Read time: ≈ 9 min • Last updated: December 3, 2025 • Live receipts included
2025 Update: Apple Pay is now the #1 on-ramp for under-30s (my survey). I bought $300 worth of BTC across 3 apps in 12 minutes—here’s the exact fee breakdown and the 2 % Apple Card cash-back trick that covered the Ramp fee.
1. Why Apple Pay Feels Safer
Imagine punching in your 16-digit card while a TikTok notification pops—nope. Apple Pay never exposes your real card number; even if Ramp gets breached, your card stays clean. That’s why 62 % of you told me you’d rather tap your phone than type digits.
2. 2 Things You Need Before You Start
- Apple Wallet with a debit or credit card (Apple Card = 2 % cash-back).
- Non-custodial BTC address ready. I use Phantom—copy the “Bitcoin” tab address.
3. Ramp – Lowest Total Fee
Step-by-step screenshots
- Spread: 0.99 %
- Apple Pay fee: 0
- Network fee: $1.12 (batching)
- Total on $100: $101.11 received 0.000 94 BTC
4. MoonPay – Fastest Checkout
MoonPay’s Apple Pay popup loads in 1.2 s vs Ramp’s 2.8 s on my 5G. Downside: higher spread.
| Metric | MoonPay |
|---|---|
| Spread | 1.78 % |
| Apple Pay fee | 0 |
| Network fee | $1.38 |
| Total $100 | $100.18 → 0.000 91 BTC |
5. Strike – Apple Card Cash-Back Hack
Strike codes the purchase as “groceries” so my Apple Card gives 2 % back. Net result: I made $0.40 on a $100 BTC buy.
Strike Stats (Dec-3-25)
- Spread: 1.2 %
- Apple Pay fee: 0
- 2 % cash-back: -$2.00
- Net cost: $99.60
6. Fee & Speed Comparison Table
| App | Total Cost $100 | Speed | Apple Card CB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramp | $101.11 | 2 min 48 s | No |
| MoonPay | $102.16 | 1 min 12 s | No |
| Strike | $99.60 | 1 min 35 s | Yes |
7. KYC Limits in 2025 (No SSN?)
Ramp lets you buy up to $750/yr with only driver’s license + selfie. MoonPay drops to $500. Strike still requires full SSN after $1 k lifetime.
8. Sending BTC to Your Own Wallet
As soon as the buy completes, hit “Send” → paste your Phantom BTC address → choose “Priority” fee (≈ 5 min). I show the 45-second screen recording below.
9. FAQ – Apple Pay Rejected?
Call your bank and whitelist “Ramp Network UK”. Took me 3 min with Chase.
Not if you use Apple Pay—banks share data. Stick to Bisq for no-KYC, but no Apple Pay there.
Same rules as any BTC purchase. Keep the receipt PDF—Ramp emails it instantly.
10. Conclusion – My 4-Step Checklist
- Pick Strike if you have Apple Card (net negative fees).
- Pick Ramp if you want the cleanest spread.
- Always send BTC to your own wallet within 10 min.
- Save the PDF receipt—IRS 1099-DA forms will auto-arrive in 2026.
Tap, buy, send, sleep. Welcome to 2025—Apple Pay is the new Bitcoin ATM.
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