Barclays has introduced new restrictions on using credit cards for cryptocurrency purchases, a move expected to dampen retail participation in digital asset markets. The UK-based banking giant cited concerns over crypto’s volatility and regulatory uncertainty as the primary reasons for the policy change.
According to an official update on Barclays’ website, the decision is intended to reduce customer exposure to potentially unstable markets. The move, initially hinted at earlier this year by Barclaycard U.S. head Paul Wilmore, now appears to apply broadly—including to UK clients.
This restrictive stance contrasts with recent moves by other financial institutions. MasterCard, for instance, announced a partnership with Chainlink to facilitate onchain crypto transactions, signaling growing acceptance of blockchain technology in traditional finance.
Barclays’ decision also comes as Bitcoin stabilizes above $100,000, recovering from recent volatility driven by macroeconomic uncertainties and tight monetary conditions. However, analysts caution that removing credit cards—a commonly used tool by retail investors—could limit fresh capital inflows into the crypto market just as it seeks to regain momentum.
As some players embrace onchain innovation, others, like Barclays, are tightening controls—underscoring a widening divide in institutional approaches to crypto adoption.
June 2025, Cryptoniteuae