Wirex Limited has launched the first 2-way bitcoin debit card with a buy bitcoin function. With this announcement, Wirex users will be able to fund their debit card accounts from anywhere around the world through bank transfers and other alternative payment methods (APMs). This move is expected to benefit Wirex’s customers in over 130 countries.

Wirex customers can now use their bitcoin debit cards to purchase bitcoin, on top of conveniently spending their coins wherever Visa and MasterCard are accepted. In order to buy bitcoin from Wirex, a user needs to have an E-Coin account and Wirex/E-Coin debit card (virtual/plastic). The minimum amount of bitcoin that can be purchased is 0.01 BTC. Users can buy bitcoin by loading funds onto their E-Coin card.

The card can be funded through:

• Bank Transfer

Wirex supports international and domestic bank transfers directly to users’ accounts.  With partner banks in over 68 countries, customers can make quick domestic transfers to their Wirex debit card accounts. Supported banks include Barclays, Lloyds, ING and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

• Alternative Payment Methods (APMs)

Wirex also supports bitcoin purchases through popular APMs. Customers can use services such as PaySafeCard, Sofortuberwesing, Neosurf and Yandex to top up their Wirex debit card accounts. A full list of supported alternative payment methods can be found in here.

“We do not charge any fees for topping up your debit cards via Bank Transfer or Alternative Payment Methods, but our partner banks do charge for using their infrastructure”, the online post reads.

New Platform To Release Soon

In addition, Wirex said that it will be releasing a new platform next month and all users, cards, and accounts will move over to the new wirexapp.com platform without delay once it launches. In the meantime, customers can continue to create accounts and take advantage of using bitcoin everywhere through the E-Coin website.

“All E-Coin accounts will become Wirex accounts in April, once the new site is fully launched”, the post reads.

In February, Wirex Limited announced the launch of Wirex, the world’s first hybrid personal banking solution that combines the benefits of blockchain technology into everyday finances. The rebranding also saw the integration of E-Coin - the successful bitcoin debit card provider under the same company, into the new Wirex.