The cryptocurrency landscape is undergoing a pivotal transformation as leading centralized exchanges (CEXs) expand beyond trading into everyday financial life. Platforms like Coinbase, Gemini, Crypto.com, Kraken, Bybit, Bitget, Gate, KuCoin, and MEXC are aggressively launching or upgrading payment solutions—ranging from crypto credit and debit cards to integrated spending apps—to bridge digital assets with real-world transactions.
This shift marks a strategic move toward building sustainable ecosystems where users can seamlessly spend, earn, and manage crypto in daily life. Most of these payment cards support key markets such as the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United States, with many offering 2%–10% crypto cashback rewards. As stablecoins and payment infrastructure become central themes in 2025’s crypto narrative, the competition for consumer adoption has never been fiercer.
Let’s explore how major exchanges are positioning themselves in this emerging battlefield of crypto-powered finance.
Coinbase: Leveraging American Express for the New Coinbase One Card
In June 2025, Coinbase announced the upcoming launch of the Coinbase One Card, exclusively available to U.S. members of its premium subscription service, Coinbase One. This marks Coinbase’s first foray into crypto credit cards, building on its prior experience with a Visa-powered prepaid debit card launched in 2020.
The card operates on the American Express network and is set to roll out in fall 2025. It offers users 2% to 4% Bitcoin cashback on purchases, along with Amex’s renowned protections and rewards ecosystem.
Coinbase One subscriptions cost $29.99 per month and include zero trading fees, boosted staking yields, and other exclusive benefits. For budget-conscious users, Coinbase also introduced a lower-tier “Basic” plan at $4.99 monthly (or $49.99 annually), which still includes crypto rewards but at a reduced rate.
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Gemini: Tiered Rewards and Instant Crypto Cashback
Gemini stands out with a flexible and user-friendly rewards structure. Its no-annual-fee Mastercard credit card supports cashback in over 50 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. New cardholders who spend $3,000 within 90 days of account opening receive a $200 crypto bonus—valid until June 30, 2025.
What sets Gemini apart is its instant rewards mechanism—users earn crypto back immediately, not in points or delayed credits. The card offers:
- 4% cashback on the first $300 spent monthly on gas and EV charging (1% thereafter)
- 3% back on dining
- 2% back on groceries
- 1% back on all other eligible purchases
Rewards can be claimed directly in crypto, and users may change their preferred reward currency at any time. There are no foreign transaction fees or annual charges. However, selling or converting earned crypto incurs standard trading fees. The card’s APR ranges from 17.24% to 29.24%, with late fees up to $8 and missed payment penalties up to $35.
To apply, users must have an active Gemini trading account.
Crypto.com: Tier-Based Crypto Cashback Incentives
Crypto.com has long been a pioneer in crypto payment cards. In June 2025, it expanded its offerings with the Crypto.com Visa Signature Credit Card in the U.S., building on its existing prepaid debit card model.
The card features variable APRs between 18.24% and 32.24%, based on creditworthiness and prime rates at approval. Balance transfer fees are 5% or $10 (whichever is higher), and foreign transaction fees are 3%.
Rewards are tiered and generous:
- Obsidian tier: 6.5% cashback first year, then 5%
- Rose/Icy: 5% first year, 4% thereafter
- Jade/Indigo: 3.5% first year, 3% thereafter
- Ruby: 2.5% first year, 2% thereafter
- Midnight: 1.5% ongoing
These bonus rates last for 12 months from card activation or tier upgrade. The system incentivizes users to increase engagement and maintain higher status levels for maximum returns.
Kraken: Launching “Krak” App to Challenge PayPal and Venmo
Kraken is taking a different route by entering the payments space through a dedicated app—Krak, launched globally on June 26, 2025. This all-in-one financial platform enables seamless management of over 300 fiat currencies and digital assets.
Key features include:
- Peer-to-peer payments across 110+ countries using personalized Kraktags (no need to share wallet or bank details)
- Dedicated spending & earning accounts with no lock-up periods or subscriptions
- Up to 4.1% yield on USDG stablecoin balances
- Additional earning opportunities of up to 10% across 20+ digital assets
Future plans include physical and virtual Krak cards, merchant payments (online and offline), lending services, and a full credit card program—positioning Kraken as a direct competitor to PayPal and Venmo in the Web3 era.
👉 See how integrated crypto apps are reshaping digital finance.
Bybit: High-Yield Debit Card with Up to 10% Cashback
Bybit’s Mastercard-powered crypto debit card allows users to spend digital assets instantly across EEA countries, Switzerland, AIFC, Australia, Brazil, and Argentina.
The card comes in both virtual and physical forms. A €10 issuance fee applies for the physical card. Eurozone users face a 2% fee on withdrawals exceeding €100 per month. Transaction fees are 0.9% above Bybit’s spot rate, plus a 0.5% markup on foreign exchange via Mastercard’s rate.
Cashback rewards range from 2% to 10%, based on the user’s VIP level. During a promotional period (January–March 2025), new cardholders enjoyed up to 10% cashback. Supported fiat is USD; supported cryptos include BTC, ETH, XRP, TON, USDT, USDC, MNT, and BNB.
Bitget: Dual-Card Strategy with Wallet and Exchange Focus
Bitget employs a dual approach:
Bitget Wallet Card (Mastercard)
Co-issued with Immersve, this card lets users spend crypto directly via Bitget Wallet. KYC-verified users receive a $5 cashback bonus upon activation.
There’s a $10 issuance fee, but no monthly or annual fees. Spending in non-USD currencies incurs a 1.7% conversion fee (automatically deducted); USD transactions are fee-free.
Supported regions include EEA, UK, Latin America (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, etc.), Australia, and New Zealand—available only to whitelisted users.
The card supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and works on major platforms like Amazon, TikTok, ChatGPT, and Grab. Daily limit: $5,000; annual: $100,000.
Bitget Exchange Visa Credit Card
Available only to VIP users by invitation. No annual fee; first virtual and physical cards are free. Transaction fee: 0.9%, ATM withdrawal: $0.65 + 2%. Currently supports USDT only, with BTC, ETH, BGB, and USDC coming soon.
MEXC: Transparent Fees for European Users
The MEXC Mastercard debit card targets EEA residents with a clear fee structure:
- Recharge fee: 1%
- Per transaction limit: 3,000 USDT
- Monthly limit: 30,000 USDT
- Card balance cap: 100,000 USDT
- Intra-EEA transaction fee: 0%
- Outside EEA: 2% (min €0.60 per transaction)
- Monthly usage fee: €1
Its simplicity and low costs make it an attractive entry-level option for European crypto adopters.
Gate: Combining Cashback with Platform Benefits
The Gate Card, powered by Visa (EUR), aims to integrate crypto into daily spending. It offers:
- 1% USDT cashback on all purchases
- 7% cashback on hotels and flights
- Exclusive travel deals via Gate Travel
- 2% cashback for new users
Users can choose rewards in USDT, BTC, ETH, or GT. No issuance fees for virtual or physical cards. Recharge fee: 0.9%; foreign exchange fees: 0.2% (in Europe), 2% (outside). Daily spending limit: €25,000. Supports Google Pay and ATM withdrawals.
KuCoin: Real-Time Crypto Swaps for EEA Users
The KuCard Visa debit card is available exclusively to EEA citizens and residents. It supports 54 cryptocurrencies (including KCS, BTC, ETH) and EUR.
Physical card issuance: €9.99. EUR transactions are free; non-EUR: 2%. ATM withdrawals cost €2 locally; international: 2% of amount.
KuCard enables real-time crypto-to-fiat conversion, letting users spend any supported asset instantly. Cashback limits vary by VIP level—up to €30 for regular users and €250 for top-tier VIPs.
It integrates with Apple Pay and Google Pay for contactless spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which crypto card offers the highest cashback?
A: Bybit offers up to 10% cashback during promotions for VIP users. Crypto.com’s Obsidian tier provides up to 6.5% in the first year, while Gemini offers up to 4% on select categories.
Q: Are there any no-fee crypto cards?
A: Yes—Gemini has no annual or foreign transaction fees. Bitget’s Visa credit card also has no annual fee for VIPs.
Q: Can I use these cards outside my home country?
A: Most cards work globally via Visa or Mastercard networks. However, foreign transaction fees may apply (e.g., Crypto.com charges 3%).
Q: Do I need a trading account to get a crypto card?
A: Yes—platforms like Gemini, Bybit, Bitget, and KuCoin require an active exchange or wallet account for eligibility.
Q: Are stablecoins supported for spending?
A: Yes—USDT and USDC are widely accepted across Bybit, Bitget, Gate, KuCoin, and MEXC cards.
Q: What happens if I don’t pay my crypto credit card bill?
A: Like traditional cards, late payments incur fees (up to $35) and affect credit scores where applicable (e.g., Gemini’s APR ranges up to 29.24%).
Final Thoughts
The battlefield for crypto dominance has shifted—from trading desks to everyday wallets. Exchanges are no longer just platforms for speculation; they’re evolving into full-fledged financial ecosystems where spending crypto is as easy as using cash.
Whether through high-reward credit cards (Gemini, Crypto.com), global debit solutions (Bybit, KuCoin), or all-in-one apps (Kraken’s Krak), the goal is clear: create a closed-loop experience where “trading is life” becomes “crypto is life.”
Partnerships with Visa, Mastercard, and American Express remain crucial for mainstream access—but independent ecosystems like Krak suggest a future where crypto-native rails could stand alone.
As more cards launch globally in late 2025, the race for real-world adoption will intensify. The winner? Likely the platform that best blends rewards, usability, and seamless integration into daily life.
👉 Stay ahead in the crypto revolution—explore tools that turn digital assets into real-world power.