# Credit and buy-now-pay-later for crypto — UK restrictions

FCA rules restrict firms from selling crypto to UK retail customers using certain credit lines (including most credit cards and some BNPL). Reputable UK exchanges block credit card crypto buys. Use debit card or bank transfer from money you already own. Borrowing to speculate remains high-risk even where not blocked.

## Key facts
- FCA PS19/18 legacy approach: restrict retail crypto sales funded by credit.
- Most major UK exchanges: debit and bank transfer only for retail.
- BNPL for crypto generally not offered by FCA-registered firms.
- Credit card cash advance to buy crypto: expensive and often against issuer terms.
- Consumer Duty: firms must avoid foreseeable harm from credit-funded speculation.
- Debt before crypto: pay high-APR debt first.

## Why credit is restricted

The FCA considers crypto high-risk and ill-suited to leveraged retail purchase. Letting consumers buy volatile assets on credit creates foreseeable harm — policy restricts how firms accept payment.
## What payment methods work

Faster Payments, CHAPS, Open Banking, and debit cards are standard on UK-registered platforms. Apple Pay/Google Pay debit usually works where debit is accepted.
## Workarounds and warnings

Some users fund e-money accounts or use overseas cards — you still face tax and scam risk. Credit card cash advances incur immediate interest — rarely sensible for crypto.
## If you already bought crypto on credit

Tax treatment unchanged — disposal still CGT. Prioritise repaying debt. Do not chase losses with more borrowing.

## FAQs
### Can I use a credit card on any UK exchange?

Most FCA-registered retail platforms block credit cards by design.

## Sources

- [FCA — PS19/18 (cryptoassets)](https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/policy/ps19-18.pdf)
- [FCA — Cryptoassets for consumers](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/cryptoassets)

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— Digital Assets UK (https://digital-assets.co.uk/regulation/credit-card-crypto-ban-uk/), reviewed 2026-06-23. Source: https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/policy/ps19-18.pdf