What is a crypto credit card?

A crypto credit card is like any standard credit card: you borrow up to a set limit and pay it back later. The twist? Instead of points, miles or cashback, your rewards come in cryptocurrency. This could be a popular coin like Bitcoin or Ethereum.

One of the biggest appeals of a crypto credit card is how it can help you accumulate cryptocurrency without actually buying it on an exchange. Every eligible purchase – from your morning coffee to your grocery run – earns rewards. In some cases, these rewards are paid out instantly, while other cards credit them monthly.

Compared to traditional credit cards, crypto credit cards can offer:

A way to diversify your rewards into digital assets.

The potential for those rewards to increase in value over time (although they can also drop in value).

The same global acceptance and convenience you’d expect from major payment networks like Visa or Mastercard.

It’s easy to confuse crypto credit and prepaid cards, but they work very differently.

Crypto credit cardswork like traditional credit cards. You’re given a spending limit, use the card for everyday purchases and repay your balance later in fiat. The big difference is in the rewards: instead of miles or cashback, you earn cryptocurrency. 

Depending on the issuer, rewards may be credited instantly or monthly, and some cards even boost rates in categories like dining or travel. For example, the Crypto.com Visa Signature® Credit Card lets users earn CRO rewards1 that can scale up with staking.

Crypto prepaid cardsare just that – prepaid. You load them in advance by selling crypto and adding fiat, and then spend from the fiat balance. There’s no borrowing, no credit line and no risk of carrying a balance. They’re easier to qualify for but generally come with fewer perks.

The key difference is that credit cards offer more flexibility. They allow borrowing, often carry stronger reward structures and may unlock lifestyle perks like rebates or lounge access.2 Prepaid cards are simpler and help keep spending disciplined, since you can only use what you’ve loaded.

Crypto credit cards borrow from the cashback playbook but swap dollars for digital coins. Each purchase sends a small slice of value back to you – sometimes in Bitcoin.

For example, if your card offers 2% back in Bitcoin and you spend $100 at a restaurant, you’ll earn $2 worth of BTC. This reward is typically credited to your account balance weekly or monthly, depending on the provider. Over time, these small amounts can add up, especially if the value of the cryptocurrency rises.

Some cards offer tiered systems. You might earn a higher percentage for specific spending categories like travel, dining or subscriptions. Others may boost your rate if you meet certain requirements, such as staking tokens or upgrading your account level.

Rewards also vary by type of cryptocurrency. While some cards pay exclusively in Bitcoin or Ethereum, others distribute their own native tokens. In some cases, you can even choose which coin you want your rewards in, giving you more flexibility.

It’s important to note that crypto rewards are still subject to price fluctuations. That volatility is part of the appeal for some investors but something to be aware of if you prefer stable, predictable returns.

Choosing the right crypto credit card isn’t just about flashy rewards. A few core factors will determine whether a card fits your lifestyle and actually delivers value.

Look beyond the headline percentage. Some cards offer flat rewards across every purchase, while others boost categories like dining, travel or streaming subscriptions. Also consider what you’re earning. Is it a mainstream coin like Bitcoin or Ethereum, or the issuer’s native token? 

With some cards, like the Crypto.com Visa Signature® Credit Card, you can even earn CRO1 that unlocks further perks through Level Up.3 The mix of reward rate and token selection with other cards may shape the long-term benefit of your spending.

Higher rewards often come with conditions. Some providers require staking or locking up tokens to unlock premium tiers. For instance, staking CRO with Crypto.com can lift your cashback rate and remove foreign transaction fees, but your staked balance may fluctuate in value during that period. Also check for extras like conversion fees, inactivity fees or annual charges. The best card is the one where rewards comfortably outweigh costs.

Beyond cashback, crypto credit cards can come with perks that make them more attractive than standard cards. Rebates for Spotify or Netflix, airport lounge access or travel insurance are common at higher tiers. Think about whether those perks match how you actually spend – they can tip the balance in favor of one card over another.

Lastly, make sure the card is both secure and usable everywhere you go. Look for features like instant card freeze, two-factor authentication and insured custodial assets. And because most crypto credit cards run on Visa or Mastercard, they should work at millions of merchants worldwide. For frequent travelers, this global reach is just as important as the rewards themselves.

With more crypto cards available than ever, it can be tricky to figure out which one actually works for your lifestyle. To make things easier, here’s a quick comparison across some of the most popular credit and debit-style cards available in 2025.

Based on publicly available information as of 21 August 2025.

Crypto.com’s Prepaid Visa Card leads the pack in 2025, combining tiered rewards with lifestyle perks few rivals match. Available across all 50 US states, it offers tiered rewards from 1.5% up to 8% back in CRO, with higher tiers removing caps entirely. Alongside cashback, it includes rebates for Spotify, Netflix, Amazon and X, plus Priority Pass lounge access at mid-to-top tiers –  benefits that competing cards simply don’t match.

Users can top up seamlessly through the Crypto.com App, enjoy interbank exchange rates and unlock higher rewards with CRO staking. While lower tiers carry FX fees, higher tiers waive them, making global spending smooth. 

BitPay keeps things simple with a prepaid Mastercard, but rewards are limited to merchant deals rather than true cashback. Instead of ongoing cashback, it relies on merchant-specific offers and fees like a 1% crypto conversion and inactivity charges can add up. While simple to use, it lacks certain perks and high reward.

For users already tied to Coinbase, this card integrates neatly, though conversion fees make rewards less attractive. It offers up to 4% back in rotating cryptocurrencies. However, a 2.49% conversion fee applies unless spending in USDC, which limits its value. It’s convenient if Coinbase is your main exchange, but the rewards and perks remain modest.

Wirex tempts with high headline rewards, but they’re locked to its WXT token and come with added fees. It provides up to 8% Cryptoback™ in WXT tokens with staking, plus support for 25+ cryptocurrencies. However, rewards are locked to its own ecosystem and users face top-up fees and FX spreads.

Gemini’s Mastercard works like a familiar traditional credit card, delivering instant crypto rewards but with category caps. You can get 4% back on gas, 3% dining and 1% elsewhere, with instant crypto rewards in 50+ assets. While attractive for traditional credit users, rewards are capped (e.g., gas at $300/month) and perks are limited.

If you spend heavily on gas, travel or subscriptions, go for cards with boosted rates in those areas. 

Staking CRO with Crypto.com can significantly elevate your earning rate. Higher tiers can unlock up to 6% back in crypto for the first 12 months, plus bonuses and perks. Just remember your crypto is locked up, so consider volatility.

Set recurring bills, like streaming subscriptions or phone plans, to your card. This way you’re steadily stacking crypto without extra effort, much like dollar-cost averaging (DCA).

Learn how to buy CRO

Choose your Crypto.com Prepaid Visa Card

Lock CRO and join Level Up

Earn rewards on everyday spending

Enjoy maximized crypto rewards

Yes. Because they run on Visa or Mastercard networks, they carry the same fraud protection and encryption as any traditional card. You can also freeze or replace them instantly through the app. That said, no system is completely foolproof; it’s still important to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication and keep your devices secure.

They can. Applying for a credit card typically results in a soft or hard inquiry. Carrying a balance can increase your utilization rate, which might affect your score. But timely payments and responsible use build credit health.

Usually not. Many cards cap promotional rewards or have monthly limits, especially at lower tiers. Always check your card’s fine print to avoid surprises.

Not always. Some cards require no staking and still offer solid rewards. Cards like Crypto.com require stake for top tiers, but for some users, it’s worth it. Just understand what you’re locking up and the risks.

Crypto rewards are volatile. The value of crypto coins can change drastically after you earn them. This means your ‘cashback’ might grow (or shrink) depending on token price movements.

Crypto.com stands out with its subscription rebates, lounge access and travel-related perks at higher tiers. Others focus more on simple rewards. If travel benefits matter, check card tier offerings closely.

Disclaimer: This is informational content sponsored by Crypto.com and should not be considered as an investment recommendation or advice. Staking rewards, fee reduction, and other benefits and rewards referenced in this article may be subject to change. Eligibility requirements, token holdings, and other terms and conditions apply and may change at the discretion of Crypto.com. The Crypto.com Visa SignatureⓇ Credit Card is subject to credit approval.  

Credit card offers are subject to credit approval. 

Crypto.com Visa Signature® Credit Card Accounts are issued by Comenity Capital Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under license. See more disclosures here: https://crypto.com/us/cards/debit.

1 'Plus', 'Pro', and 'Private' Level Up tiers require a level up subscription or CRO lockup or Staking for 12 months from Crypto.com Visa Credit Card account opening. If you do not wish to subscribe or Lockup/Stake, select the 'Basic' tier. Offer is exclusive to Crypto.com Visa Signature® Credit Card holders enrolled in the Level Up program. This rewards program is provided by Crypto.com and its terms may change at any time. For full Rewards Terms and Conditions, please see https://crypto.com/document/us_credit_card. Crypto.com calculates and awards the amount of CRO tokens earned based on the current market rate at the time of your purchase.

2 Offer is available to Level Up Rewards members that are in the 'Pro' and 'Private' tiers. Click here for terms and conditions. Priority Pass™ access is available to eligible crypto.com cardholders in 'Pro' and 'Private' Level Up tiers upon registration using a Unique Invitation Code (UIC), provided via the Crypto.com app. Registration requires entry of a Crypto.com Visa Signature® Credit Card. Lounge access is granted through the Priority Pass mobile app. For additional details, click here.

3 Offer is available to Level Up Rewards members that are in the reward program tiers. Click here for terms and conditions.