Coinbase now allows customers in the UK and Spain to instantly purchase bitcoin using 3D Secure-enabled credit and debit cards.
The 3D Secure protocol – developed by Visa – requests users enter a password to confirm their identity with the card issuer. Once verified, customers are able to complete their online purchase.
The San Francisco-based company, which recently confirmed it had applied for a BitLicense, said in a post:
“Since credit and debit cards will not require a customer to pre-fund their Coinbase account with a bank transfer, customers in the UK and Spain can now receive bitcoin instantly.”
Coinbase currently only accepts Visa, Mastercard and Maestro cards with 3D Secure authentication and purchases with either GBP or EUR are subject to a 3% “convenience fee”.
The company noted the 3D Secure protocol is supported by most banks across Europe and the UK but advised users to check with their bank or try adding their card to their Coinbase account to see whether it is eligible.
“You will get an error message if your card does not support it [3D Secure],” the post concluded.