Introducing the First Bitcoin-Only Credit Card
Fold, a Bitcoin-first financial services company, today announced it is leveraging Stripe's infrastructure and Visa's global payments network to power its forthcoming Fold Bitcoin Credit Card. The product is designed to make Bitcoin accumulation as simple as swiping a card. Fold first disclosed its credit card plans back in February 2025, and now the partnerships are finalized.
Scheduled to launch later in 2026, the card offers rewards denominated entirely in Bitcoin. Users earn up to 3.5% back on every purchase: a flat 2% instantly, plus an additional 1.5% for those who pay off their balance using a Fold Checking Account. Additionally, cardholders can earn up to 10% back at top retail brands such as Amazon, Target, Home Depot, Starbucks, and Uber through the Fold rewards network.
Positioned as 'Bitcoin-Only, Simple, Transparent'
Unlike many crypto-linked rewards cards that involve multiple tokens, staking tiers, or exchange accounts, Fold's card is purely Bitcoin-based. The company positions it as 'Bitcoin-only, simple, and transparent.' CEO Will Reeves stated: 'Our credit card offers clear and compelling value and makes Bitcoin easily accessible to everyone. It's simple enough for someone new to Bitcoin, but built with the transparency and control early adopters expect.'
From a consumer perspective, the card significantly lowers the barrier to acquiring Bitcoin. Users no longer need to navigate exchanges, wallets, or private keys; they passively earn Bitcoin as they spend on ordinary purchases. This 'earn first, learn later' approach has proven effective in onboarding newcomers, and the card's simplicity could further expand Bitcoin adoption.
Industry Partners Endorse the Move
Sateesh Kumar Srinivasan, Head of Money Management Product at Stripe, commented: 'Our new consumer Issuing product is designed exactly for this purpose: to power customers like Fold that want to introduce new products to the market without the complexities of managing their own program.' Cuy Sheffield, Visa's Head of Crypto, framed the launch as part of a broader trend: 'Fold's Bitcoin rewards, paired with Visa's scale and security, give consumers a safe, simple way to earn bitcoin as they shop.'
Fold previously gained traction with its Bitcoin rewards debit card, gift card, and shopping app. Now, with Stripe and Visa backing its credit card, Fold is poised to bring Bitcoin rewards to a mass audience. If successful, the card could mark a new chapter for Bitcoin adoption, where earning and saving Bitcoin becomes as routine as buying groceries or paying for a ride home.
Early Timeline and Expectations
Fold first announced its credit card developments in February 2025, and after more than a year of preparation, the official launch is set for later in 2026. While an exact launch date has not been disclosed, the company is optimistic about the product's impact. Analysts believe that with Stripe and Visa's involvement, Bitcoin rewards credit cards could move from niche to mainstream, bringing more incremental users into the crypto ecosystem.