Carrefour and Kruidvat now offer crypto vouchers in Belgium

In the Belgian branches of Kruidvat and Carrefour, you can buy Bitcoin from this week, at least by way of a gift card. There is, however, a cost attached of around 15% of the card (if you buy the cheapest version at €25).

Cryptonow

Anyone who wants to buy Bitcoin without using a crypto app or trading platform can now also turn to Carrefour, Kruidvat and other Belgian stores. The supermarket and drugstore chain offer gift cards and starter kits from the Swiss technology company Cryptonow, with which consumers can purchase digital coins such as Bitcoin, Ether and Solana. There is, however, a hefty price tag attached.

The so-called Bitcoin Starter Kit works at the checkout like an ordinary gift card. According to Cryptonow, the cards are now available at around 17,500 points of sale in Belgium, ranging from large retail chains to local newsagents. The company is targeting mainly consumers who have no experience of crypto.

Identity check

Alongside Bitcoin, Cryptonow also offers prepaid cards for other popular cryptocurrencies. Buyers can choose an amount between €25 and €500. To convert the balance into crypto coins, the recipient must first create an account and complete an identity check.

For instance, a journalist from Het Laatste Nieuws had to upload a photo of himself and his passport, among other things, in order to activate the card. The user can then choose where the purchased Bitcoin is stored: online via Cryptonow or offline on the crypto wallet supplied.