UK Regulator Considers Banning Crypto Payments via Credit Cards

Crypto investors in the UK who rely on borrowed money may soon face tighter restrictions. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed a ban on using credit cards to purchase digital assets, citing rising concerns over consumer debt and the risks tied to speculative investing.

The recommendation, released on May 2, follows a noticeable increase in credit-fueled crypto purchases. A recent YouGov study found that the number of UK residents buying crypto with credit more than doubled—from 6% in 2022 to 14% in 2024. The FCA views this trend as a potential threat to both individual financial stability and the broader financial system, especially given the inherent volatility of assets like Bitcoin.

This proposed restriction is just one part of a wider regulatory package unveiled by the FCA. The broader plan aims to bring crypto asset markets under tighter oversight, with proposed rules for trading platforms, intermediaries, and lenders. Key features include mandatory separation of customer funds from internal trading operations, enhanced detection of market abuse, and stricter rules around transparency and risk disclosure.

The initiative also seeks to reassess how suitable crypto investments are for retail users and clamp down on misleading marketing practices. Public feedback on the proposal is open until June 13, 2025.

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The FCA’s efforts align with a growing global push toward crypto regulation. Just last month, Japan’s Financial Services Agency released a similar framework aimed at defining digital assets based on their capital distribution structure.

Despite its regulatory tightening, the UK continues to position itself as a future leader in digital finance. Government officials, including Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, have signaled their intent to develop a robust yet innovation-friendly environment for the crypto industry. However, how the sector will respond to the FCA’s sweeping proposals remains an open question.

Alexander Stefanov