Why you're seeing this
New York State has rules that require Uphold to hold a specific license before offering certain virtual-currency services to anyone located in New York, even briefly. To meet this requirement, some transactions are restricted while you're physically in New York State, though several types of activity remain available. See below for the full picture.
Why are some transactions restricted while I'm in New York?
Because New York State requires this for anyone transacting while physically located in the state, not just residents. Not everything is affected; see "What can I still do while I'm in New York?” below for the full breakdown.
Does this only affect New York residents?
No. The restriction is based on your location at the moment you try to transact, not your registered address. If your account is set up elsewhere but you're in New York when you attempt a transaction, the restriction still applies.
How do you know I'm in New York, and does that change if I leave?
We check your location each time you attempt a transaction, there's no permanent "New York" flag on your account. So once you're outside New York, all transaction types become available again automatically, You don't need to contact support or take any action.
What can I still do while I'm in New York?
You can log in, browse the app, and check your balance, as always. You're also able to:
- Sell crypto for fiat (USD, GBP and EUR). Stablecoins are excluded.
- Trade equities in USD.
- Use your Uphold Card for purchases funded by fiat.
Can I sell crypto during a sudden market move while I'm in New York?
Yes. Selling crypto for fiat is available while in New York.
What happens in Uphold Wallet
How will I know I'm affected when I open the app?
While you're located in New York, you'll see a banner at the top of the app letting you know some transactions aren't available. This banner stays visible until you leave the state and takes priority over other in-app messages.
There’s also a modal explaining what's affected and confirming that access returns automatically once you leave New York. You'll see it the first time we detect you're in New York after opening the app, or any time by tapping the banner or a blocked-transaction message.
Your Uphold Card in New York
Does my location affect whether my Uphold Card works?
Not directly. What matters is how the card is funded, where the merchant is, and how you pay.
Your card is only declined when all three are true:
- It's funded by crypto (not fiat).
- The merchant is based in New York.
- It's a card-present purchase (physically tapping, swiping, or inserting your card).
Online or other card-not-present purchases are never affected, even if crypto-funded and at a New York merchant. If your card is funded by fiat (USD, GBP, EUR, or another supported currency) it's never declined for this reason, regardless of merchant location or how you pay.
What if I don't have a fiat balance to fund my card while I'm in New York?
Sell crypto for fiat, then use the resulting balance for fiat-funded card purchases. You can't deposit additional fiat directly into your account while located in New York.
Will I be notified if a card payment is declined for this reason?
Yes. The first time this happens, you'll get a one-time email explaining what happened. You won't receive it again for later declines.