Bitcoin-based digital wallet app Abra has announced its partnership with Israel-based bitcoin startup Simplex, thereby allowing bitcoin purchases via VISA or MasterCard credit card or debit card through its platform.
Abra users have a number of options to fund their wallets, including bank and wire transfer, or transferring bitcoin or litecoin purchased elsewhere. U.S.-based users can make bitcoin credit card purchases using American Express.
“All of those options are still available, but now users will also be able to use a VISA or MasterCard credit or debit card to make bitcoin purchases too thanks to a new partnership with Simplex,” Abra said.
According to the details provided on a blog post, the bitcoin purchases when made with a credit card or debit card through Abra can range from $50 to $20,000 at a time.
“Buyers can direct their bitcoin buys to any supported wallet, or set up a new wallet with Abra, which enables investing access to 24 altcoins and 50 fiat currencies,” Abra said. “The purchased bitcoin is usually available in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on blockchain processing times.”
Abra CEO Bill Barhydt told Bitcoin Magazine that users located outside the United States could fund their Abra wallet by only using bitcoin. The partnership with Simplex addresses this problem and allows it to “offer a simple way for customers globally to use Abra to buy their first bitcoin using any Visa or Mastercard and then start investing in any of the other 24 cryptocurrencies we support today.”
