Bitcoin payment cards from many providers are suddenly blocked

Bitcoin payment cards from the likes of BitPay, TenX, Wirex and Bitwala have become unusable overnight. The reason is that VISA has discontinued its service to WaveCrest. WaveCrest is the publisher of the VISA prepaid cards.

The notifications from TenX, BitPay, Bitwala and Wirex that their cards are immediately unavailable is unexpected for many users. On Twitter complain users who are on holiday, that they can no longer use their cards and have not received prior notice.

It is not known how many users have been duped. It seems to be only for European users, judging by the announcements. The providers point to their European service provider WaveCrest, which issued the cards. “Unfortunately, WaveCrest was unable to give us or cardholders more time to prepare,” for example, BitPay reports.

Most providers offer their customers refunds and indicate that they are looking for a new service provider to issue the cards. Joseph Cox, journalist for The Daily Beast, has received confirmation from VISA that WaveCrest did not live up to its terms, after which VISA’s services to the company have been terminated.