Barclays Bans Crypto Buys with Credit Cards in UK

UK banking giant Barclays has announced a sweeping ban on purchasing cryptoassets with its credit cards, effective June 27, 2025. The move, detailed in an official notification on the bank's consumer credit division website, aims to shield both customers and the institution from the financial risks associated with cryptocurrency market volatility.

Key Details: What’s Changing for Barclays Customers?

Under the new policy, all Barclays credit cards will be blocked from completing transactions that involve the purchase of cryptoassets. The bank cites extreme price volatility and the absence of regulatory protection—such as those offered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or compensation schemes in the UK—as primary reasons for the clampdown.

“We are taking action to protect customers from potential financial losses,” Barclays stated in its official Barclaycard release. The restriction is limited strictly to credit cards; customers may still use debit cards or bank transfers to purchase cryptocurrencies.

Broader Banking Trend: Risk Management in the Digital Asset Sector

Barclays is not alone in tightening controls on crypto transactions. Other major UK financial institutions, including HSBC and NatWest, have implemented similar restrictions. Industry analysts see this as part of a larger movement among banks to reduce credit risk linked to highly unstable digital assets.

While the new policy may complicate crypto purchases for UK residents, it does not indicate a wholesale rejection of blockchain innovation by Barclays. The bank has previously explored decentralized technologies for integration into its own systems.

Impact and Outlook

The credit card ban will affect a significant segment of Barclays' client base—particularly those accustomed to leveraging credit for digital asset investment. The bank maintains that the measure is essential for protecting both customers and the broader financial system from the fallout of sudden crypto market collapses.

The decision comes as major global banks review their digital asset risk strategies. Notably, the largest South Korean bank recently filed a trademark application in the stablecoin sector, underscoring continued institutional interest in blockchain-based finance despite regulatory tightening.