September 15, 2017 8904

Discovered on the Internet new service, named Wirex, which promised to transfer money, change currency, and even open a card in Bitcoins, we immediately decided to take advantage of its wide functionality. Here's what came out of it...

Brief background

Bitcoin, speaking in simple language, is electronic money. New currency has existed on the Internet for quite a long time and quickly gained popularity not only due to its anonymity, but also because of its rapidly growing exchange rate.

This money does not belong to any organization or country and cannot be counterfeited. In a word, these are securely encrypted lines of code on which you can make money.

The currency itself is not backed by anything, and its value increases in proportion to the growth of its popularity among users around the world.

Today, Bitcoin can be purchased in many ways. For example, in Internet exchangers, on cryptocurrency exchanges, or even with using WebMoney. Or you can mine it yourself :)

Wirex himself

But today we were interested in a British service called Wirex, which suddenly appeared on the Internet and offered “secure solutions for our electronic money”...

Wirex, in particular, offers to create a Bitcoin wallet for free and use it to convert currency into various banknotes. In addition to the exchange itself, the service promises to issue virtual and real payment cards.

Let's figure out how realistic this service is for Belarusians, and how does Wirex work in general?

Let's start with registration. The site reported that we can register completely free of charge and receive a virtual debit card.

At this stage everything was very simple. We indicate your first name, last name and email.

All that remains is to enter the captcha to confirm that we are not a robot and press the big button “Create an account.”

A letter was sent to the email address, by clicking on the link in which we confirmed our registration. That's it! All that remains is to log into your personal account.

• Bitcoin
• Euro
• Dollars
• Pound sterling

Us They also promised a card in bitcoins, which, according to Wirex, is produced worldwide. But... stop! And how to do this? The service offers to issue a card in all currencies except the one in which it promised:(

In a nutshell, Wirex is not quite what it seems. With it, you can open, for example, a virtual card in dollars, and when you have funds on the dollar card, they can be used to buy bitcoins. Confusing algorithm.

Okay, let's try to open at least a virtual card in dollars.

One of the main advantages of using Bitcoin compared to traditional methods payments is confidential. When a Bitcoin transaction is sent, its record becomes permanent and public on the blockchain, but is not tied to any specific person.

However, one of the main problems with using Bitcoin remains the limited number of sellers and services that accept it as payment. This is why many cryptocurrency companies are introducing their debit cards - a product that accepts Bitcoin and converts it into fiat currency for use in traditional stores.

The problem with Bitcoin cards is that they generally require the same level of disclosure financial information like traditional financial institutions.

Although such cards still have an advantage over banks, which can close a customer's account at any time under any pretext (especially under government pressure), their financial privacy is virtually non-existent.

Let's take a look at eight of the most prominent Bitcoin-enabled debit card issuers in America and Europe.

Bitcoin cards in the USA

Coinbase

Coinbase issues a debit card, the Shift Card, which uses Bitcoin from your Coinbase wallet for every transaction.

This is convenient because it saves customers from having to keep their Bitcoin wallet separate from the card wallet and top up the card balance before transactions, rather than going through a single process with the Shift Card.

In this sense, Shift is the closest thing to a true Bitcoin debit card. However, the Shift Card is not available in all US states. Regarding privacy, Coinbase is fully compliant with regulatory requirements, and essentially requires full identification client.

BitPay

The card from BitPay is the only Bitcoin card available throughout the United States. Unlike the Coinbase card, like every other card on this list, the BitPay card is a prepaid card with a balance in traditional currency after conversion from Bitcoin.

BitPay requires full identification to use your card. However, it does not require the submission of any identifying documents. Instead, BitPay users must enter their Social Security number.

Bitcoin cards in Europe

Xapo

Xapo is one of the main cryptocurrency cards in Europe and beyond, gaining fame after its use for the Uber service in Argentina. The map is currently unavailable in a large list of countries, most notably the United States. It also requires full financial disclosure.

Annie Rautio, product manager at Xapo, doesn't think financial anonymity is possible for a Bitcoin debit card unless Bitcoin is used for a prepaid debit card.

“As long as debit cards - Bitcoin or otherwise - are associated with long-term market players such as Visa or MasterCard, anonymity is not 100% possible. The only option I can think of for an "anonymous" debit card are the prepaid/preloaded debit cards you can buy at places like CVS. Their function, however, is more similar to gift cards, and those tend to be inconvenient in the long run.”

Rautio noted that the main thing in these cards is not maximum confidentiality, but maximum convenience.

“Xapo's goal is to introduce Bitcoin into the everyday lives of people around the world. This will only happen when we can make Bitcoin accessible, easily understood and familiar enough that large-scale adoption of Bitcoin can continue.”

Satoshi Tango

Another card used by Uber in Argentina, the SatoshiTango card, also requires full financial identification. It is available in most countries except the United States.

Mathias Bari, CEO of SatoshiTango, explained that the usual identification requirements still apply, although they are less stringent than those required by banks.

“In order to open an account with SatoshiTango, you need to verify your identity with proof of identification and residential address. You don't need the same level of vetting as owners bank accounts, but you can't apply for a prepaid card or even buy and sell bitcoins without letting us know who you are."

Bitwala

Another Bitcoin card from a company known for its ability to pay various bills with Bitcoin, the Bitwala card, is also not available in the United States. What distinguishes it from all other Bitcoin cards is its integration with the ShapeShift exchanger. This means that the client can top up his card with other cryptocurrencies.

Geoff Gallas of Bitwala explained that their card requires the usual forms of identification, and that all existing cards on the market likely require the same.

“As far as we know, all Bitcoin debit cards on the market require some kind of identification. For the Bitwala card, we are required to fulfill certain requirements, which include verifying certain customer data."

However, in the future, Bitwala will be able to provide solutions for those who do not have proper forms of identification from the government.

Cryptopay

Basically a European card, it is also not available in the US and requires the same forms of identification for unrestricted use. CryptoPay requires identification in order to unlock unlimited use.

However, they provide some options for an unverified card. This means that the customer does not need to provide documents if he has owned the card for a short period of time, which is less than its shortest validity period.

According to general director Cryptopay by Georgy Basiladze: “If a debit card provider offers a completely unlimited and anonymous card, it means the operator is either breaking the law or lying, so users should avoid it.”

Wirex

Similar to Cryptopay, Wirex (formerly E-coin), in addition to providing full ID card service, allows customers to remain unverified for a period of time. The founders of Wirex, Dmitry and Georgy, believe that the privacy and anonymity of Bitcoin cards is possible provided that the lower level of the card's validity period is considered acceptable.

"On at the moment It is technically possible for Bitcoin debit cards to be private and anonymous. As long as the customer is happy with the limitations of short-term cards, there is no need to provide any documentation.”

According to the creators of Wirex, the world of completely private Bitcoin cards may soon end, forcing all clients to submit to identification rules.

“Regulation of prepaid cards is becoming stricter. For example, limits for unverified cardholders will be reduced in the near future. There are attempts to establish links between prepaid cards and fraud or other illegal activity. Therefore, there is no reason to expect that anonymous debit cards will exist on the Visa and MasterCard platforms in the near future.”

The best solution

Even if there is no perfect solution for maintaining the privacy of Bitcoin card users, a reasonable compromise can be found. A user who wants to maintain confidentiality can purchase a card that does not require verification or with a transaction limit, or purchase several unverified cards, switching to a new one each time.

Some customers may wish to have no restrictions on the card's validity period but still desire greater privacy. For those who have two or more citizenships, the solution is to have a verified card with one citizenship and preferably in the currency of the country in which the client actually lives and works. This will help save financial activities, the visible authority having a minimum relationship with the citizen, ensuring that neither party knows too much.

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Cryptocurrencies have appeared since 2009, when Satoshi Nakamoto presented his unique project at that time - Bitcoin. But then the advantage of the considered monetary system A small number of people were able to appreciate it. Today, the popularity of cryptocurrencies is growing rapidly. At the same time, the difficulties of working with cryptocurrencies are becoming more and more clear, namely the difficulties of their operation in the real world.

Why do we need money? Most people will say that it needs to be spent. This is true, but spending cryptocurrencies is very difficult. This requires special tools, such as a Bitcoin card. The idea of ​​creation plastic cards Bitcoin-linked points have existed almost since the advent of cryptocurrencies. And in 2011–12, the crypto community began to take real steps to implement this idea.

The presence of cards would open up much more prospects for investors and simplify the use of cryptocurrencies in everyday life. In addition, the idea seemed attractive to investors. It is not surprising that in 2015–16 the number of developments in the field of cryptocurrency cards began to grow rapidly. At the moment there are about 20 companies that offer similar products. But you can’t trust them all. There are several relatively reliable projects that inspire trust and do not cast doubt on the integrity of their work. Today we will look at the most promising options.

Features of Bitcoin cards

Today, having a card linked to Bitcoin greatly simplifies the life of cryptocurrency owners. With a Bitcoin debit card, you can withdraw cryptocurrency almost as easily as you can withdraw any other currency from the first ATM you come across. Isn’t this what all owners of savings in digital coins dream of?

Previously, they had to go through all the “circles of hell” to withdraw money, and also risk not getting anything at all. Simply put, safe and effective methods there is not much translation. But with the advent of cards, you can manage Bitcoins as easily as money from a regular credit card.

Although, before using one or another Bitcoin card, you need to understand their features:

• The cards in question work in tandem with MasterCard and Visa payment systems. Simply put, the owner of such an accessory can pay with a card anywhere and anytime;
• These cards contain not only cryptocurrencies, but also (dollars, rubles, euros, etc.). Thanks to this, the exchange occurs quickly and at the internal rate, without markups and commissions. This is an automatic process;
• The card will be linked to an account opened in this service. Thanks to this, you can get fiat money quite quickly;
• You can work with some cards without verification, absolutely anonymously;
• Thanks to the card, you have 24/7 access to funds;
• There are no intermediaries, which simplifies and reduces the cost of transactions with cryptocurrency.

In general, using cards is quite profitable. But for some reason they are not very popular in our country. Apparently, the lack of awareness of the population is taking its toll.

The most popular cards for cryptocurrencies

There are many useful products among the major players in the Bitcoin card market. If you need to acquire a convenient payment instrument, then you need to approach its choice with special responsibility. The assortment is quite large, and debates about which card is better are ongoing. Everyone praises their product, because to find best offer, you need to consider each separately:

But it’s worth considering that services that issue cryptocurrency cards have a tricky conversion system. Many cards cooperate with Visa, but to avoid surprises, it is better to carefully read the agreement with both the service and the bank.

Bitcoin cards for Russian users

Despite the fact that plastic cryptocurrency cards are no longer new in the world, in Russia things are much worse with Bitcoin cards. But still, there is a good choice here for people who are really interested in finding a convenient tool. In particular, there are several services that work with a Russian interface and can be used throughout the country.

So, let's consider several suitable options:

So far the list is not that impressive. Russian market It’s big and it’s not mastered. Many companies are already interested in promoting their payment cards with cryptocurrency support here.

How to use Bitcoin plastic cards

Having a plastic debit card on which you can store BTC does not provide any benefits. If you don't know how to use this tool, it is useless. In principle, there should be no difficulties with this, since the operating procedure is the same as with ordinary cards. But as an example, let’s look at how to use, for example, the Xapo Bitcoin card.

1. First step– registration for HARO. Enter all the data and create a wallet.
2. Second step– top up your wallet on the service with cryptocurrency.
3. Third step– order a card and link it to the account created in the system. The order is made quickly, but you need to wait for the card, and also pay for it, as much as the developer requires, the fiat equivalents supported by the card. This is an automatic procedure if two accounts are opened on the service - with cryptocurrency and fiat money.
4. Fourth step– withdraw cash from any ATM in the country that supports Visa.

There is just one not very good point for residents of Russia - the Bitcoin card of this service is not available in our country. The developers have relied on working in EU countries, and it is there that they can use this payment instrument much more convenient.

Nevertheless, the instructions we have given are suitable for almost all Bitcoin cards. They operate on a similar principle, excluding minor features. For example, some have paid services, while others have free ones. In addition, there is a difference in the fees that the user pays for depositing, withdrawing and withdrawing money.

Advantages of Unichange plastic card for Bitcoin

People mainly use Bitcoins as digital currency, but sometimes there is a need to cash them out. For example, it is not yet possible to buy something with cryptocurrency from us, but with the help ordinary money everything is possible. And naturally, many are interested in the Unichange plastic Bitcoin card as one of the most successful tools. In addition, ordering it is quite simple - it costs only 9 dollars (8 euros).

But before you place an order, let’s discuss the advantages of this Bitcoin card:

But besides plastic, there is also virtual card for Bitcoins. It has its advantages:

• It's free;
• There is no need to wait for it to be sent, as with a plastic card. Delivery in this case is instant;
• You can pay for purchases online without using a plastic card.

Overall, the Bitcoin card is worth ordering. It makes life much easier for people who often exchange cryptocurrency for fiat. With its help you can forget about too much high commissions or the dangers of the transactions being conducted. The card has proven its reliability.

Wirex

Wirex is an international debit card, thanks to which cryptocurrency can be withdrawn and used like fiat money. Interestingly, it can be delivered anywhere in the world, including Russia.

This service appeared back in 2015 and immediately earned the attention of the crypto community. Wirex advantages:

• The system has mobile application allowing you to control your account and card remotely;
• There is a plastic and virtual card. You can choose just one or two at once;
• A good range of available currencies. You can also withdraw US dollars, euros, pounds sterling and other currencies using the card. And all this in exchange for Bitcoin;
• Wirex partners with Visa and MasterCard, so you don't have to look for signs "Bitcoin Accepted";
• Upon payment virtual shopping no need to monitor limits;
• The site supports 13 languages, in particular Russian. Registration on it will not be a problem.

But this service also has disadvantages that you should know about before making a purchase:

By the way, special attention should be paid to the issue of limits. For example, if an unverified user tries to withdraw cash from an ATM, he will have to limit himself to one thousand dollars. At the same time, the maximum that can be kept on the card is two thousand dollars.

As for the operating principle of this card, it is simple. The main thing is to correctly link the card to your Bitcoin account. But first, you need to create a wallet on the website and order a card. Only after this can it be attached to your personal account.

The Bitcoin cryptocurrency is becoming more and more popular every day and the number of its users is growing. In 2017, the rate of the virtual coin updates its maximums almost every month. As the exchange rate rises, so does its market capitalization. Many have managed to make good money on Bitcoin by investing or trading on the stock exchange. Therefore, the pressing question today is what are bitcoin cards Mastercard or Visa for transfer, withdrawal of BTC cryptocurrency and subsequent withdrawal of cash from an ATM. The most important thing is that it should be as confidential and anonymous as possible today.

In the article I will consider the payment systems Advcash and ePayments, to whose accounts it is possible to transfer bitcoins, exchange them into fiat currencies (dollars, euros, rubles) and subsequent withdrawal to the card.

Important addition: Advcash cards have been available only for EC clients since the fall of 2017, but through this payment system it is possible to withdraw bitcoins to other Visa cards or Mastercard of any bank in the world, as well as transfer to other electronic money.

You can, as before, order a bitcoin card from the payment system Epayments. Free shipping, $5.95 production. Withdraw cash from any ATM in the world. In addition to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash can be withdrawn. I recommend working and withdrawing money to it through an exchange - since you can directly link your ePayments account to this exchange and immediately withdraw cryptocurrency to fiat. I'll be reviewing this combination in the near future.

Plastic cards from the above systems work in any ATM that accepts payment Mastercard system. Delivery is free and carried out by regular mail to the address you provide during registration. The fee is only for issuing a Bitcoin card.

The following cryptocurrencies can be transferred to the ePayments payment system: Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and subsequent transfer to bitcoin Mastercard. The payment system is registered in the UK, information in tax authorities Today it does not provide services to CIS countries.

Official website: epayments.com

After registration, accounts are available in the following currencies:

• US Dollar USD
• Euro EUR
• Russian ruble RUB

After funds are credited to the ePayments wallet, they can be transferred to the ordered card from this payment system and withdraw money from any ATM.

Bitcoin review Epayments cards, commissions and limits:

• When ordering, the first 2 months are free of charge
• Delivery without payment to any country in the world - Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, etc.
• Order cost $5.95
• Monthly maintenance cost $2.95
• Commission for withdrawing cash in dollars or euros at an ATM is $2.6. If you withdraw in another currency that differs from the card currency, then another +2.6% is added for conversion (exchange)
• Limits greatly depend on account verification (see epayments.com)

Advcash Mastercard for withdrawing bitcoins

To transfer bitcoins to Advcash, register on the official website: advcash.com. To increase the limits, it is advisable to undergo account verification (it will take 1-2 days). But, you can order a card without it and while it is being delivered, upload the necessary documents.

Transferring bitcoins to a card from Sberbank and other banks

If you need to translate bitcoin to card Sberbank, Alfa Bank, VTB24 or any Visa or Mastercard of another bank, then you should resort to help.

Reliable services: Prostocash, Xchange, 60cek, Platov, Ramon Cash - fast and high-quality exchange.

You need to select the direction of exchange and provide the necessary information. For example, :