What Are Crypto Cards?

Crypto cards include credit, debit, and prepaid cards, which allow holders to spend their digital assets in their everyday life. These cards are typically issued by cryptocurrency exchanges and financial institutions, enabling users to make purchases and even withdraw fiat currency using their digital assets. 

Key Takeaways

• Crypto cards are a type of payment card that allows holders to spend their digital assets — just like fiat money — in their everyday life.

• There are three main types of crypto cards, and they include debit, credit, and prepaid cards.

• These cards make it easy to spend cryptocurrency like traditional money, whether online or in physical stores, without needing to manually convert to fiat first.

• In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top crypto cards in the market, highlighting features, costs, and fee structure.

While cryptocurrency has a growing presence in the global finance industry over the past decade, these digital assets are yet to be widely adopted and accepted by governments and businesses worldwide.

As a result, it’s not that easy for people to use cryptocurrencies in the real world, which potentially discourages widespread adoption of digital assets. To tackle these challenges, we are seeing the introduction of different solutions to enable users to spend their cryptocurrencies in the real world, including crypto cards. 

Types of Crypto Cards

Crypto cards basically eliminate the need to convert cryptocurrency into fiat currency before spending, bridging the gap between digital assets and traditional finance. Now, these cards come in different types; credit, debit, and prepaid. Each type offers unique characteristics, catering to different needs and preferences.

Crypto debit cards, for instance, work by linking directly to a digital asset wallet. When you make a purchase, the card automatically converts the required amount of crypto into fiat currency at the point of sale. This type of card is convenient for everyday spending and can be used both online and in physical stores. Additionally, users can withdraw cash from ATMs that support the card.

Meanwhile, crypto credit cards operate similarly to traditional credit cards except that they offer rewards in cryptocurrency. Users can make purchases and pay off the balance later, earning crypto rewards in the process. These cards often come with benefits, such as cashback, making them an attractive option for those looking to maximize their crypto holdings.

Finally, crypto prepaid cards are another type of crypto cards. It allows users to load specific amounts of cryptocurrency, which are then converted to fiat currency for various purposes. These cards are particularly useful for budgeting, as users can only spend the preloaded amount, thereby helping them manage their finances more efficiently. 

How Do Crypto Cards Work?

Crypto cards operate similarly to traditional debit or credit cards. To begin using a crypto card, one must first choose a card service provider and sign up for an account on their platform. This process may involve verifying their identity by providing personal information and necessary documents. This step is especially crucial for complying with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) regulations.

Once the account is created and verified, users can then link their cryptocurrency wallet to the crypto card account. Although some cards come with built-in wallets, users can transfer cryptocurrency from their external wallet to the card’s wallet. 

When making purchases physically, users can swipe, insert, or tap their card at the payment terminal. Then, the required amount of cryptocurrency is converted to fiat currency in real-time, ensuring the latest exchange rate. For online shopping, you enter your card details at checkout, and the conversion happens. If you need to withdraw cash, you can use the crypto card at compatible ATMs, with the cryptocurrency converted at the time of withdrawal.

Most notably, crypto cards often come with standard security features such as a PIN, chip, and two-factor authentication (2FA) to ensure the safety of transactions. Additionally, providers monitor transactions for suspicious activity and allow users to freeze their cards immediately, if they are lost or compromised.

Below is a comprehensive list of the top crypto cards, highlighting their various features, offerings, and benefits to users. We’ll start with looking at cards issued by major centralized exchanges and institutions, before looking at some non-custodial card options available.

Coinbase Card: Debit Card With Crypto Rewards

The Coinbase Card is a debit card designed by one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, allowing users to draw on their Coinbase account crypto balances to make payments in crypto. The crypto card stands out for its ability to turn everyday purchases into crypto rewards.

Features

The Coinbase Card is a Visa debit card that offers several features, including; 

• Support for eight (8) cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), etc.

• Earn cashback rewards in the form of cryptocurrencies.

• Card is valid anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

• Zero spending and annual fees.

• Robust security features, like two-factor authentication, card freezing, and PIN change.

• Available in Europe, the UK, and the US. 

Cost and Fees

The Coinbase Card does not charge annual fees or spending fees, making it a cost-effective option for users. However, network transaction fees (e.g. gas fees) still apply for transferring cryptocurrency off the platform and are always disclosed at the time of the transaction. 

Also, fees for buying, selling, or converting cryptocurrencies on Coinbase depend on factors like payment method and order size. While spending with the Coinbase card has no transaction fees, ATM operators may charge fees for withdrawals.

Now, this card offers flexible funding options, allowing users to link their bank accounts or deposit part of their paycheck into Coinbase with zero fees. The setup process is straightforward, with no credit check or requirement to stake assets to become eligible. 

Crypto.com Card: Prepaid Card With Private Jet Perks

The Crypto.com card is another custodial card ideal for users looking to spend or convert their digital assets with ease. Moreover, this crypto card enables users to maximize their cryptocurrency holdings through spending and staking rewards. 

Features

The Crypto.com card is a prepaid card that offers several tiers, each with its unique privileges, depending on the amount of CRO (Crypto.com’s native token) staked. These tiers include; 

• Midnight Blue: Ideal for users looking for a simple, no-frills crypto card. No staking is required and offers basic benefits with no rewards on spending. 

• Ruby Steel: Requires staking of 5,000 CRO to 1% back on purchases. Users also enjoy additional benefits like 100% rebate on their Spotify subscription for the first six months.

• Royal Indigo/Jade Green: Requires staking of 50,000 CRO to earn 2% back on spending. Also, users enjoy 100% rebates on Spotify and Netflix subscriptions for the first six months.

• Icy White/Frosted Rose Gold: Requires a staking of 500,000 CRO to earn 3% back on purchases and access to Crypto.com Private benefits. Additional benefits include airport lounge access and 100% rebates on subscription services, such as Spotify, Amazon Prime, and Netflix.

• Obsidian: Minimum staking of 5,000,000 CRO required. This card gives users access to the most exclusive Crypto.com Private benefits, including higher rewards on Crypto Earn and private jet service perks. Users also enjoy 100% monthly reimbursement on Spotify, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, along with  X Premium (for the first 12 months) subscriptions .

All tiers of the Crypto.com card supports different sets of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum , and CRO. In addition, the card can be used at various merchants globally where Visa cards are accepted. 

Cost and Fees

There are no annual or spending fees, however, there are specific limits on free ATM withdrawals per month. These limits range from $200 USD for Midnight Blue to $1,000 USD for Obsidian. Any withdrawals beyond these limits, or those processed by ATM operators, may incur additional fees. 

Users can top up their cards with bank transfers, other credit/debit cards, or cryptocurrency, where all cryptocurrency is converted to fiat currency before being used for purchases or withdrawals. Depending on your location, there may be additional administrative charges when topping up with a credit card. Do also note that users cannot transfer money back to their Fiat wallet after topping up their Crypto.com Visa card. Network transaction fees apply when transferring cryptocurrency off the platform and a 0.1% processing fee is charged for transactions via the Lightning Network.

Bybit Card: Earn Interest on Idle Assets

The Bybit card is a crypto debit card offered by Bybit, a prominent centralized cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform. This custodial crypto card stands out for its plethora of benefits, which comes with zero staking requirements.

Features

The Bybit card is a Mastercard debit card that offers convenient transaction and card management for users through a dashboard on Bybit web and app. This card features;  

• Support for multiple cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, XRP, USDT, and USDC.

• Loyalty rewards with points redeemable for vouchers and cryptocurrencies, and up to 10% cashback.

• Auto-Savings function that allows Bybit Card users to earn interest on assets in Flexible Savings, which can be unstaked and spent at any time. 

• Integration with Google and Apple Pay.

• Only available for users in Australia and European Economic Area (EEA) countries. 

Cost and Fees

ATM withdrawals are free for the first 100 EUR/GBP each month, with a 2% fee thereafter. Spending limits are set at 5,000 EUR/GBP daily, 50,000 EUR/GBP monthly, and 250,000 EUR/GBP annually.

Nexo Card: Dual-Functionality Crypto Card

Another top crypto card to make the cut is from Nexo, a cryptocurrency lending platform. The Nexo custodial card is especially popular amongst cryptocurrency users for its dual-mode functionality, offering both credit and debit options. 

Source: Nexo

Features

The Nexo card connects to users’ available balance on the platform. It operates in two modes; credit and debit, which users can switch between at any time.

• Credit mode: Allows users to put up their crypto as collateral, allowing them to make purchases without selling their assets. This mode helps users retain the upside potential of their assets while accessing funds at borrowing rates starting from 2.9%.

• Debit mode: Enables users to spend cryptocurrencies and stablecoins (EUR, GBP, and USD) directly. Card holders can earn daily compound interest of up to 14% on their balance. Users can also prioritize which assets to spend first, ensuring maximum efficiency.

The Nexo Card supports various cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, and stablecoins like USDT. It is currently available to residents of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK.

Cost and Fees

Activation of the virtual Nexo card is free upon deposit of at least $50 to the Nexo account. Meanwhile, the physical cards are shipped at no cost with a portfolio balance of at least $500 and a Gold Loyalty tier. 

In credit mode, borrowing rates start at 2.9% and can go up to 18.9% per annum, allowing users to access funds without selling their crypto. The debit mode does not charge any monthly, annual, or inactivity fees.

When using the Nexo card, users can earn up to 2% cashback in NEXO tokens or 0.5% in BTC for purchases made in credit mode. In the debit mode, users earn daily compound interest based on their loyalty tier, reaching up to 14% in NEXO tokens or 12% in-kind. The Nexo card also provides up to 5 free ATM withdrawals per month, with a limit on daily and monthly withdrawals. 

Now, let’s move on to non-custodial crypto cards.

Gnosis Pay Card: Self-Custodial Card With Zero Fees

Gnosis Pay is an on-chain spending account connected to a self-custodial crypto wallet. Each of these on-chain accounts come with a Visa debit card, which allows users to spend their digital assets as easily as cash. 

Features

The Gnosis Pay Card allows users to spend their crypto assets at various Visa merchants worldwide. The crypto card offers the following features. 

• Assets are kept safe in a self-custodial wallet.

• Card is supported by Monerium, an on-chain fiat infrastructure provider  allowing users to pay directly from their blockchain address without any extra fees.

• OG non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for early adopters.

• Customizable card with an Ethereum Name Service (ENS) identity.

• Currently available in over 30 European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Spain.

Cost and Fees

Gnosis Pay Card users enjoy a zero fees policy, I.e. there are no transaction fees, foreign exchange fees, or off-ramping fees. Unlike many other blockchain-based services, the Gnosis Pay card eliminates gas fees, meaning users won’t have to worry about paying for the computational resources to process your transactions. That said, the initial cost to get the card is set at €30.23, albeit with no maintenance or annual fees. 

THORWallet Visa Card: Self-Custodial Card with Swiss Account

Another top crypto card is the THORWallet card, an extension of the decentralized finance (DeFi) wallet. This non-custodial card offers a free Swiss bank account in addition to the flexibility of crypto spending. 

Features

The THORWallet card is a debit card that allows users to spend funds directly from their bank account, which can be topped up with USDC (Arbitrum) or via direct bank transfer. The card is available in three tiers; including

• Standard: Includes a free bank account and EUR Visa debit card with no reward multiplier. This tier requires no staking.

• Community: Offers free bank account and EUR Visa debit card with a 1x reward multiplier. It requires an FX fee and the staking of 35,000 TGT (Thor Governance Token).

• Community Plus: Includes a free bank account and EUR Visa debit card with a 2.5x reward multiplier. This tier requires an FX fee and the staking of 350,000 TGT.

The bank account and Visa card are provided in collaboration with Fiat24, a regulated Swiss financial institution with a FINMA Fintech license. Also, the bank account is available in up to 30 countries, including France, Belgium, Italy, and so on. 

Cost and Fees

THORWallet users can open a bank account and get the Visa card free of charge. There is a 1% fee for crypto top-ups and foreign exchange swaps, imposed by Fiat24, along with an affiliate fee for THORWallet. Bank wire transfers, on the other hand, for account top-ups are free. 

Holyheld: Non-Custodial Card With On-chain Protection Up To $50,000

Holyheld is a non-custodial DeFi card that seamlessly integrates several crypto activities in the card. This debit card supports various functions — crypto payment, DAO contribution, DEX trading, and minting and collecting NFTs. You can top up your Holyheld card with assets from non-custodial wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet.

Features 

The following are features of the Holyheld card;

• Virtual card and physical card.

• Support for Apple and Google Pay.

• Compatible with Ethereum and other EVM-compatible networks.

• Up to 1% cashback in USDC on every purchase.

• Robust security measures, such as Holyheld passkey.

Cost and Fees

The Holyheld debit card offers a clear and competitive fee structure. There are no fees for opening an account or for monthly maintenance. Conversions from crypto to fiat are free, and there are no charges for digital statements, card unblock, or inward EUR transfers. However, ATM withdrawals incur a fee based on whether the transaction is domestic or international. 

For everyday spending, the first 100 card payments each month are free. After that, domestic payments cost 0.1 EUR per transaction, and international payments are 2% plus 1 EUR. If you don’t use your card for over four months, Holyheld starts to charge a maintenance fee of 1 EUR per month. Similarly, IBAN accounts that are dormant for five months will also incur a 1 EUR monthly fee. 

It is worth mentioning that Holyheld has three types of debit cards. The classic virtual card costs 29 EUR and the limited edition virtual card is 99 EUR. The physical card, also referred to as the Metal card, costs 199 EUR. Cashback rewards in USDC are 0.5% for classic and limited edition cardholders, and 1% for Metal cardholders.

SORA: Physical & Virtual Crypto Card Available in Multiple Regions

The SORA Card combines cryptocurrency flexibility with the practicality of fiat transactions. It is ideal for users who value full ownership of their assets and are seeking a self-custodial crypto solution. The SORA Card works by facilitating transactions through XOR, which is SORA’s native token. 

Features 

SORA ranks amongst the top crypto cards, thanks to the features and offerings listed below.

• Physical card and virtual card.

• Compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay.

• Supports the SORA network and major blockchains like Ethereum and Polkadot.

• Accepted at over 90 million merchants globally and comes with an EU-based international e-money account. 

• Available worldwide, except for countries in this list.

• Extensive security features, including two-factor authentication and biometric identification. 

Cost and Fees 

The first 5,000 applicants enjoy zero yearly or monthly fees for the first two years, only usage fees. SEPA transaction fees are set at 0.1% + €0.40 per transaction, and FX conversion fees range from 0.7% to 2.2%, depending on the transaction volume and currency. 

For card top-ups, the fees range from 2.5% for e-commerce transactions to 1.5% for card-present transactions. Meanwhile, ATM withdrawals cost €1.20 plus an additional percentage, depending on whether the transaction is domestic, within the EEA and UK, or international.

Fina: 10% Rewards on Crypto Card Payments

Fina is a crypto card that connects to any self-custodial wallet, supports multiple blockchain networks, and offers up to 10% rewards on spendings. 

Features 

Fina is a Visa prepaid card that boasts several interesting features, some of which include; 

• Integration with any non-custodial wallet, including Metamask, Phantom, and Trust Wallet. 

• Support of various blockchains,  such as Ethereum, Polygon, Binance Smart Chain, and Avalanche. 

• Offers up to 10% reward in FINA token for purchases.

• Privacy measures, like card transactions only visible to wallet holders.

• Available to citizens in the EU.

Cost and Fees

The Fina card charges a 1% fee for every top-up. Additional charges may apply for currency exchanges, ATM withdrawals, and lost cards, among others. The card also offers different tiers — Blue, Silver, and Black, with each assigning different staking amounts, varying monthly limits, and spending rewards.

Suberra: Join the Waitlist

Concluding this list of top crypto cards is Suberra’s debit card, which promises to offer a straightforward way to integrate cryptocurrency spending into daily life. Suberra is an innovative payments infrastructure for the Web3 ecosystem.

Features 

As of this writing, the Suberra non-custodial card is yet to be released, but users can join the waitlist to be among the first to receive the card. The crypto card promises various features, including;

• Secure non-custodial wallet.

• Competitive rates and fees.

• Up to 1% cashback from crypto spending.

• Waitlist is available in every country.

Cost and Fees 

Suberra provides a cost-effective solution for crypto spending. While detailed fees have not been disclosed, sign-up for the card is free. 

Comparing The Top Crypto Cards 

Final Thoughts

Crypto cards offer an easy and seamless way to manage and spend digital assets, similarly with regular payment cards in traditional finance. These cards provide users with convenience, enhanced security, and unique benefits, including cashback rewards, staking options, and subscription packages. That said, choosing a suitable crypto card can be a complex decision-making process involving a few relevant considerations, such as taxes, custody, flexibility, regulations, and more.

Always do your own research before choosing any crypto cards or staking any digital assets. This article is only meant for informational purposes and should not be taken as financial advice.