A Bitcoin card makes the world’s most popular cryptocurrency a practical means of payment that you can use to buy things in store and online. Use this guide to compare the best cards around.
This guide explains how to use a Bitcoin debit card and how they work. Get the lowdown on what to look out for when you choose one and then compare the best options out there.
What are the best Bitcoin debit cards?
Use the table below to pick one of the best debit card platforms right away. All of these platforms let you spend Bitcoin, and many offer other cryptocurrencies as well. If you aren’t ready to dive in straight away, keep reading to learn more about how they work.
| # | CARD PROVIDER | SUPPORTED CRYPTOCURRENCIES | INVEST NOW |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wirex | 10, including Bitcoin | Invest now > |
| 2 | Crypto.com | 28 | Learn more > |
Top Bitcoin debit cards, reviewed
What is a Bitcoin card?
A debit card that lets you spend Bitcoin on day-to-day purchases. It’s essentially the same as your regular bank card, except it uses an account loaded with cryptocurrency to make the payment instead. A debit card transforms Bitcoin into a means of payment that can be used in store or online around the world.
How do crypto debit cards work?
By exchanging your cryptocurrency for local currency when you use it to buy anything. They’re just like regular debit cards or pre-paid cards, you just need to put money in and then you can use them in-store or online anywhere that accepts card payments.
Each debit card provider partners with a payment service, such as Visa or Mastercard, which means it works anywhere those services are accepted. At the point of purchase, the card exchanges your Bitcoin for the local currency to make the payment.
What should I look for in a crypto debit card?
Like when it comes to choosing a bank account, there are a number of things to think about when you pick a debit card. Here are the most important factors to consider.
Security
The single most important thing is to keep your money safe. There aren’t as many regulations around crypto debit cards as there is for regular financial institutions or payment methods, so make sure to pick a platform with a good reputation and a reliable history.
Use our reviews to help you and look for features like two-factor authentication (2FA) and the ability to freeze your card from a mobile app should you lose it.
Number of cryptos
Bitcoin isn’t the only cryptocurrency, and you might want to spend other coins as well. If that’s the case, then look for a platform that supports a wide range of cryptos. Along with Bitcoin, most top cards let you spend top coins like Ethereum, Binance coin, XRP, and many others.
Low fees
You might have to pay a one off fee for the debit card to start with but beyond that, you shouldn’t have to pay much at all. Look out for how the platform calculates exchange rates and whether there are any fees for using the card abroad. Look for the best rates so that your money goes further.
Rewards scheme
Some cards offer rewards like cash back every time you spend, or bonuses for using it with certain merchants. Other platforms offer bonuses depending on the balance of coins in your account (with better rates of interest if you hold a certain percentage of it in their native cryptocurrency, for example). These bonuses can add up so they are worth looking into.
Quick answers to key questions
Do I have to pay for a crypto debit card?
It varies, some platforms charge a one off fee to pay for the card itself, others charge an ongoing monthly fee. We have seen some cards that are completely free though, so it’s worth shopping around.
Where can I use a Bitcoin card?
It depends on which payment service it uses, but you should be able to use it anywhere you would use a regular debit card. Each card partners with a payment service like Visa or Mastercard and then you can use it anywhere those cards are accepted.
That means that you can use your card online or in-store and there shouldn’t be any restrictions. You should also be able to withdraw money at any ATM that supports Visa/Mastercard as well.
Will I be charged a fee when I use my card?
There are usually some fees but they can vary dramatically between cards. The most common charges tend to be for things like using it abroad, withdrawing from an ATM, or going over your withdrawal limit, rather than for everyday purchases.
In some cases, you can avoid ongoing fees as long as you spend a certain amount every month, while in others you get better rates for loading your card with a particular cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Binance coin.
Are crypto debit cards safe to use?
Yes, in most cases they are just as safe as any other debit card. Make sure to pick a reputable platform and check for features like two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric scanning so that you know it takes security seriously.
Should I use a Bitcoin debit card?
If you own Bitcoin and want to be able to spend it, a debit card is a great option. Cards are much more convenient than trying to pay for purchases with cryptocurrency directly, as they do the hard work of calculating exchange rates for you.
Many cards let you spend other cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin, and act like a bitcoin wallet that you can use to store your coins in when you aren’t using them as well. The only real drawback is that Bitcoin can be volatile, and sometimes it’s better to hold it than spend it because it can go up in value quite quickly.
Still undecided?
To help you make a final decision, we’ve summarised the most important pros and cons of using a Bitcoin card in the table below.
Pros
- Easy to use and make Bitcoin a practical means of payment
- Most offer a way to track your spending and manage payments online
- You can earn cashback and other bonuses on your spending
Cons
- Bitcoin is volatile and the value of your purchases can change dramatically
- There can be fees for using one, especially if you plan to use it abroad
Where do I go now?
To get a Bitcoin card right away, choose a provider from the table above to sign up and get started. Otherwise, you can learn more about how to buy Bitcoin first, or find out how it works instead.
Can I use more than one crypto debit card?
Yes, there is no limit to how many debit cards you can own. Since each platform charges different fees and might offer different rewards, there can sometimes be a benefit to owning more than one. However, for most people there’s no real need to.
Are bitcoin debit card legal?
Yes, as they’re backed by payment services like Visa and Mastercard and operate like any other debit or pre-paid card.
Can I use a card were I live?
It depends, as some countries don’t yet allow them or have stricter rules. In the US, for example, the tax laws make the process of using one a bit more complicated than in Europe and their availability varies by state as well.
If you live in the UK or EU, there are more cards available. In the US, you might find fewer options.
Can I use a card on my phone?
Many cards come with a mobile app that lets you load cryptocurrency onto the card or manage your money through your phone. Features like the sort of ‘tap and spend’ option offered by Google or Apple Pay isn’t yet available for cryptocurrency.
Are there a limit to how much bitcoin I can spend through my debit card?
Yes, there may be spending and withdrawal limits and these vary from platform to platform. In some cases you can go over withdrawal limits if you’re willing to pay a fee.
Original source: https://invezz.com/cryptocurrency/bitcoin/debit-cards/
