Coinbase Integrates Apple Pay for Faster Fiat-to-Crypto Transactions

Coinbase has integrated Apple Pay into its On-ramp platform to facilitate fiat-to-crypto transactions, allowing users to purchase digital assets using debit cards linked to their Apple Wallet.

According to a blog post published on December 2, this update is part of Coinbase's initiative to simplify cryptocurrency access and reduce onboarding friction for new users. The service was initially rolled out to select users during Thanksgiving.

Simplifying Crypto Adoption

The Apple Pay integration follows remarks from Coinbase’s chief policy officer, Faryar Shirzad, who indicated that the US regulatory environment will likely change with the new President-elect, Donald Trump, taking office in January. Shirzad anticipates that the administration will expedite approval of pending crypto legislation, aligning the US with regions like Singapore and Hong Kong, potentially boosting crypto adoption.

Coinbase aims to enhance user onboarding through its On-ramp platform, which supports over 60 global fiat currencies and offers lightweight KYC screening for eligible users. The payment feature is accessible to third-party users as well, allowing external customers to buy cryptocurrencies via Apple Pay on their iPhones.

Coinbase is waiving fees for USDC purchases made through the new payment feature to incentivize adoption.

Coinbase to Add Support for Google Pay Soon

Plans are underway to add Google Pay support to the platform in the coming months, further simplifying crypto acquisition for new users.

Coinbase continues to expand globally, having recently obtained regulatory approval to operate in jurisdictions including France and Singapore, thereby strengthening its presence in Europe and Asia. The company has also established a new engineering hub in Singapore to support local developers and enhance technological innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Beyond expansion, Coinbase advocates for clearer regulations to promote innovation while protecting users. Its initiatives include educational resources and partnerships with financial institutions aimed at driving mass adoption and building a robust crypto ecosystem.