Binance Resumes Mastercard Cryptocurrency Purchases After Regulatory Setbacks
Binance Resumes Mastercard Crypto Purchases After Regulatory Hurdles
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has once again opened its doors to customers looking to purchase cryptocurrencies using Mastercard. The move comes after a period of regulatory pressure that saw Binance facing challenges with its card offerings.
According to a recent post on June 6, Binance has resumed cryptocurrency purchases via bank transfers using Mastercard debit and credit cards for “smooth transactions.” The platform now allows users to buy crypto via Mastercard with a maximum one-time purchase limit of up to 5,000 euros for euro-based transactions and up to $20,000 for United States dollar-based purchases.
In a statement to Cointelegraph, a Binance spokesperson mentioned that the exchange plans to add more regulated fiat payment providers in the future to facilitate more intuitive crypto purchases. This move comes after Mastercard’s decision to allow Binance-related purchases on its network following a review of the exchange’s compliance standards.
Binance’s card offerings were initially shut down in certain regions due to regulatory pressure. The exchange closed down Visa debit card services in the European Economic Area (EEA) in December 2023, shortly after restoring euro deposits and withdrawals. Mastercard also ended its partnership with Binance in several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Bahrain.
Despite these regulatory challenges, Binance seems to be turning a new leaf with the reenabling of Mastercard-based cryptocurrency purchases. This move could signal that the exchange’s regulatory troubles are coming to an end, especially after its settlement in the United States.
As part of the settlement, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, also known as “CZ,” stepped down as CEO and was sentenced to four months in prison for charges related to money laundering at the exchange. Zhao is currently serving his sentence in a low-security federal prison in California but plans to continue his involvement in the crypto space upon his release.
With Binance’s latest move to resume Mastercard crypto purchases, the exchange is showing resilience in the face of regulatory challenges and is working towards providing a seamless experience for its customers.