Looking for a crypto exchange that actually lets you use your credit card? Paybis might catch your eye—it's one of the few platforms where plastic works. But here's the thing: convenience comes with a price tag. If you're the type who checks fee structures before breakfast, you'll want to read this first.
This review breaks down whether Paybis' credit card support is worth paying extra for, or if you're better off with cheaper alternatives.
Back in 2014, two guys named Innokenty Isers and Konstantin Wasilenko started Paybis with a straightforward goal: make buying crypto secure and simple. Seven years later, they're operating in 180+ countries with over $250 million in annual trading volume. Not bad.
The platform's main selling point? You can actually buy crypto with a credit card. While that might not sound revolutionary, most major exchanges (Coinbase and Gemini included) don't let U.S. users do this. So if you're itching to use that rewards card for Bitcoin, Paybis is one of your few options.
Here's what sets Paybis apart: credit and debit cards work here. Bank transfers too, obviously. But the credit card support is the real headline.
Most platforms have abandoned credit card crypto purchases for U.S. customers. Paybis didn't. Whether that's a feature or a trap depends entirely on how much you're willing to pay for convenience (spoiler: it's not cheap).
Paybis supports 10 cryptocurrencies. That's it. But before you bounce, these are the heavy hitters: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Tether, Ethereum Classic, Tron, Dogecoin, and USD Coin.
If you're chasing obscure altcoins, this isn't your spot. But for mainstream crypto? You're covered.
Here's something interesting: Paybis supports 47 fiat currencies. Combined with availability in 180+ countries, this could save you money on currency conversion if you're international or travel frequently.
For someone bouncing between countries, that's actually pretty useful. Less friction, fewer conversion fees eating into your purchases.
Nobody likes KYC verification. It's boring, it takes forever, and you have to dig up documents you haven't seen since you moved.
Paybis claims their verification process takes about 15 minutes. Upload your ID, snap a selfie, maybe show a bank statement or card, and you're usually done before your coffee gets cold.
Paybis isn't some fly-by-night operation. They're registered with the UK's Financial Conduct Authority and FinCEN in the U.S., with licenses in 48 states. They follow strict KYC regulations and use proper encryption.
One more thing: Paybis doesn't hold your crypto. It's a non-custodial exchange, meaning everything goes straight to your wallet. They can't lose your funds in a hack because they never had them.
Here's where things get interesting (and by interesting, I mean expensive).
Every transaction hits you with up to three fees:
The Paybis Fee: This is 0.99% for ACH bank transfers (actually pretty reasonable) or 2.49% for card transactions. Your first trade gets this waived, which is nice.
The Card Processing Fee: If you use a card, add another 4.5% in the U.S. (up to 6.5% elsewhere). There's also a $10 minimum card processing fee. Yes, minimum. So small purchases get hit especially hard.
Miner's Fee: This varies by cryptocurrency and goes to the network, not Paybis.
Do the math on card purchases: 2.49% + 4.5% = 6.99% before the miner's fee. That's... not great. For a $100 Bitcoin purchase, you're paying about $7 in fees just to Paybis.
Want to save money on crypto purchases while still getting the convenience you need? 👉 See how Paybis compares to other exchanges for your specific buying needs before committing to any platform.
Coinbase and Gemini offer way more cryptocurrencies. They also have advanced trading platforms with maker/taker fee structures that can drop below 0.50% for active traders.
Paybis doesn't have an advanced platform. You're stuck with the same fees whether you buy once or fifty times. For ACH transfers, 0.99% is competitive with standard Coinbase and Gemini. But if you're trading regularly, those other platforms' pro versions will save you money.
The credit card support is unique, but you're paying a premium for it. Unless you specifically need to use plastic for crypto, the fees probably aren't worth it.
You'll need to be 18+, live somewhere Paybis operates, and—this is important—have your own crypto wallet ready. Since Paybis doesn't hold your crypto, you need somewhere to send it.
Don't have a wallet yet? Sort that out first. Then come back and start the account setup.
The verification process requires standard stuff: government ID, a selfie (possibly with a note or your card), maybe a bank statement. Takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours. Once you're verified, you're good to go.
Short answer: yes.
Paybis runs a tight ship with KYC enforcement and identity verification. The site uses secure encryption for transactions. And since they don't custody your crypto, you're not vulnerable to exchange hacks wiping out your holdings.
Your funds go directly to your wallet. You control them completely.
No phone number, but you've got email ([email protected]), live chat, and a support portal. The live chat is 24/7, which beats waiting days for email responses.
They're also on YouTube and Twitter @Paybis.
Customer service gets solid reviews. On Trustpilot, Paybis has 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 14,000 reviews. People seem genuinely happy with how responsive the support team is. For crypto exchanges, that's actually impressive.
Depends what you need.
Paybis makes sense if:
You specifically want to buy crypto with a credit card
You're investing in major cryptocurrencies only
You're making occasional purchases via ACH (0.99% is reasonable)
You need support for multiple fiat currencies
Look elsewhere if:
You want to invest in lesser-known altcoins
You trade frequently (multiple times per week)
You want the absolute lowest fees possible
You're okay with debit-only or bank transfer restrictions
For active traders, platforms with maker/taker fees (often under 0.50%) will save you serious money. Even Paybis' cheapest option (ACH at 0.99%) costs twice as much.
But if you're a casual buyer who wants credit card convenience and sticks to Bitcoin and Ethereum? Paybis could work. Just understand you're paying extra for that convenience.
Paybis carved out a niche by keeping credit card purchases alive when most platforms abandoned them. The platform is secure, properly regulated, and has surprisingly good customer service.
But here's the truth: credit card crypto buying costs you nearly 7% in fees. That's expensive by any measure. For most people, the ACH option (0.99%) makes more sense—though even that's pricier than active trading platforms.
If convenience matters more than costs, and you're buying major cryptocurrencies occasionally, Paybis delivers what it promises. Just make sure you're comfortable with what you're paying for that convenience. For those looking to make informed choices about crypto exchanges, understanding the total cost picture helps you decide if credit card access is actually worth it or just a shiny feature you'll rarely use.