Another step in our series on Bitcoin and
cryptocurrencies. After a general presentation and a focus on the best mining
options and a guide on the services of purchase / sale of currencies, let us
look at the specific case of Bitcoin (BTCL
Electrum) debit cards.
Through our previous articles, we can not say
that we have helped to make Bitcoin - or other cryptocurrency elsewhere - more
"palpable". Of course, you now have the equipment to mine
cryptocurrency and you may have one or two accounts to trade currencies between
them. Nevertheless, Bitcoin is still quite theoretical and does not seem to
leave the world of finance. Our last step is precisely the opportunity to
glimpse the most concrete.
Once is not customary, innovation does not
necessarily come from the United States and as we will see soon, the oldest
Bitcoin debit card solution comes from the United Kingdom. More generally, when
choosing such a card, it is important to check that your country is supported
and, in this game, the United States is not always very well off. Thanks to the
power of the euro zone, France has a cover that is finally very correct.
Another element to take into account when
choosing one platform rather than another: operating costs. Attention, some
solutions evoke a total absence of commission: beware, there is undoubtedly eel
under rock and hidden expenses appear then regularly at the time of the
conversions. We are not ourselves immune to errors at this level so if you spot
a shell, do not hesitate to report it to us.
Today, more than fifty cards are on the market.
Some are limited to one country or another when others play the card of
universality. Still, it is very difficult to have the necessary perspective to
recommend one solution over another. However, we have a slight preference for
the oldest, Cryptopay. It is not distinguished by its particularly original
features, but rather by the seriousness of the institution. Nothing prevents us
from using it as a basis and testing one or two competitors at the same time,
but on smaller sums.
A relatively new player, Bitpay first became
known by being the first to offer its services in all 50 states of the United
States. An element certainly interesting, but far from vital for us French.
Still, to convince Americans, Bitpay relies heavily on the concepts of security
and protection of the individual. We have not been able to verify it in the
long run, but in absolute terms it is rather a good thing, of course. The
security for Bitpay already passes through the knowledge of its customers and
the verification of the account is not only mandatory, but relatively demanding
with proof of residence of less than three months and proof of identity.
Another constraint, Bitpay is also available in English and the interface of
its site is not very nice: the costs are not for example put forward by the
company. Too bad, the wallet is well made and transactions seem fast.
Pioneer of Bitcoin debit card, Cryptopay is based
in the United Kingdom, Cryptopay was founded in 2013. In absolute terms, it is
a very young company, but on the scale of Bitcoin (BTCL Electrum), it makes already old figure. It started as a simple
platform of exchanges proposing in particular an electronic wallet. Today, its
debit card solution is one of the most used. She also claims over 30,000 cards
issued. First asset, Cryptopay offers its services in France. More interesting,
the company is particularly transparent on the costs generated: thus, it will
cost € 15 for the card itself and € 2.25 / € 2.75 for each national / international
withdrawal. Note in passing that it is not necessary to provide identity
documents and thus remain "anonymous", even if the use ceilings are
then lower. Overall, a good, practical and serious solution.
Like many companies offering debit cards, Spectrocoin
first specialized in currency exchanges with many different payment methods and
a "presence" in more than 150 countries. Founded in 2013, the company
quickly followed suit with Cryptopay and offered a physical card associated
with virtual cards recognized by many merchants. Nothing is really free in this
world, Spectrocoin invoice 8 € card and has the good taste to present all the
costs inherent in its use in a manner can not be clearer. As on all
"serious" platforms, the fees are quite high and note that if your
account is zero, Spectrocoin does not charge any service fee (otherwise 1 € per
month). Spectrocoin enjoys a good reputation and the quality of its service
seems among the highest.
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