Introduction:
- This guide explores the relationship between cryptocurrency, gift cards, and the traditional financial world of banks, payment services, and "Know Your Customer" (KYC) regulations.
Part one
Buying Visa Gift Cards with Bitcoin
Several online platforms allow you to purchase virtual Visa gift cards using Bitcoin. These services act as a bridge, letting you spend your crypto anywhere Visa is accepted online.
Recommended Providers
Bitrefill: A leading crypto store where you can buy digital Visa cards instantly. They accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT.
Jour Cards Store: This platform offers virtual cards with instant delivery, supporting Bitcoin, Litecoin, and over 100 other digital assets.
Cryptorefills: A fast way to convert Bitcoin into prepaid Visa credit with delivery via email.
Prepaidify: A straightforward service for purchasing various denominations of Visa cards using major cryptocurrencies.
Atomic Wallet: This app allows you to buy gift cards directly within your wallet, often without identity checks for small amounts.
Essential Considerations
Virtual Only: Most cards are digital. You receive a card number and CVV for online shopping, not a physical card for your wallet.
Fees: Always check for processing fees before confirming your purchase.
Region Restrictions: Ensure the card matches your country (e.g., a "US-only" card won't work for international merchants).
Security: Some cards do not support "3D-Secure" (verification texts), which may be required by certain high-security websites.
Understanding KYC (Identity Verification)
"Know Your Customer" (KYC) is a process where companies verify your identity using a government ID. Requirements vary based on the service and the amount you spend.
Low-KYC Options: Bitrefill, Jour Cards, and Cryptorefills often allow you to buy small amounts using only an email address.
Strict KYC Requirements: Prepaidify and Atomic Wallet (via third-party providers) usually require a full account setup and ID verification.
The "Trigger" Rule:
Most services have a threshold (often around $200).
If you spend more than that, or if your transaction looks suspicious to blockchain trackers, you will be asked to provide ID.
How to Convert Gift Cards into Cash
- If you have a gift card and want cash instead, you can use specialized marketplaces. Note that you will usually receive 80% to 92% of the card's value.
CardCash: Buys cards directly from you. Payments are sent via PayPal, bank transfer, or check within 48 hours.
Raise (GCX): A marketplace where you set the price and sell to other people. They take a 15% fee once the card sells.
Prepaid2Cash: Specifically designed to turn Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards into bank deposits.
Gameflip: Great for gaming cards, but also allows you to sell retail cards and withdraw your earnings in Bitcoin.
Pro-Tip: State Cash-Out Laws
In states like California, Colorado, and Rhode Island, retailers are legally required to give you cash for gift cards if the remaining balance is very low (usually under $10).
Paying Bills with Visa Gift Cards
While you can use these cards for many daily expenses, they do not work for everything.
What You Can Pay:
Most utilities (water, gas, electric), internet/phone bills, and streaming services like Netflix.
What You Cannot Pay:
You generally cannot use a gift card to pay off a credit card balance, a student loan, or a mortgage.
Most banks require a verified bank account for those payments to prevent money laundering.
End of Part One
✍️ About the Author
This post was written by @Shortsegments, an author with seven years of experience covering cryptocurrency, the blockchain, digital ledgers, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Decentralized Finance (DeFi).
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