The integration of cryptocurrency into everyday spending is rapidly becoming a central theme in the current market cycle. Stablecoins and payment technologies are driving this trend, prompting leading centralized exchanges (CEXs) to launch and upgrade a variety of payment products. From crypto-backed credit and debit cards to all-in-one payment applications, these platforms are fiercely competing to bridge the gap between digital assets and the real world.
Most of these crypto payment cards support key markets like the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United States, with many platforms offering enticing cashback rewards ranging from 2% to 10% in cryptocurrency. This article provides an overview of the latest payment products from top global crypto exchanges.
Coinbase Partners with American Express for Exclusive Card Offering
On June 13th, Coinbase announced the Coinbase One Card, a new product exclusively for its Coinbase One subscription members in the U.S. Coinbase One is a monthly subscription service that offers zero trading fees, enhanced staking rewards, and other benefits. The card, powered by the American Express network, is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2025.
Cardholders can earn between 2% and 4% back in Bitcoin on their purchases. They will also have access to the benefits and protections associated with the American Express network. The Coinbase One subscription is priced at $29.99 per month, while a more basic tier with lower Bitcoin rewards is available for $4.99 per month or $49.99 annually. This marks Coinbase's first foray into crypto credit cards, following a prepaid debit card launched in partnership with Visa in 2020.
Gemini Focuses on Flexible Crypto Rewards and Instant Gratification
Gemini attracts users with a versatile rewards structure through its no-annual-fee credit card, which supports over 50 types of cryptocurrencies for cashback. New users who are approved by June 30, 2025, and spend $3,000 within the first 90 days of opening their account will receive a $200 bonus in cryptocurrency.
This Mastercard card offers network benefits, including credits for services like Instacart and Peacock Premium. Rewards are distributed as follows:
- 4% back on the first $300 in gas and electric vehicle charging purchases each month (resets on the 1st of the month), then 1%
- 3% back on dining
- 2% back on groceries
- 1% back on all other eligible purchases
Users can change their preferred cryptocurrency for rewards at any time. A Gemini trading account is required to apply. It's important to note that rewards cannot be applied directly to the card's balance; they are deposited into the user's Gemini account. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, though standard transaction fees apply when selling or converting the crypto rewards. The APR ranges from 17.24% to 29.24%.
Crypto.com Implements a Tiered Credit Card Rewards System
While known for its prepaid debit cards, Crypto.com launched the Crypto.com Visa Signature credit card for the U.S. market in June. This card comes with an APR of 18.24%–32.24%, a balance transfer fee of 5% or $10 (whichever is higher), and a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Its main appeal is a tiered crypto rewards system based on the user's card tier:
- Obsidian: 6.5% back in the first year, then 5%
- Rose/Icy: 5% back in the first year, then 4%
- Jade/Indigo: 3.5% back in the first year, then 3%
- Ruby: 2.5% back in the first year, then 2%
- Midnight: 1.5% back
The first-year reward rate is valid for 12 months from the date of card issuance or tier upgrade.
Kraken Enters the Arena with a Comprehensive Payment App
Kraken has taken a different approach by launching a payment application. On June 26th, the exchange officially released "Krak," a next-generation global money app designed to let users seamlessly manage over 300 different fiat and digital assets.
The Krak app includes several key features:
Peer-to-Peer Payments: Send instant, affordable payments to other Krak users in 110 countries. Using personalized "Kraktags," users can send and request payments across the supported assets without needing bank details or wallet addresses.
Spending and Earn Accounts: Users can spend seamlessly and earn rewards with no lock-up periods, minimum deposits, or subscriptions. Eligible users can earn up to 4.1% on USDG stablecoin balances and up to 10% on over 20 other digital assets.
Future Plans: Kraken has announced plans to launch physical and virtual Krak cards for spending at millions of online and offline merchants, alongside prepayment services like borrowing, loans, and credit programs.
Bybit Offers High-Yield Debit Card with VIP Benefits
The Bybit Card is a Mastercard debit card that allows users to spend their cryptocurrency holdings quickly and easily. Available in both virtual and physical forms, the card is currently open to users in the EEA, Switzerland, AIFC, Australia, Brazil, and Argentina.
The physical card carries a €10 issuance fee. Users can enjoy cashback ranging from 2% to 10% on shopping, depending on their Bybit VIP level. During a promotional phase, new cardholders registered between January 1, 2025, and March 31, 2025, received a 10% cashback offer. The card supports spending in USD and is funded by cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, XRP, TON, USDT, USDC, MNT, and BNB.
Bitget’s Dual-Card Strategy Caters to Different User Needs
Bitget employs a two-card strategy. The first is the Bitget Wallet Card, a credit card developed in partnership with Immersve on the Mastercard network. It is currently available to whitelisted users in the EEA, UK, parts of Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. It has a $10 issuance fee and supports spending via USDC on the Base network. Users can enjoy a $5 bonus upon activating the card after KYC.
The second offering is a Visa-based crypto credit card, currently available by invitation only to VIP users. It has no annual fee, and both virtual and physical cards are issued for free. Transactions carry a 0.9% fee, and initially, it only supports USDT for spending, with plans to add BTC, ETH, BGB, and USDC.
MEXC Provides a Straightforward Option for European Users
The MEXC Mastercard debit card is available to most users within the EEA. It features a clear fee structure: a 1% top-up fee, a €1 monthly maintenance fee, and a 2% fee (minimum €0.60) for transactions outside the EEA. The card has a single transaction limit of 3,000 USDT and a monthly limit of 30,000 USDT. Its simplicity and transparent pricing make it a potential entry-level choice for European crypto users.
Gate Card Combines Spending Rewards with Platform Perks
The Gate Card is a Visa-based crypto credit/debit card with the denomination in Euros. It has no issuance fee for either virtual or physical cards. Top-ups incur a 0.9% fee, and foreign exchange fees are 0.2% within Europe and 2% outside Europe.
Its rewards are a major selling point:
- 1% USDT cashback on all purchases.
- Up to 7% cashback on hotels and flights through Gate Travel.
- New users get 2% cashback.
Users can choose to receive their rewards in USDT, BTC, ETH, or the platform's native token, GT.
KuCoin Offers Real-Time Crypto Conversion for EEA Residents
The KuCard VISA debit card is available exclusively to citizens and residents of the EEA. It supports 54 cryptocurrencies and the Euro. The physical card costs €9.99 to issue. While Euro transactions are free, non-Euro transactions incur a 2% fee.
A key feature is the instant conversion of cryptocurrency to fiat at the point of sale. The card also provides exclusive rewards and cashback, with monthly limits based on the user's account assets and VIP level, ranging from €30 for regular users to €250 for high-tier VIPs. The card supports Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a crypto payment card?
A crypto payment card functions like a traditional debit or credit card but is linked to your cryptocurrency exchange account or wallet. It automatically converts your crypto into local fiat currency at the point of sale, allowing you to spend your digital assets anywhere the card network (Visa/Mastercard) is accepted.
How do I choose the best crypto card for me?
Your choice depends on your location, spending habits, and desired rewards. Consider factors like supported regions, annual fees, transaction fees, foreign exchange fees, and the type of cashback or rewards offered. Always check if the card is available in your country and which cryptocurrencies it supports 👉 Compare top crypto card features and benefits.
Are there any risks associated with using crypto cards?
The primary risks are related to cryptocurrency's volatility. The value of your crypto holdings can change between the time you fund your card and when you make a purchase. Additionally, users should be aware of potential fees for top-ups, transactions, and currency conversions, which can vary significantly between providers.
Can I use my crypto card to withdraw cash from ATMs?
Most crypto debit cards do allow ATM withdrawals, but this service often comes with additional fees, such as a flat fee plus a percentage of the withdrawal amount. It's crucial to check your specific card's terms and conditions for ATM withdrawal limits and associated costs.
What is the difference between a crypto debit card and a credit card?
A crypto debit card spends the assets you have already loaded onto the card or linked from your exchange account. A crypto credit card, like traditional credit cards, allows you to borrow money up to a certain limit and pay it back later, often accruing interest if the balance is not paid in full. Both types typically offer crypto rewards on purchases.
Do I need to complete KYC to get a crypto card?
Yes, absolutely. All regulated providers require users to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) identity verification process before issuing a card. This is a standard regulatory requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering.
Conclusion
The battlefield for crypto exchanges has long been concentrated on spot trading, derivatives, and staking services. The new frontier is payments. From credit and debit cards to integrated payment apps that blend CeFi and DeFi services, leading exchanges are aggressively building a "transaction-as-a-lifestyle" ecosystem.
Partnerships with traditional financial giants like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express remain the dominant strategy for ensuring widespread acceptance. However, some exchanges are also exploring more independent routes by developing their own wallet infrastructures and stablecoin ecosystems. As more of these cards and apps roll out globally in the latter half of 2025, the competition in the crypto payment space is poised to intensify dramatically.