Crypto card

A crypto card is a payment card you top up with crypto, usually stablecoins. When you pay, the service converts the coins into regular money, and the shop receives fiat.

How it works

You send coins to an address the card service gives you, usually USDT or USDC. The service credits your balance and, at the moment of purchase, converts the crypto into currency such as euros or dollars. For the merchant it is a normal card payment, and they never see that the money came from crypto.

Choosing the right network matters when you top up. The same USDT exists on several blockchains, and if you send it on a network the service does not support, you can lose it. Each network charges its own transfer fee (gas).

Almost every such card requires identity verification (KYC). Top-up, conversion and cash withdrawal fees, limits and supported countries differ by provider. The service holds the money on the card, not you, so it is not a replacement for a wallet for your savings.

Example with numbers

You send 100 USDT to the card. The top-up fee is 1%, so 99 USDT lands on your balance. Say the conversion rate is 0.92 euros per USDT: you have about 91 euros to spend. On top of that you paid a network fee in transit, which depends on the blockchain you chose.

Common mistake

The biggest mistake is topping up on the wrong network or with the wrong token. Before your first transfer, check in the service app which coins and networks it accepts, copy the whole address, and send a small test amount first. And do not keep more on the card than you plan to spend: it is a custodial service and access can be restricted.

Questions and answers

What is a crypto card in simple terms?

It is a card you top up with crypto and then use like a normal card. The service handles the conversion into local currency.

Do crypto cards require verification?

Almost always. Companies that issue cards must check their customers, so expect to upload an ID and sometimes a selfie.

What fees do crypto cards charge?

Typically a network fee when you top up, a service fee for top-up or conversion, and sometimes monthly and cash withdrawal fees. The mix and size depend on the provider, so compare them before choosing.

Crypto card

How it works

Questions and answers

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