Crypto Payments, Crypto-Friendly Merchants

Best Crypto Debit Cards in 2024 (VISA / Mastercard)

Last updated: March 28, 2024 11 min read

Vilius Barbaravičius

Cryptocurrency payments are on the rise and are capturing the interest of many.

Yet, introducing a debit card in your life that’s topped up with crypto brings its own set of advantages. 

It also makes the transition into crypto spending smoother and more aligned with our everyday spending habits, like using a traditional credit card. 

What is a crypto debit card?

A crypto debit card is a type of payment card that allows you to use your crypto holdings for everyday transactions. It is similar to how you would use a traditional debit card linked to your bank account. 

Instead of withdrawing cash from a bank account, a crypto debit card is connected to a wallet containing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others. 

When you make a purchase with a crypto debit card, the card automatically converts the necessary amount of cryptocurrency into the merchant’s local currency at the time of the transaction.

This means you can spend your crypto at stores, online retailers, or even withdraw cash at ATMs that may not directly accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.

Additionally, some crypto debit cards offer perks such as cashback rewards in cryptocurrency, thus further enhancing the benefits of using them for regular transactions.

As always, security is a paramount feature of these cards, so advanced protection measures are accounted for in this list of best crypto debit card providers.

Best crypto debit cards in 2024

Here’s the list of top-tier crypto debit cards right now:

Bybit Card

The Bybit debit card, launched in partnership with Mastercard, offers a convenient way for users to spend cryptocurrencies directly from their Bybit funding wallet for both local and international transactions. 

bybit debit card

The Bybit debit card, available as both a virtual and physical card, is designed to facilitate the direct spending of cryptocurrencies at any location where Mastercard is accepted. It offers seamless conversions from crypto to fiat currencies (EUR or GBP) based on the user’s residence. The card aims to provide Bybit users with a secure, convenient, and cost-effective way to manage and spend their funds​​​​​​.

Countries Where Available

The Bybit card is available to users in the European Union and the United Kingdom, excluding a few countries like Croatia, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, and Romania. Applicants must provide a Proof of Address from the UK or eligible EEA countries issued within the last three months to complete Identity Verification Lv. 2 during the application process​​​​.

Cryptocurrencies Supported

The Bybit card supports several major cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, XRP, USDT, and USDC. This selection enables users to spend a variety of digital assets directly, enhancing the card’s versatility​​​​.

Fees

The Bybit card emphasizes affordability and transparency in its fee structure, which includes:

  • A foreign exchange fee of 0.5% (on top of Mastercard’s foreign exchange rate).
  • A crypto conversion fee of 0.9% (on top of Spot fees).
  • No annual fee, dormancy/inactivity fee, card cancellation fee, or card issuance fee for the virtual Bybit Card. A charge of 5 EUR/GBP/USDT applies for the physical card issuance.
  • Free ATM withdrawals up to 200 EUR/GBP each month, followed by a 2% fee thereafter​​​​.

Rewards Offered

The Bybit VIP Program and loyalty Rewards Shop are expected to launch soon, potentially offering additional benefits to cardholders​​.

Check out Bybit.

KuCoin (KuCard)

The KuCard represents KuCoin’s ambition to bridge the gap between cryptocurrency and traditional financial systems.

kucard debit crypto card

Accepted at millions of locations, it simplifies crypto transactions with automatic currency conversion, integrates with major payment platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and emphasizes security with real-time notifications. 

This product is a pivotal step towards making cryptocurrencies a commonplace in daily transactions, as it enhances the practicality and reach of digital assets​​​​​​.

This overview provides a comprehensive look into KuCard’s offerings, showcasing KuCoin’s efforts to facilitate the everyday use of cryptocurrencies. 

Countries Where Available

The KuCard was initially launched within the European Economic Area (EEA). This focus allows residents in these countries to leverage the card for their cryptocurrency transactions in local shops, restaurants, and ATMs, providing a significant step towards the integration of cryptocurrency into everyday financial activities​​​​.

Cryptocurrencies Supported

At launch, the KuCard supports transactions made in USDT (Tether’s stablecoin) and the Euro. However, there are plans to expand the range of supported cryptocurrencies in the future. This move will undoubtedly enhance the card’s flexibility and utility for a broader user base, catering to diverse preferences in digital asset usage​​​​.

Fees

The fee structure for using the KuCard is designed with transparency and competitiveness in mind:

  • Issuance Fee of €9.99 for issuing a new KuCard.
  • Replacement Fee of €9.99 for issuing a replacement card.
  • Annual Maintenance Fee of €10 for ongoing operational costs.
  • No charge for transactions made in euros.
  • Foreign Transaction Fee is 2% for transactions in currencies other than euros, specifically outside Europe.
  • Cash Withdrawal Fee is €1.50 for withdrawals in euros within Europe; 2% of the withdrawal amount for withdrawals in a foreign currency outside Europe​​.

Rewards Offered

KuCoin incentivizes the use of KuCard with various rewards and promotions. One promotional campaign offers bonuses for users who use their card for transactions. 

This includes opportunities for users to win up to $50 USDT for topping up their Euro balance using SEPA methods and purchasing cryptocurrencies with it. An additional $2 in USDT is also offered for those who deposit Euro and use their KuCard for the first time​​.

Check out KuCoin.

Nexo Card

The Nexo Card is a unique financial tool that combines the functionalities of credit and debit cards, designed to optimize your cryptocurrency and traditional currency spending. 

nexo crypto card review

The Nexo Card stands out by allowing you to switch between Credit and Debit Modes. 

In Credit Mode, your crypto serves as collateral for a credit line, which can be spent without selling your assets, starting from 0% interest. 

Debit Mode enables you to directly spend your crypto and fiat currencies, with the added benefit of earning daily compound interest on your balance. Moreover, the card supports seamless integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay for easy virtual use. Importantly, spending in Credit Mode doesn’t trigger a taxable event, potentially offering tax optimization benefits​​​​.

The Nexo Card, therefore, not only facilitates the everyday use of cryptocurrencies alongside traditional currencies but also offers a suite of features that make it an attractive option for crypto enthusiasts seeking to integrate digital assets into their daily financial activities more seamlessly.

Countries Where Available

The Nexo Card is primarily available to users in the European Economic Area (EEA) through a partnership with Mastercard and DiPocket, providing a broad acceptance at millions of merchants worldwide​​.

Cryptocurrencies Supported

You can fund your Nexo Card with various cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies, including BTC, ETH, and major fiat stablecoins like EUR, GBP, and USD. This flexibility allows you to spend your crypto assets without needing to sell them, preserving their potential for appreciation​​​​.

Fees

One of the Nexo Card’s most appealing features is its minimal fee structure. There are no monthly, annual, or inactivity fees. Additionally, it offers free ATM withdrawals up to a certain limit and no foreign exchange fees for up to €20,000 per month, making it an economically efficient option for both domestic and international use​​​​.

Rewards Offered

The Nexo Card offers up to 2% back in crypto rewards on all transactions, with the rewards paid out in either BTC or NEXO tokens. The specific reward rate you receive depends on your loyalty tier within the Nexo platform, with higher tiers receiving greater rewards​​​​.

Check out Nexo.

What to look for in the best cryptocurrency debit card

A top-tier crypto credit card effortlessly marries the innovations of cryptocurrency with the practicality of traditional credit perks. 

Such a card stands out for its broad support of various cryptocurrencies, enabling users to spend Bitcoin, Ethereum, and beyond without the hassle of converting them first. Its appeal is further amplified by a competitive fee structure that minimizes annual and transaction fees alongside offering favorable exchange rates.

The allure of a good crypto credit card doesn’t stop at low costs; it extends to generous rewards programs that offer cashback, points, or cryptocurrency rewards for purchases. 

These benefits are designed to be easily redeemable, potentially enhancing your crypto portfolio. Security is also paramount, with top cards featuring advanced measures like two-factor authentication and instant card freezing capabilities through a user-friendly mobile app.

Ease of use is also crucial, with seamless conversion of crypto to fiat currency at the point of sale, thus eliminating any concern over manual conversions. This convenience is matched by the card’s global acceptance so you can shop or withdraw cash anywhere VISA or Mastercard is accepted. 

Complementing these features should be exemplary customer support, ready to assist with any queries or issues. Together, these attributes make for a crypto credit card that not only simplifies spending your digital currencies but also enriches your overall financial experience.

Crypto debit card pros & cons

Crypto debit cards offer a flexible and innovative way to make the most out of your cryptocurrency investments, blending the digital and physical realms of finance. 

However, it’s essential to weigh their convenience and benefits against the costs and potential limitations. 

Pros:

Ease of Use: Just like a traditional debit card, you can use a crypto debit card at almost any retailer, making it incredibly convenient to spend your cryptocurrency on everyday purchases.

Instant Conversion: Your cryptocurrency is instantly converted into local currency at the point of sale, so you don’t have to manually exchange your assets before making a purchase.

Earn Rewards: Many crypto debit cards offer rewards programs, allowing you to earn cashback, cryptocurrencies, or other perks on your purchases, making spending not just convenient but also rewarding.

Global Use: With a crypto debit card, you’re not limited by currency borders. Travel the world and pay with your card, enjoying competitive exchange rates and the freedom to spend your assets wherever you go.

Security: Crypto debit cards often come with advanced security features, protecting your digital assets with technology like 2FA, encryption, and sometimes even biometric verification for transactions.

Cons:

Volatility: Cryptocurrency prices can be highly volatile. The value of what you spend today might be considerably different tomorrow, which can be a double-edged sword.

Conversion Fees: While converting your crypto to fiat currency is convenient, it can come with fees that might add up over time, affecting the overall efficiency of your transactions.

Limited Acceptance: Although adoption is growing, not all businesses accept crypto payments yet, which might limit where you can use your card compared to traditional debit cards.

Regulatory Uncertainty: The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies is still evolving, which could impact the features and availability of crypto debit cards as laws change.

Dependency on Internet Access: To use your crypto debit card, you’ll often need internet access to manage your account or verify transactions, which might not always be convenient.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about crypto debit cards:

Why use a crypto debit card?

Using a crypto debit card offers several benefits over traditional debit cards. It allows for global travel and purchases, low fees with no charges for foreign exchange, attractive crypto-back rewards, the opportunity to earn interest on digital assets, and spending without bank-imposed limits. Additionally, it does not require a bank account and rewards holders of the card’s native token. 

How do crypto debit cards work?

Crypto debit cards convert cryptocurrencies to fiat currency automatically at the time of purchase, allowing users to spend their crypto assets seamlessly as they would with a traditional debit card. Users top up the card with crypto, which is then available for use at merchants worldwide, with the conversion to local currency happening instantaneously during transactions. These cards are often linked to a crypto wallet or platform account, where users can manage their balances and transactions​​.

Are crypto debit cards safe to use?

Crypto debit cards are generally safe to use, as they often come with security measures similar to traditional bank cards. These can include PIN codes, two-factor authentication for transactions, and the ability to freeze the card through an app if it’s lost or stolen. However, the safety can also depend on the security practices of the issuing company and the user’s handling of their account information. Always ensure you’re using a reputable provider and practicing safe online security measures.

Where can I use a crypto debit card?

You can use a crypto debit card at any merchant that accepts card payments from major networks like Visa and Mastercard. This includes both online and in-person transactions, essentially anywhere traditional debit cards are accepted, making them highly versatile for everyday use.

Written by:

Vilius Barbaravičius

Vilius is a seasoned copywriter and bitcoin enthusiast specializing in blockchain and cryptocurrency topics. He's been with CoinGate since 2018, writing blogs, social media content, sales materials, newsletters, FAQs, and more. He's relentless in pursuing knowledge and a better understanding of the crypto industry, which helps him create meaningful and engaging content every day.