Crypto-adjacent merchant accounts UK

Card networks treat crypto purchases as the highest-fraud-risk vertical alongside gambling. Mainstream UK acquirers decline categorically. Specialist acquirers exist but pricing is high and reserves substantial.

Legal status (UK)

Legal in UK with FCA registration for crypto-asset firms (Money Laundering Regulations). Promotional rules tightened in 2023-2024.

Acquirers accepting

  • Specialist crypto-friendly acquirers
  • Tier-one international acquirers via specific programmes

Typical pricing

Rate
3.0% to 6.0%
Settlement reserve
10% to 20% rolling reserve standard

Watch outs

  • FCA registration for crypto-asset activity required.
  • Visa and Mastercard rules around crypto purchases differ.
  • Some acquirers exclude specific sub-categories (NFTs, gaming-token swaps).

Last reviewed: 2026-04-26.