Stripe enables Bitcoin, Ether and Solana crypto purchase options in EU: report

Financial technology company Stripe has expanded its crypto integration into the European market, enabling shoppers to buy cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether and Solana, using a credit or debit card.

The decision by Stripe, founded by Ireland-born brothers Patrick and John Collison, is part of a move to make it easier for “normal transactions” to occur using digital assets, the Irish Independent reported on Tuesday.

Online vendors using Stripe’s technology can reportedly now add a crypto-purchasing widget on their sites, which also manages charges, disputes and KYC compliance, the outlet said.

“This expansion allows crypto companies to help European consumers buy cryptocurrencies quickly and easily,” Stripe Head of Crypto John Egan told the Irish Independent. “Now, merchants who rely on Stripe’s onramp for things like conversion optimization, identity verification, and fraud prevention can reach a more global audience. This lets them focus on growing their business and helping their customers."

The news follows Stripe’s announcement in April that it would enable USDC stablecoin payments for customer transactions beginning this summer. Last month, Stripe also partnered with Coinbase to incorporate the crypto exchange's Layer 2 network Base into its crypto payout products.

Stripe did not respond to a request for comment from The Block.