![wavecrest-bitcoin.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQma98VV8dYe7uDw9yCADH42psvSDa5es1aYn92Ah4Epj1v/wavecrest-bitcoin.png)
European bitcoin wallet providers using the WaveCrest company which includes those such as Xapo, Shakepay, TenX, Wirex, Bitwala, BitPay (European users) and others have now shut off access to user’s prepaid VISA debit cards with bitcoin account capabilities. As ordered by Visa to WaveCrest, the Gibralter-based payment company has had all of its VISA card programs permanently closed.

Across providers, effective immediately, user cards will no longer be accepted for in-person or online transactions. If a user has recurring payments on their card, they will obviously need to be reconfigured. Balances remaining on cards cannot be spent. Providers will be transferring back unused funds to user accounts while stating they are looking for a replacement solution.

Anni Rautio, head of Xapo’s Card Program said:

We’re already exploring various alternative card solutions. While we are not ready to announce anything yet, looking for potential new card issuers has been (and continues to be) at the forefront of our mission.

Ultimately, our main priority is to deliver you a great product and we are working hard to make it happen. While we cannot yet give any time estimation of when this will occur, we encourage you to stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding the Xapo Card program.

Visa said in a statement that “it recently terminated a single prepaid card issuer in Europe from our network for violating Visa’s operating regulations. That issuer, WaveCrest, was required to close its Visa card products, some of which were linked to cryptocurrency wallets.”