Best Bitcoin Debit Cards of 2023
Fees
Cryptocurrencies Supported
Rewards
Availability
Coinbase Best Overall
2.49% cryptocurrency liquidation fee
8
4%
Anywhere Visa is accepted
BlockCard Best Low-Fee Card
$5 monthly fee, $3 ATM withdrawal fee, $2 foreign transaction fee
14
Up to 6.38% cashback
U.S.
Wirex Best for Cardholder Perks
None
150+ traditional and fiat currencies
Up to 8% cashback
Anywhere Visa is accepted
BlockFi Best for Cashback
None
15+
2% cashback
Anywhere Visa is accepted
BitPay Best for U.S. Residents
3% foreign transaction fee, $2.50 ATM withdrawal fee
7
None
U.S.
Crypto.com Best Variety of Cryptocurrencies Supported
None
80+
8% cashback
Anywhere Visa is accepted
Nuri Best No-Fee Card
None
2
None
European Economic Area
Binance Best for Cashback
Up to a 0.9% transaction fee for transactions and ATM withdrawals
15
8% cashback
Europe, excluding the UK
Guide to Choosing the Best Bitcoin Debit Cards
Do You Need a Bitcoin Debit Card?
Whether or not a Bitcoin debit card makes sense for you depends on whether you use cryptocurrency. If you’re content with a regular debit card and don’t regularly use cryptocurrency to make purchases, then a Bitcoin debit card may not be necessary. On the other hand, if you regularly favor cryptocurrency over fiat currency when shopping, a Bitcoin debit card could make your life easier.
Here are the pros of a Bitcoin debit card:
- Spend cryptocurrency even at venues that don’t typically support it
- Ability to earn cashback rewards in cryptocurrency for transactions
- Many cards support multiple types of currency
- Robust security features to protect your account
Here are the cons of a Bitcoin debit card:
- Many cards charge fees
- Not all Bitcoin debit cards are available in all areas
- High volatility makes cryptocurrency less predictable than fiat currency
- May not be necessary if you don’t shop using cryptocurrency
Comparing Bitcoin Debit Cards
When comparing Bitcoin debit cards, there are a few features that you should be sure to take into account. These include:
- Fees: Many, but not all, Bitcoin debit cards come with fees. These can include monthly maintenance, foreign transaction, and ATM withdrawal fees. You should look for a card that charges as few fees as possible.
- Rewards: Some Bitcoin debit cards come with rewards like cryptocurrency cashback. These rewards can seriously boost your earning potential, so it’s good to look for cards with generous cash back.
- Supported currencies: Not all Bitcoin debit cards support other currencies. Depending on what type of cryptocurrency you prefer, you should choose a card that supports it.
- Availability: Some Bitcoin debit cards are only available in certain geographic areas, such as the EU or the U.S. You should look for a debit card that works where you live.
- Other perks: Added perks are a nice additional bonus for Bitcoin debit cards. These can include basic perks like waived ATM fees and unique ones like free Spotify memberships.
Applying for a Bitcoin Debit Card
After you’ve decided which Bitcoin debit card works best for you, you’ll need to apply for a card. To use a Bitcoin debit card, there are a few steps you’ll need to take, including:
- Creating a Bitcoin wallet
- Buying Bitcoin from a reputable exchange
- Connecting the card to a wallet
- Funding the card
- Using the card to make purchases
Some cards require users to validate their identity before being approved. Others require users to purchase a card or make an investment in the card’s native currency. You can transfer Bitcoin from the debit card to fiat currency via an exchange or Bitcoin ATM.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How Do Bitcoin Debit Cards Work?
Bitcoin debit cards (also called crypto debit cards) act like prepaid debit cards that can be loaded with cryptocurrency to make online and in-store purchases from merchants that don’t accept cryptocurrencies.
These cards convert stored Bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies into whatever fiat currency is needed to make a purchase. Bitcoin debit cards can also be used to withdraw cash from ATMs in whatever fiat currencies the card supports.
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How Do I Get a Bitcoin Debit Card?
Bitcoin debit cards are typically issued by cryptocurrency exchanges and usually require individuals to create an account and/or digital wallet in order to apply for a card. Some also require users to validate their identity using the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process.
Some cards must also be purchased, with fees that vary. Others require you to make an investment in their native token currency in order to get better benefits, with costs coming in at $400, $4,000, or higher.
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Where Can I Use a Bitcoin Debit Card?
Bitcoin debit cards are issued in partnership with major credit card services (usually Visa) and can be used online or in-store wherever the major credit card is accepted. Cardholders can also withdraw cash at any ATM supported by the credit service.
It’s important to note that Bitcoin debit cards can only be issued to residents of specific regions, most commonly Europe. The cards also support certain fiat and cryptocurrencies and will charge cardholders for converting crypto into fiat currencies that are considered foreign.
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Are Bitcoin Debit Cards Safe to Use?
Most Bitcoin debit cards come with advanced security features like two-factor authentication, biometric scanning, and mobile codes that make them as safe to use as most major credit cards. Cardholders can also freeze or cancel their card instantly, usually through a mobile app.
Nonetheless, some consider Bitcoin debit cards less secure than offline digital wallets. Technically, transferring funds from a wallet to a debit card provider can increase the risk of cyber-attacks, as can keeping funds on mobile wallets or on online exchanges.
Methodology
We looked at nearly a dozen Bitcoin debit cards for this review. Our first consideration was to find cards that were easy to use and created a seamless transition from cryptocurrency conversion to purchase or withdrawal.
Security was also important, and we made sure to choose cards that offered the same level of security as traditional debit and credit cards as well as quick ways to freeze or cancel a card. Although pricing wasn’t a prime factor, we did highlight a few cards with low to no fees as well as those that offered cashback and other perks.