Several ways have been introduced in the crypto market to purchase Bitcoin. Crypto exchanges also facilitate their customers to buy Bitcoins through the Apple Pay payment procedure since the Apple Pay wallet accounts for about 507 million mobile downloads and owns a market share of 43.5% in the US mobile market.
Apple Pay has allowed traders to purchase Bitcoin providing new trading options for iPhone users.
Customers can buy Bitcoin with Apple Pay on several iOS devices via leading crypto exchanges such as BitPay, Coinbase, Binance, etc. This guide article will explain various ways to purchase Bitcoin conveniently using Apple Pay.
What is Apple Pay Digital Wallet?
Apple Pay is a payment service application that can be accessed through iPhone and all iOS devices for making web payments. This service was introduced in 2014, and since then, it has been facilitating its users make easy payments.
The application can be accessed by users on their apple watches and mobile phones, where they can pay for the services such as movies, applications, music, etc., with a single touch.
The inception of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology has also enabled offline stores to accept Apple Pay payments. This has led to an increased surge in contactless payments through Apple Pay.
The Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless technology that provides connectivity by utilizing magnetic fields. It facilitates the devices to communicate with each other when they are brought closer.
Millions of offline stores and applications support Apple Pay all around the world. Users can buy several goods and services in addition to Bitcoin via their mobile phones and Apple Watches through NFC.
Why Use Apple Pay for Buying Bitcoins?
Apple Pay should be used for making crypto purchases as it has several advantages over other payment methods.
- Secure and Safe
Apple Pay provides a safer and more secure payment method to its users. It does not require the users to enter their debit card or credit card details, decreasing the chances of any personal credentials being stolen.
The user does not require to enter his data; rather, he uses a token known as the device account number that decreases the chances of theft and scams.
- Allows Offline Payments
Apple Pay allows users to make payments offline even when their phone is not connected to the internet or is operating in airplane mode.
- Simplified Payments
Apple Pay allows the user to utilize the Bitcoin purchased on different platforms. For this purpose, users can store their debit card or credit card information in the Apple wallet. Users can use the touch ID to make or accept purchases. It eliminates the need for the user to carry their card everywhere.
- No Hidden Charges
Apple Pay does not require users to charge additional charges for using the application. It provides users with an easy and convenient experience by collaborating with major banks and credit card companies.
- Privacy of The User Intact
Apple Pay does not store any personal information of the users or track their records. This keeps the identity of the user who wants to buy Bitcoin anonymously. Moreover, users can also use their device record numbers instead of credit card or debit card numbers, thus eliminating risks to a larger extent.
- Accessible on all iOS Devices
One can conveniently use Apple Pay to make Bitcoin purchases on all iOS-compatible devices, including iPhones, Apple watches, Macs, iPad, etc.
What are Different Methods To Buy Bitcoin Using Apple Pay?
Bitcoin or other crypto assets are not directly integrated into Apple devices. However, there are several applications that facilitate the transmission and transaction of crypto assets through their platform. Several methods to buy Bitcoin through Apple Pay are discussed below.
- Purchasing Bitcoin with Apple Pay Through Coinbase
Coinbase is an investment platform in the United States that allows crypto trading for its customers. The platform allows traders to store, sell, purchase and exchange crypto assets by offering them several services and features.
Coinbase partnered with major platforms like Mastercard and Visa and expanded its scope in crypto. Moreover, the platform offers immediate purchases through credit and debit cards, offering on- and off-ramp crypto trading.
Coinbase introduced the method of buying Bitcoin via Apple Pay in 2014. It provided a more convenient option for iOS users by linking Apple Pay with debit cards. However, this mode neither offers any cashing out options nor allows the customers to sell crypto.
Steps to Buy Bitcoin on Coinbase via Apple Pay
Apple Pay users must follow these simple steps to buy Bitcoins on the Coinbase platform.
- Firstly, using any iOS device supporting Apple Pay, the user needs to log in to the Coinbase website. This can be done through the browser directly or via the platform application.
- From the list of the cryptocurrencies given, the user has to choose Bitcoin.
- Next, the user can see a “Buy BTC” option where he is supposed to enter the amount of Bitcoin he wants to purchase.
- The next step is to choose the payment method. Select Apple Pay from the list of options given.
- The last step is to confirm the Bitcoin purchase using Apple Pay.
If the user links a Mastercard or Visa debit card to the integrated Apple Pay digital wallet, the Apple Pay payment method will appear automatically in the payment options. If one cannot see it in the option, he must follow the abovementioned steps.
The sum of the transaction limit of the debit card being used and the Coinbase limits decides the limit of buying Bitcoin via Apple Pay on Coinbase.
Moreover, it also depends on the location, the geographical region where one resides, and the policy of the platform. Users can view these limits in the settings option given under the Coinbase application.
In addition to Bitcoin, Coinbase also allows its users to buy Ether, Ripple’s XRP and Litecoin via Apple Pay following the same steps.
- Purchasing Bitcoin with Apple Pay on Binance
Binance introduced its services of buying Bitcoin through Apple Pay only to the European Economic Area (EEA) residents and the UK. They could purchase the cryptocurrency by linking Apple Pay with debit and credit cards.
However, it announced a crypto purchase for the residents of the United States in December 2022, where they can link their debit cards with Apple Pay to deposit their US Dollars
This created opportunities for the customers to invest in Bitcoin and crypto using Apple Pay in addition to buying Bitcoin on Binance.
Steps to Buy Bitcoin with Apple Pay via Binance
- First of all, the user has to log in to the Binance account on his iOS device.
- The next step is to choose the “Wallet” option and deposit the US Dollars in it after opting for the currency.
- Now, the user needs to add the payment method to buy Bitcoin. For this purpose, he has to choose the “Add Payment Method” option.
- After entering the amount, he wants to deposit, choose the “Deposit” option. The next step is to choose Apple Pay as a payment method.
- At last, the user has to continue to buy Bitcoin or any other crypto asset with the deposit.
The users should know that in the United States, Apple Pay works only with integration with the debit card. However, the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area citizens can also use Apple Pay linked with their credits as an additional option.
In addition, while using Apple Pay in the United States, the user has to pay a 3.75% charge on the amount deposited with the platform.
The inhabitants of the United Kingdom have to pay a 2% transaction fee while using Apple Pay according to company policy. Therefore, the users need to look at the fluctuations in charges before they choose an exchange to carry out trade.
- Purchasing Bitcoin with Apple Pay Through BitPay
BitPay is based in Atlanta, Georgia and is considered among the major cryptocurrency and Bitcoin payment service providers. The platform helps institutions, individuals and businesses accept crypto payments and convert them to fiat currency.
BitPay soon became popular among traders due to its lower transaction charges. Compared to traditional credit cards that require traders to pay a transaction fee of about 3% or even more, BitPay demands only flat 1% transaction charges.
In 2021, BitPay introduced Apple Pay as a means of making payments. It allows users to sell, buy and exchange crypto assets and Bitcoin using the digital wallet of Apple Pay.
However, in-built crypto purchases are not yet allowed by BitPay, but users can carry out contactless purchases using the NFC online or in stores. This is only possible through the devices that support Apple Pay.
BitPay also supports other crypto stablecoins such as Binance USD (BUSD) or USD Coin etc., in addition to buying Bitcoin through Apple Pay. For this purpose, the user has to integrate the BitPay debit card into Apple Pay.
This enables him to use Bitcoin to buy anything at all places that accept Apple Pay as a payment method all around the world. Moreover, Apple Pay has partnered with Wyre and Simplex to make these payments possible.
Steps to Buy Bitcoin on BitPay via Apple Pay
- Firstly, the user has to log in to the BitPay application on his iOS device.
- The next step is loading Bitcoin on the BitPay debit card.
- While using the BitPay application, the user needs to integrate the BitPay Card with Apple Pay.
- Following these steps, users can use their BitPay card to buy anything with Bitcoin via Apple Pay.
- Purchasing Bitcoin with Apple Pay Using MetaMask
MetaMask is a crypto wallet based on the Ethereum blockchain network that allows users to buy crypto assets through Apple Pay.
MetaMask started to support payments through Apple Pay in April 2022. However, the users of the MetaMask wallet are directed to Wyre as it has not linked the platform with Apple directly.
Wyre is a crypto exchange platform that offers users to exchange crypto assets into fiat currency using the API. The platform is integrated with Apple Pay and allows users to make payments through credit or debit cards.
MetaMask charges a certain gas free from its users as its transaction charges are about 0.875% of the total transaction amount.
Moreover, MetaMask allows its users to deposit an amount worth 400 dollars daily into their wallet. In addition, users can also use the crypto assets purchased through MetaMask on different Web3 platforms and decentralized applications (DApps) integrated with MetaMask.
However, the store still not allows users to purchase crypto at stores using this method.
Steps to Buy Bitcoin via Apple Pay using MetaMask Wallet
Users must follow these steps to purchase Bitcoin on MetaMask through Apple Pay.
- Firstly, the user must log in to the MetaMask account on his iOS device. It can be done through the application of the wallet or the browser application.
- The next step is to set up Apple Pay while using the application.
- The user should ensure that he has fulfilled the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements for the card to be connected with Apple Pay.
- After that, the user has to choose the “Add Funds” option and click the “Buy Bitcoin” option. He can then enter the required amount he wants to add.
- The next step is to add the payment method. The user has to choose Apple Pay to make payments.
- The last step is the authentication and completion of the transaction process.
Traders commonly use these methods all across the world. However, there are many exchanges, platforms, and wallets where one can enjoy the benefits of purchasing Bitcoin with Apple Pay and not limit the users to Crypto.com, Lumi Wallet, CEX.io, Paxful, and Exodus.
However, users are advised to always check the terms, privacy policy, conditions, charges, and other features of the platform before finalizing any method for purchasing crypto.
Advantages of Using Apple Pay
Some advantages of using Apple Pay for buying crypto assets are discussed below.
- Convenient
Apple Pay has made it easier for traders to make their payments immediately. They can pay for any purchase in seconds while using their mobile phones or smartwatches.
- Highly Contactless
Apple Pay does not restrict its users to a limit of 100 pounds which many contactless payment operators usually set.
- More Secured
While using Apple Pay to buy cryptocurrencies, users are not required to enter their credit card details or any other personal information, which decreases the chances of fraud for the users.
Disadvantages of Using Apple Pay
A few downsides of using Apple Pay for purchasing Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies are discussed below.
- Availability
As Apple Pay is being adopted by traders worldwide and everyone is willing to use it for buying their crypto, it might become difficult for users to access the application in the future.
- Expenditure Tracking
Apple Pay offers a quick way of making payments and sending them to others; however, it may also become a reason for overspending crypto and losing track of expenditures made.
- Phone Reliability
If the users only use Apple Pay to make payments, they might face trouble if their phone gets damaged, lost, or stolen.
Is Buying Crypto with Apple Pay a Safe Option?
One cannot give a specific opinion about whether Apple Pay should be used to buy Bitcoin and crypto assets, as there are both benefits and drawbacks to using this method. It is an easier and fast method and can be used by the user to carry out straightforward transactions.
Moreover, it is a preferred payment method among millennials and Gen Z users in the US because of being contactless. About 85% of the users in the United States use the contactless payment technology proposed by Apple Pay.
In addition, many wallets, exchanges, and crypto platforms are also adapting to this method of bringing contactless payment into practice.
On the other, there is a risk of threats and scams that may result in losing all the crypto funds one holds. Moreover, the volatile nature of the crypto market cannot be denied at any cost that may result in rapid price fluctuations of the assets.
Therefore, investors must research before making any move and make rational and informed decisions during the trade.
Conclusion
The introduction of cashless and cardless payment methods in the crypto space has led to the hype of the Apple Pay payment method.
Apple Pay is an exclusive digital technology that has made iOS users transfer from physical payments to online payments within no time. It has eliminated the need to carry cash, even bank cards providing convenience to traders.
However, users cannot directly purchase Bitcoin or any other crypto asset via several platforms such as Coinbase, MetaMask, BitPay, and Binance.
Apple Pay holds a major market share in the United States; therefore, most companies integrate Apple Pay into their payment methods for purchasing Bitcoin to earn good capital through the platform.
