Binance has announced the cessation of its Visa debit card services in the European Economic Area (EEA) effective from December 20. While this move marks a strategic shift, it’s crucial to note that existing accounts will remain unaffected.
Binance’s decision to terminate its Visa debit card services is attributed to Contis Financial Services, the card issuer, which operates under the name Finansinės paslaugos “Contis”. Contis, an electronic money institution based in Lithuania, is owned by the German banking-as-a-service platform Solaris Group. The company, active in 30 European countries, has decided to halt the issuance of the Binance Visa debit card.
Implications for Binance Users in EEA
The Binance Visa debit card was designed to convert cryptocurrency holdings in users’ accounts into local currencies, facilitating seamless transactions both in physical stores and online platforms. This service, available in the EEA since September 2020, catered to residents of all 27 European Union member states, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
The exchange’s move to discontinue the Visa debit card service comes amidst a series of challenges for the exchange. Earlier, the platform faced disruptions in euro deposits and withdrawals, lasting a month due to the termination of services by payments processor Paysafe. Additionally, Binance’s plans to expand its card services to Russia and potentially the United States have been put on hold.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Collaborative Solutions
Notably, Binance’s challenges extend beyond the EEA, as its partnership with Mastercard faced a similar fate in specific regions like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Bahrain. Regulatory scrutiny emerged as a significant factor influencing such decisions, highlighting the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulations worldwide.
While these setbacks pose challenges, the exchange continues to explore strategic solutions. Recently, the exchange collaborated with MoonPay to enable U.S. users to purchase Tether on the platform. Moreover, Binance.US announced the option for U.S. customers to withdraw dollars from their accounts by converting fiat currency into stablecoins, showcasing the platform’s adaptability in the face of changing market dynamics.
