Best Crypto Debit Cards

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Contributor, Benzinga
July 4, 2024

Use your cryptocurrency to make purchases with ease by choosing one of the best crypto debit cards available. Find the perfect card for you today!

Crypto debit cards allow users to spend digital assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum at locations that accept debit cards. These cards deduct money from the user's wallet balance and convert it into the merchant's currency. Retailers may be hesitant to accept digital currencies due to volatility and exchange rates, but partnerships with traditional banks and debit card companies are making it easier for crypto debit cards to be used.

Discover the top crypto debit cards available in the market with this comprehensive guide. Find out which card suits your needs and start spending your crypto like cash!

Quick Look: The Best Crypto Debit Cards 2024

The 5 Best Crypto Debit Cards of 2024

1. Best Overall: Coinbase Card

The Coinbase Card is a Visa debit card that allows users to spend their cryptocurrency directly from their Coinbase account. You can use the card at over 40 million merchants worldwide that accepts Visa. The card supports eight cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Stellar Lumens. With no annual fees, the Coinbase Card offers a rewards program that allows users to earn cryptocurrency cash back rewards on every purchase made with the card. Plus, you can maximize your crypto portfolio by having the option to choose what you want to earn from a list of rotating crypto rewards.

Why We Love It: With its wide acceptance, seamless integration with Coinbase, rewards program, and robust security features, users can trust that they are getting a reliable and convenient solution for their crypto spending needs.

2. Best UK Card: Uphold Card

The Uphold Card is a top notch simple crypto debit card with all of the features you need. It has no annual fee and charges 0% foreign transaction fees. It is made by the fast growing crypto exchange, Uphold, which offers crypto, precious metals and fiat currencies. With over 250 supported digital currencies, it has one of the most impressive selections in the crypto market. With the Uphold Card you can spend any asset in your exchange account including cryptos, precious metals and fiat currencies at any merchant worldwide via the Mastercard network. The Uphold Card also gives you 1% cash back on eligible purchases, paid out in GBP.

Why We Love It: Uphold Card stands out as the best crypto debit card option due to its wide range of supported cryptocurrencies, low fees, instant conversion capabilities, high cash back rewards and global acceptance.

3. Best for Security: Nexo Debit Card

The Nexo debit card secures your digital assets with military-grade 256-bit encryption that also incorporates 24/7 fraud monitoring mechanisms to ensure the safety of your funds and transactions. You can order and manage your Nexo card at the comfort of the Nexo Wallet app, which gives you worldwide access to your credit line.

Use the Nexo app to create free virtual cards for safe online purchases, monitor your transactions in real-time, freeze and unfreeze your debit card and receive notifications about all your transactions.

Why We Love It: With its instant transactions, high limits, rewards program, security features, and accessibility, Nexo debit card offers a comprehensive solution for anyone interested in making the most of their crypto holdings.

4. Best for Spending Rewards: Crypto.com VISA Card

As one of the most popular debit cards on this list, the Crypto.com VISA card offers many great benefits to its users. Arguably the biggest benefit of the Crypto.com card is its reward system. Users can earn up to 8% cash back paid in crypto, as well as rebates on Netlix, Spotify and Amazon Prime subscriptions. What's more, you can get exclusive airport lounge access and private jet partnership with the higher tiered debit card options.

It's important to note that to receive the best rewards, you'll need to stake Crypto.com's native cryptocurrency, CRO token. The more CRO you stake, the better rewards you get. This is the perfect card for CRO holders and stakers but is still great for investors who don't have CRO. While there's a free option, you won't receive as much cash back or get rebates on certain products. Luckily, there's a range of tiers for the Crypto.com debit card, so you can choose the card that fits your needs best.

Why We Love It: Crypto.com Visa card also offers different tier options to cater to diverse user needs, each with its own unique benefits and features. Whether you are a crypto investor looking to maximize your rewards or simply someone who wants a convenient way to manage your cryptocurrency assets, this crypto debit card is worth considering.

5. Best for Converting Crypto: (Non US) Wirex Debit Card

Wirex allows you to open an account and utilize the Wirex card to spend in more than 50 million locations around the world. With their Elite membership plan, you can earn up to 8% cryptoback rewards on every card transaction.

Think of Wirex as a place to buy, sell, exchange and store crypto that also lets you sell crypto without the barriers that existed in the early days of Bitcoin.

Why We Love It: With its seamless conversion process, wide range of supported cryptocurrencies and worldwide acceptance, the Wirex debit card offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for cryptocurrency holders.

What Is a Crypto Debit Card?

A crypto debit card is a payment card that allows users to make purchases using Bitcoin, Ethereum and other altcoins. These cards work like traditional debit cards, but instead of drawing funds from a bank account, they convert the user's cryptocurrency into fiat currency at the point of sale. This allows users to spend their cryptocurrencies at any merchant that accepts debit cards, both online and in-store. You shouldn’t have reservations about your plastic card being accepted by merchants since most of these debit cards are backed by Mastercard and Visa.

How Do Crypto Debit Cards Work?

Crypto debit cards differ from conventional cards in the way you spend your digital assets. First, you must top up your crypto debit card with a digital currency of your choice, often from the card provider’s wallet. Most providers will let you fund your card via their website or mobile app.

Once your card is loaded, you’re ready to hit the spending spree — whether in-store or online. Most crypto debit cards will reward you with zero transaction fees and generous spending limits per day. You can expect to use your debit card at points of sale that accept Visa or Mastercard.

Rather than buying a product or service in crypto, your card provider converts your digital currency into fiat currency that you’ll use to complete the transaction. Some crypto debit card providers will issue two card types: a virtual card for online purchases and a physical card for in-store purchases.

Pros and Cons of Crypto Debit Cards

Here are some pros and cons of using crypto debit cards:

Pros

  • Convenient spending: You can spend your digital currencies at any location that accepts regular debit or credit cards. This makes it easier to use your cryptocurrency for everyday purchases, whether online or in-store.
  • Security: Crypto debit cards offer enhanced security features such as two-factor authentication and biometric verification, reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized transactions. Additionally, they do not require users to link their bank accounts, adding an extra layer of privacy.
  • Global access: Crypto debit cards can be used internationally without the need for currency exchange, making them a convenient option for travelers or those who frequently make cross-border transactions.
  • Rewards program: Most crypto debit cards promise to offer a cash back percentage for every purchase you make. The amount you’ll receive depends on the card provider, and you can expect it to be in the form of a cryptocurrency.

Cons

  • Fees: While some crypto debit cards offer low or no fees for transactions, others may come with high fees for withdrawals, conversions, or monthly maintenance. Users should carefully review the fee structure of a card before choosing to use it.
  • Volatility: The value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time, which means that the purchasing power of your digital currencies may change before you make a transaction. This can result in unexpected costs or losses.
  • Limited acceptance: While the acceptance of crypto debit cards is growing, not all merchants or ATMs support these cards. Users may encounter limitations on where they can use their cards, especially in regions with low adoption of digital currencies.
  • Spending limits: The spending limits placed on some debit cards mean that you can’t spend big with your debit card. You also just might not want to spend any of your crypto.

Are Crypto Debit Cards Safe to Use?

Certainly, yes. Crypto debit cards uphold some of the highest security standards. For starters, you’ll need to complete several know your customer (KYC) checks when applying for a crypto debit card. What follows is a raft of security measures including PIN login, 2-factor authentication, 256-bit encryption and fraud monitoring.

It is essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy provider that has a strong track record of protecting users' funds and information. Like any financial tool, there are risks associated with crypto debit cards, so users should always conduct thorough research and exercise caution when using them.

There’s a Future in Crypto Debit Cards

Crypto debit cards could be the future of payments, especially if central bank digital currencies become a mainstay and are compatible with crypto debit cards. Some of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, including Coinbase and Binance, now offer Visa debit cards. Topping up your account is fairly easy since you’ll probably do it from your crypto wallet. Then you’ll have a fully functioning debit card that lets you convert your digital assets into fiat currency to pay for goods and services or withdraw funds.

But with hundreds of brands offering crypto debit cards, it’s important that you perform some due diligence, including understanding the regulations within each brand’s jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Where can I use a crypto debit card?

A

You can use a crypto debit card at merchant outlets that support Visa or Mastercard debit cards. Pay for goods and services, exchange currencies and withdraw from ATMs with ease.

Q

Is there a Bitcoin debit card?

A

Yes, Bitcoin debit cards are available in the market, allowing users to load their cards with Bitcoin and use them for purchases at merchants that accept debit cards. Some cards also offer the option to withdraw cash from ATMs, providing a convenient way for Bitcoin users to spend their cryptocurrency in the real world.

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