Let’s face it — we’re living in a tap-and-go world. Most of us don’t even carry physical wallets anymore. With smartphones in hand and fingerprint or face ID doing all the heavy lifting, it’s no wonder people are asking: Can you actually buy crypto with Apple Pay or Google Pay? Spoiler alert: Yes, you can — but let’s dig a little deeper, shall we? This article will walk you through everything you need to know — step-by-step — about using Apple Pay and Google Pay to buy cryptocurrencies. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned crypto investor just looking for convenience, this guide is your one-stop shop.
What Are Apple Pay and Google Pay?
Apple Pay and Google Pay are two of the most popular digital wallet systems in the world, designed to simplify how we make payments in our increasingly cashless society. These platforms allow users to store their credit and debit card information digitally and use their smartphones, smartwatches, or other compatible devices to pay securely in stores, apps, and online. Their speed, convenience, and enhanced security make them a go-to choice for millions of users who want to skip the physical wallet but still pay effortlessly.
Apple Pay is Apple’s proprietary mobile payment solution built into iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and even Macs. Once users add their debit or credit cards to the Wallet app, they can make contactless payments with just a tap, fingerprint, or Face ID scan. Apple Pay leverages tokenization and biometric authentication to protect user data, meaning your real card number is never shared with merchants—only a unique, encrypted token is used. It’s available in more than 60 countries and works with major banks and card networks worldwide.
Google Pay, formerly known as Android Pay and Google Wallet, is Google’s answer to seamless mobile payments. Available on Android smartphones and Wear OS devices, it functions similarly to Apple Pay but offers slightly broader integration with Google’s ecosystem. Beyond storing cards, Google Pay can also hold loyalty programs, gift cards, and even transit tickets in some cities. Like Apple Pay, it uses NFC (Near Field Communication) technology for contactless payments and encrypts every transaction for added protection.
With both platforms offering such user-friendly, secure payment methods, it’s only natural to wonder: can you take that same tap-to-pay experience and use it to buy crypto? The short answer is yes—but there are a few twists and turns you’ll want to know about first.
Why Use Apple Pay or Google Pay to Buy Crypto?
Using Apple Pay or Google Pay to buy cryptocurrency isn’t just trendy—it’s smart, practical, and perfectly aligned with how we already handle daily purchases in a digital-first world. Here’s a detailed look at why so many people are opting to use these digital wallets for crypto transactions:
- Instant Transactions Without the Hassle
One of the biggest perks is sheer speed. With Apple Pay or Google Pay, there’s no need to type in your card number, billing address, or even log into your online banking portal. The transaction is processed in seconds. As long as your card is already linked to the wallet, you just authorize with your fingerprint, Face ID, or screen lock—and boom, your crypto is on its way to your wallet. It’s smoother than your morning coffee order. - Top-Tier Security That Beats Physical Cards
Apple Pay and Google Pay use advanced security measures that often outperform traditional card payments. Your actual card number is never shared with the crypto exchange or stored on the device. Instead, the system uses encryption and tokenization to process your payments. If a hacker intercepts the data, all they’d get is a meaningless string of numbers—useless without your device and biometric authentication. - Simplified User Experience for Mobile-First Buyers
Let’s be real—most of us live on our smartphones. From ordering food to checking bank balances, everything happens from that little screen. So why not buy crypto the same way? These payment platforms are designed with the mobile user in mind. No extra steps, no browser redirects, and definitely no forms to fill out. It’s built for convenience and ease, especially for first-time crypto buyers who might be overwhelmed by more complex processes. - Reduced Risk of Errors and Rejected Transactions
Ever mistyped a card number on a crypto exchange? It happens, and sometimes it leads to failed transactions or temporary card bans. Apple Pay and Google Pay remove that risk. Once your card is linked correctly, the system handles all the details accurately in the background. That means fewer chances for human error, and more confidence that your payment will go through without a hitch. - Better Compatibility With Modern Exchanges and Apps
Many of the biggest and most user-friendly crypto platforms—like Coinbase, Binance, and Crypto.com—are now fully compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay. That means you’re not stuck using obscure payment methods or bank wires. You can fund your crypto account in seconds using tools you already trust and use every day. - Built-in Fraud Detection and Dispute Support
If something does go wrong—maybe a suspicious charge or an unrecognized transaction—both Apple and Google have robust fraud detection systems. Plus, your bank or card issuer may offer added protections when you use these platforms. You’re not just relying on the crypto exchange’s policies; you have extra layers of support in case of issues.
Can You Actually Buy Crypto Using These Wallets?
| Platform Type | Supports Apple Pay | Supports Google Pay | Direct Purchase Possible | Notes |
| Centralized Exchanges | (e.g., Coinbase, Binance) | (e.g., Crypto.com, Gemini) | (usually for credit/debit card purchases) | Most major exchanges have added support for at least one of the wallets. Check region availability. |
| Decentralized Wallets | (rare support) | (rare support) | – | These wallets usually don’t process fiat directly. You need to use a third-party provider. |
| Third-Party On-Ramps | (e.g., MoonPay, Ramp) | (e.g., Transak, Simplex) | + | Great for converting fiat to crypto. Often embedded into wallets and exchanges. |
| Peer-to-Peer Platforms | (depends on seller) | (depends on seller) | You may find sellers accepting these methods, but it’s not platform-standard. | |
| Crypto Wallet Apps | (e.g., Trust Wallet via MoonPay) | (e.g., MetaMask via Transak) | + | Wallet apps don’t accept Apple/Google Pay directly, but integrated services allow it. |
Top Crypto Exchanges That Accept Apple Pay and Google Pay
If you’re ready to jump into the crypto world using Apple Pay or Google Pay, you’re in luck—some of the biggest and most trusted platforms now accept these payment methods. This makes buying digital currencies a breeze, especially for mobile-first users who prefer fast and secure transactions. While not every exchange has this option available globally, the support is expanding rapidly.
Coinbase stands out as one of the most user-friendly platforms that accept both Apple Pay and Google Pay. With support for popular cryptos like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and USD Coin (USDC), it allows for instant purchases with just a few taps. It’s especially ideal for beginners who want a clean, straightforward interface combined with seamless payment options. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device, getting started on Coinbase is quick and intuitive.
Binance and Crypto.com also support both Apple Pay and Google Pay, offering access to hundreds of digital assets. Binance supports coins like BTC, BNB, ETH, and more, while Crypto.com allows purchases of over 250 cryptocurrencies. Both platforms enable instant buy features, meaning you can own crypto within seconds of completing your transaction. These exchanges are more advanced than Coinbase, making them attractive to more experienced traders as well.
Other platforms like BitPay, Paxful, and MoonPay offer alternative routes for using these wallets. BitPay acts more like a payment processor but still allows instant crypto purchases with Apple Pay and Google Pay. Paxful is a peer-to-peer platform where payment methods depend on individual sellers, though many support both wallets. MoonPay and Binance.US act as fiat-to-crypto on-ramps and also provide a smooth buying experience, particularly for users who want to make quick, direct purchases of coins like DOGE, ETH, or USDT.
How to Buy Crypto Using Apple Pay
If you’re an Apple user and want to dive into the crypto market without dealing with clunky payment forms, Apple Pay makes the process refreshingly smooth. It’s fast, intuitive, and built right into your device. You’ll be surprised how few steps it takes to go from browsing to owning your first bit of Bitcoin or Ethereum. Here’s a fully detailed, step-by-step list of how to buy crypto using Apple Pay:
- Pick a Crypto Platform That Supports Apple Pay
Before anything else, you need to choose the right crypto exchange or wallet. Not all platforms accept Apple Pay, so stick to popular, trusted ones like Coinbase, Binance, Crypto.com, or MoonPay. These services are optimized for mobile and often have a built-in Apple Pay checkout option. - Download the App and Create Your Account
Head to the App Store, download the app of your chosen exchange, and sign up. This typically involves entering your email, creating a password, and verifying your identity. Most platforms will also ask for KYC (Know Your Customer) details like an ID scan and a selfie to keep things secure and compliant. - Link Your Apple Pay Wallet to Your iPhone or iPad
Make sure Apple Pay is already set up on your device. This means you’ve added at least one active debit or credit card to your Apple Wallet. If not, go to the Wallet app, tap the “+” sign, and follow the prompts to add a card. This step is crucial, as the crypto platform will tap into this payment source. - Log In and Navigate to the Buy Section
Once inside the app, locate the “Buy” or “Trade” section. This is usually prominently displayed on the home screen. Tap it to begin the crypto purchase process. - Choose the Cryptocurrency You Want to Buy
You’ll see a list of available coins — Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and many more. Select the one you’re interested in, and enter the amount you want to purchase, either in fiat currency (like USD or INR) or in crypto value. - Select Apple Pay as Your Payment Method
At the checkout screen, you’ll see a list of available payment options. Choose Apple Pay. If your device and platform support it, it will be displayed as a quick-tap option. This makes the process seamless compared to manually entering card details. - Confirm Your Purchase Details
Double-check the crypto amount, fees, and total cost. Most platforms will show a live preview of how much crypto you’ll receive after fees. Take a second to review this so you don’t make a rushed or accidental transaction.
How to Buy Crypto Using Google Pay
| Step | Description | Key Tips | Common Platforms | Payment Verification Methods |
| Pick a Compatible Exchange | Choose a crypto exchange that supports Google Pay, such as Binance, Crypto.com, or MoonPay. | Check platform’s payment options before signing up. | Binance, Crypto.com, MoonPay | N/A |
| Sign In or Create Account | Either log in with your existing account or register a new one by providing email and verification details. | Complete KYC steps for smooth transactions. | Most exchanges require KYC | Email verification, ID upload |
| Tap on the “Buy” Button | Navigate to the buying or trading section within the app to initiate a crypto purchase. | Look for “Buy,” “Trade,” or “Get Crypto” buttons. | All major apps support this | N/A |
| Choose Your Crypto | Select which cryptocurrency you want to buy, like BTC, ETH, or USDT, and enter the amount. | Check current prices and fees before confirming. | Supports BTC, ETH, USDT, others | N/A |
| Select Google Pay | At payment options, choose Google Pay as your preferred payment method for instant checkout. | Make sure your Google Pay wallet has an active card linked. | Google Pay-enabled platforms | N/A |
| Verify Payment | Authenticate the purchase using your PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition to authorize payment securely. | Ensure biometric data is set up on your device. | Android smartphones | PIN, fingerprint, face scan |
| Completion and Crypto Ownership | After authorization, the transaction completes almost instantly, and crypto appears in your wallet. | Review transaction receipt and wallet balance. | Supported exchanges | Push notification or email confirmation |
Hidden Costs and Fees You Should Know About
When you’re ready to buy crypto using Apple Pay or Google Pay, the last thing you want is to be blindsided by unexpected fees. These charges can quietly eat into your investment, making what seemed like a great deal a little less profitable. Different platforms have their own fee structures, and sometimes what looks like a small percentage can add up, especially if you’re making multiple purchases or buying larger amounts. Understanding these hidden costs is crucial before you hit that “Confirm” button.
Take Coinbase, for example. They charge anywhere from 1.49% to 3.99% as a processing fee, depending on how you pay and where you’re located. On top of that, there’s a network fee—basically a small amount paid to miners or validators on the blockchain to process your transaction. Coinbase might also add a “spread markup,” which means the price you pay can be slightly higher than the actual market rate. So, even if the platform advertises low fees, these additional charges can bump up the total cost more than you expect.
Crypto.com and MoonPay have their own twists. Crypto.com typically charges a flat 1.49% fee, which is fairly straightforward, but like Coinbase, it might include a hidden spread markup that you won’t see upfront. MoonPay, on the other hand, has a much higher processing fee of around 4.5%. This might feel steep, but they often bundle in currency conversion costs if you’re buying with a different fiat currency than what your bank uses. BitPay’s fees range between 1% and 2%, and while they don’t list extra network fees, there might be spread costs hidden in the price you pay.
The key takeaway here is to always dig into the fine print before you buy. Fees can vary wildly depending on your location, payment method, the cryptocurrency you want to buy, and even the timing of the transaction. Sometimes a platform with slightly higher fees offers better convenience or faster processing, so it’s about balancing cost with experience. But the smartest move? Know exactly what you’re paying for so there are no surprises, and your crypto journey stays on track without unnecessary costs dragging you down.