Best Crypto Cards

What is a Crypto Card

Crypto cards bridge the gap between the world of digital assets and everyday spending. They come in two main types: debit cards and credit cards. Crypto debit cards allow you to directly spend your cryptocurrency holdings, often converting them to fiat currency at the point of sale. Crypto credit cards, on the other hand, let you borrow funds and earn rewards in cryptocurrency. Both types offer a convenient way to integrate crypto into your daily financial life.

Crypto cards allow you to simultaneously spend the cryptocurrency you own while earning crypto rewards. This makes for an excellent opportunity for crypto lovers to get a new convenient payment option and receive cash (crypto) back on purchases.

As cryptocurrencies become more popular over the next few months and years, it is expected that crypto cards will become mainstream.

How Do Crypto Cards Work?

Using a crypto card is surprisingly similar to using a traditional card. You simply fund your card with cryptocurrency, either directly from your wallet or by converting it from another asset. When you make a purchase, the card issuer will automatically convert the necessary amount of crypto into the local currency, allowing the transaction to go through. Depending on the card, you may even earn rewards in the form of cashback, points, or additional cryptocurrency.

Types of Crypto Cards

The crypto card market offers a variety of options to suit different needs. Crypto debit cards are the most common, providing a straightforward way to spend your crypto holdings. Crypto credit cards are a newer option, offering the potential to earn rewards and build credit while engaging with crypto. Prepaid cards are also available, offering a secure way to manage your spending without the need for a bank account. Finally, some providers offer premium metal cards with additional benefits like travel insurance and lounge access.

Benefits of Using Crypto Cards

Crypto cards offer a multitude of benefits for crypto enthusiasts and everyday users alike. One of the most appealing aspects is the ability to earn rewards on your spending, often at higher rates than traditional cards. Crypto cards also allow you to seamlessly spend your crypto holdings wherever major card networks are accepted, expanding the utility of your digital assets. Moreover, many cards offer exclusive perks like travel discounts, airport lounge access, and even cryptocurrency staking rewards.

Risks and Drawbacks of Crypto Cards

While crypto cards offer enticing advantages, it's important to be aware of potential risks. The inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies means that the value of your holdings can fluctuate, potentially impacting your spending power. Security is also a concern, as losing your card could result in unauthorized access to your funds. Additionally, the regulatory landscape for crypto is still evolving, which could lead to changes in how cards operate or are taxed.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Crypto Card

Selecting the right crypto card requires careful consideration of several key features. First, check which cryptocurrencies are supported by the card, ensuring compatibility with your holdings. Then, compare reward rates and types, as well as any associated fees. Consider the perks and benefits offered, such as travel insurance or airport lounge access. Security features like two-factor authentication and fraud protection are also crucial. Finally, assess the user interface and overall reputation of the card issuer to ensure a smooth and reliable experience.

Crypto.com Card

The Crypto.com prepaid card targets crypto holders that want to spend their cryptocurrency while having access to exclusive benefits and a few rewards.

This crypto debit card has no annual fees, no ATM withdrawal fees, and an appealing cashback offer that can go up to 8%. The major downsides of this card are the extensive list of rewards exclusions and the low limits on ATM withdrawals for the lower tier card options.

Some of the upper-tier partners, where users will get rewards and benefits, include Spotify, Airbnb, Expedia, Netflix. With the Crypto.com card you also get access to airport lounges.

Binance Card

The Binance card allows European shoppers to spend their crypto and receive a cashback percentage that is among the highest in the crypto card industry.

The Binance card features up to 8% cashback on purchases from eligible vendors, no hidden monthly or annual fees, and the ability to convert crypto on demand. 

The main downside to this card is the ATM fee that can amount to 0.9% of the withdrawal. Besides that, the Binance card is currently only supported in Europe. The card is also banned in the U.K.  

To get a Binance card, all you have to do is sign-up to Binance and apply for a card once your personal account is activated.

Coinbase Card

This card allows you to spend the cryptocurrency available in your Coinbase account on any purchase and will give you rewards as you spend.

The Coinbase card has no annual fees, it gives you up to 4% cashback on purchases, and it is accepted virtually anywhere in the world. 

However, there are some downsides. There is a 2.49% fee to convert crypto to USD before any purchase, which, in the long run, will set you back significantly.

To qualify for a Coinbase card, you need to create a Coinbase account and apply for one at coinbase.com/card.

Coinmotion Card

Coinmotion offers the first nordic crypto card on the market. This card allows shoppers to buy from over 29 million marketplaces worldwide, working just like a regular MasterCard on any online or physical store.

Coinmotion promises to secure your funds in a multi-signature storage, making your account virtually uncrackable. 

Some of the downsides of the Coinmotion card are the 3% foreign exchange rate and the 1.50€ ATM withdrawal flat fee. One thing to note is that, as of now, Coinmotion is only available in a few select countries located in Europe.

To apply for a card, all you have to do is order one if you’re already a Coinmotion user. If not, just create an account and follow the necessary steps.

Conclusion

Crypto cards are promising and could take the world by storm in the next few years. Getting your hands on one right now could prove to be profitable. 

The fact that they allow users to have the benefits of regular banking cards and, along with that, receive crypto rewards with every purchase makes them a must-have for every crypto enthusiast.

If you need help deciding which card and, ultimately - crypto exchange -, is best suited for you and your own needs, check out our crypto exchange comparison tool.