If cryptocurrency is designed to reconstruct the financial world by improving transaction speed, privacy, cost, and convenience, debit cards serve as a practical bridge between the old and new economies. By early 2020, a multitude of crypto debit card options had emerged, allowing users to convert digital assets into spendable fiat currency at the touch of a button. This guide explores 13 such cards that were available at that time.
European Crypto Debit Cards
Plutus is one of the longest-running crypto card services, launched in 2015. The London-based startup offers its own loyalty token (PLU) awarded with each card use. Being non-custodial, users retain full control of their private keys. Accepted in nearly 200 countries, the card can be topped up with GBP or EUR and currently supports ETH and PLU. It also provides a free virtual bank account for residents of the European Economic Area (EEA).
Wirex is another popular European option. Founded in 2014, this London fintech firm was the first to introduce a contactless multi-currency Visa card. It boasts over three million customers across 130 countries and has processed over $2 billion in transactions. The card supports conversion from several major cryptocurrencies, has a native utility token (WXT), and offers 0.5% BTC cashback on in-store purchases via its Cryptoback program (up to 1.5% with 500,000 WXT tokens). There is a modest monthly maintenance fee of £1.00/€1.20/$1.50.
Monolith is a non-custodial option that stores ETH and Ethereum-based tokens in its mobile wallet before converting and spending via the Monolith Visa card. Billed as a “decentralized bank,” it aligns closely with the DeFi movement and will soon integrate DEX support and the Ethereum Name Service.
Revolut has allowed EEA users to buy, hold, and exchange crypto since 2017. It supports instant conversion between 30 fiat currencies and BTC, LTC, ETH, BCH, and XRP. Transfers to other Revolut members are free, but crypto features are only available on paid plans: Premium at £6.99/month and Metal at £12.99/month.
Cryptopay is one of the original Bitcoin payment cards, offering a plastic prepaid card ($15) for ATM withdrawals and offline shopping, and a virtual card ($2.50) for online use. Available in the UK, Russia, and soon Singapore, it currently supports only Bitcoin and GBP, USD, and EUR fiat currencies.
Additionally, European users have cards from Bitnovo, Coinbase, Uquid (supporting 89 cryptos), and 2gether.
North American Crypto Debit Cards
Bitpay’s debit card remains a top choice for U.S. residents. It supports BTC, ETH, XRP, GUSD, USDC, PAX, and BCH. The card costs $9.95 and can be topped up with eight fiat currencies from the Bitpay wallet, usable anywhere Visa is accepted. The currency conversion fee is 3%, and ATM withdrawals outside the U.S. incur a $3 fee. Daily transaction limit is $10,000, with daily withdrawal limit of $1,500 and monthly limit of $5,000. Wirex also planned to launch in the U.S. in 2020.
Global Crypto Debit Cards
Paycent, based in Singapore, has onboarded 94,000 customers since April 2018. Initially Bitcoin-only, it now supports ETH, BNB, LTC, XRP, DASH, and more. Accepted by 36 million merchants in 200 countries, Paycent offers three card tiers: Ruby (UnionPay, daily spending/withdrawal limit $5,000), Sapphire (UnionPay International, $5,600 spending/$1,650 withdrawal), and Solitaire (Mastercard, $13,000 spending/$10,000 withdrawal). Each card costs $49; Ruby has no monthly fee, while the others cost $2/month.
Crypterium launched in 2019, allowing spending at over 50 million merchants in 178 countries and withdrawals from 2.5 million ATMs. The physical and virtual card bundle is priced at $25 with no monthly fees unless opting for Plus or Premium plans (which include higher limits, priority support, savings account, insurance, and a personal manager). Supported cryptos are BTC, ETH, LTC, and native CRPT token, with daily transaction limit of $10,000 and monthly limit of $60,000.
Crypto.com’s MCO Visa card (formerly Monaco Card) is quasi-global, available in the U.S., Europe, and many APAC countries. Five card tiers offer 1-5% MCO cashback on every purchase. Up to $120,000 per year can be withdrawn from ATMs, and top-tier holders enjoy $1,000 monthly fee-free withdrawals.
Crypto debit cards simplify everyday spending of digital assets—no more jumping through hoops selling Bitcoin on an exchange to buy lunch. With a suitable card, you can start spending your satoshis effortlessly.