Apple Pay via Coinbase
Coinbase is a U.S.-based crypto exchange and investment platform that offers various services, allowing users to buy, sell, exchange, and store cryptocurrencies. Coinbase has expanded its presence in the crypto space through partnerships with major players such as Visa and Mastercard, enabling instant crypto trading with credit and debit cards.
To provide a more convenient option for iOS users, Coinbase introduced the ability to purchase Bitcoin using Apple Pay linked to a debit card in June 2021. However, selling crypto and cashing out options are currently not available through this method.
Steps to Purchase Bitcoin using Apple Pay on Coinbase
- Log in to your Coinbase account on the website or app using a device that supports Apple Pay.
- Choose Bitcoin as the cryptocurrency option.
- Enter the desired amount of Bitcoin in the “Buy BTC” section.
- Select Apple Pay from the list of available payment methods.
- Confirm the Bitcoin purchase using Apple Pay.
It’s important to note that Apple Pay will automatically appear as a payment option if you have a Visa or Mastercard linked to your Apple Pay digital wallet. If not, make sure to link one before following the steps above.
The purchasing limit for BTC using Apple Pay on Coinbase depends on the total of the debit card’s transaction limit and Coinbase’s limits, subject to change based on policy and location. Users can check these limits in the Coinbase app under Settings. Other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Ripple’s XRP (XRP) can also be bought using Apple Pay on Coinbase in a similar manner.
Purchasing Bitcoin with Apple Pay on Binance
Binance initially introduced Apple Pay integration to buy cryptocurrencies using credit and debit cards for individuals in the UK and the European Economic Area (EEA). In December 2022, Binance unveiled Apple Pay (for debit cards only) for U.S. account holders to deposit USD and purchase crypto.
This development not only allows purchasing but also investing in Bitcoin and other cryptos using Apple Pay on Binance.
Steps to Buy Bitcoin with Apple Pay on Binance
- Sign in to the Binance app on your iOS device.
- Go to “Wallet,” choose U.S. dollar, and deposit USD.
- Click on “Add Payment Method” and add Apple Pay.
- Enter the USD amount, click “Deposit,” and select Apple Pay as the payment method.
- Proceed to purchase BTC or other cryptocurrencies with this deposit.
Apple Pay in the U.S. only works with debit card integrations on Binance, while the UK and EEA regions offer credit card integration. There is a 3.75% fee on deposits using Apple Pay in the U.S. and approximately 2% per transaction in the UK, subject to change according to policy. Users should verify fee updates on the exchange they operate with.
Buying Bitcoin with Apple Pay through BitPay
BitPay, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is the largest Bitcoin and cryptocurrency payment service provider. It enables businesses, merchants, and institutions to accept crypto payments and convert them to fiat currencies. BitPay’s popularity stems from charging merchants a flat 1% transaction fee, contrasting with credit cards that often charge higher fees, sometimes exceeding 3%.
In 2021, BitPay added Apple Pay as a payment option, allowing users to buy, exchange, and shop with BTC and other cryptocurrencies using Apple Pay digital wallets. While in-app crypto purchases are not available yet, users can make contactless crypto purchases in-store and online using Apple Pay on supported devices.
Apart from Bitcoin, BitPay also supports stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC) and BinanceUSD (BUSD) for Apple Pay purchases. Users need to add their BitPay crypto debit card to Apple Pay to use Bitcoin for purchases wherever Apple Pay is accepted globally. BitPay collaborated with Simplex and Wyre to facilitate these Apple Pay transactions.
Steps to Purchase Bitcoin with Apple Pay on BitPay
- Login to the BitPay app.
- Load BTC on your BitPay debit card.
- Add the BitPay Card to Apple Pay in the BitPay App.
- Use the BitPay card BTC funds to make purchases using Apple Pay.
Buying Bitcoin with Apple Pay through MetaMask
MetaMask, a provider of Ethereum cryptocurrency wallets, now allows users to buy cryptocurrencies via Apple Pay. MetaMask announced Apple Pay support in April 2022. As this isn’t a direct integration with Apple, MetaMask users are directed to Wyre, which permits payment via credit/debit cards or Apple Pay. Wyre is a crypto exchange that provides crypto-to-fiat services through an API and integrates with Apple Pay.
Using MetaMask, Apple Pay users can deposit a maximum of $400 daily into their wallet and are subject to a gas fee and MetaMask’s transaction fees (0.875% of the transaction amount). Purchasing crypto through MetaMask allows users to utilize it across various decentralized applications (DApps) and Web3 services where MetaMask is supported. However, contactless in-store purchases are not yet available through this method.
Steps to Buy Bitcoin with Apple Pay through MetaMask
- Log in to your MetaMask account on a browser or app.
- Set up Apple Pay through the app.
- Ensure Know Your Customer on the card linked with Apple Pay.
- Tap “Add Funds,” click “Buy BTC,” and specify the amount.
- Select Apple Pay as the payment method.
- Authorize and complete the transaction.
While the aforementioned methods are well-known, there are several other wallets, exchanges, and platforms where users can purchase Bitcoin with Apple Pay, such as Exodus, Paxful, CEX.io, Lumi Wallet, Crypto.com, and more. Users should familiarize themselves with the terms, fees, and conditions before choosing their preferred method.
Is Buying Crypto with Apple Pay Recommended?
The decision to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using Apple Pay is not definitive. There are pros and cons associated with this approach.
The advantages include swift and effortless transactions. Apple Pay’s contactless payment technology is favored among millennials and Gen Z users in the U.S., with 85% of U.S. retailers accepting Apple Pay for fiat payments. This preference is mirrored through the integration of Apple Pay by numerous crypto platforms, exchanges, and wallets.
However, potential downsides involve risks of monetary loss due to scams, hacks, and malware, alongside crypto price volatility which can lead to price fluctuations during purchases. Therefore, users should conduct thorough research and make informed decisions when utilizing various crypto payment methods available in the market.
Image Credit: Hi my name is Jacco/ shutterstock
