Top Crypto Exchanges Launch Payment Products: Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and Apps Fuel the “Trading Is Life” Trend

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The battle among major cryptocurrency exchanges is no longer confined to trading fees or derivatives offerings. A new frontier has emerged—real-world payments. Platforms like Coinbase, Gemini, Crypto.com, Kraken, Bybit, Bitget, Gate, KuCoin, and others are aggressively rolling out or upgrading their crypto payment products to bridge digital assets with everyday spending.

Most of these crypto payment cards support key markets such as the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United States, with many offering 2%–10% crypto cashback rewards on purchases. As stablecoins and payment integration become increasingly central to crypto adoption, exchanges are racing to embed themselves into users’ daily financial lives.

This article reviews the latest crypto debit and credit cards, as well as integrated payment apps, launched by leading exchanges—highlighting features, rewards, fees, and regional availability.


Coinbase: Taps American Express Network for New Coinbase One Card

In June, Coinbase announced the Coinbase One Card, a crypto rewards credit card available exclusively to U.S. members of its Coinbase One subscription service. This marks Coinbase’s first foray into crypto credit cards.

The Coinbase One subscription costs $29.99 per month and includes benefits like zero trading fees, boosted staking rewards, and priority customer support. For users seeking a lower-cost option, Coinbase also introduced a **Basic Plan** at $4.99 monthly (or $49.99 annually), though it offers reduced Bitcoin rewards.

The new card, set for release in fall 2025, runs on the American Express network. Cardholders can earn between 2% and 4% Bitcoin cashback on purchases, along with Amex’s built-in protections and premium experiences.

👉 Discover how you can start earning crypto rewards on everyday purchases today.

Coinbase previously partnered with Visa in 2020 to launch a prepaid crypto debit card. The shift to a credit product signals a deeper push into consumer finance—turning routine spending into a gateway for crypto accumulation.


Gemini: Category-Based Crypto Rewards with Instant Payouts

Gemini stands out with its flexible, category-driven cashback system and no annual fees. Its Mastercard-powered credit card supports over 50 cryptocurrencies for rewards, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.

New applicants who get approved by June 30, 2025, and spend $3,000 within 90 days of account opening receive a **$200 crypto bonus. Unlike traditional cards, Gemini allows users to switch their reward currency at any time**—perfect for those who want exposure to different digital assets.

Rewards breakdown:

While rewards cannot be used to pay down the card balance directly, there are no foreign transaction fees or annual fees. However, selling or converting crypto rewards incurs standard trading fees. The card’s APR ranges from 17.24% to 29.24%, with late fees up to $8 and penalty fees up to $35.

Gemini requires users to have an active trading account, reinforcing its strategy of deepening platform engagement through real-world utility.


Crypto.com: Tiered Cashback System for Credit Card Holders

Crypto.com has long been a leader in crypto payment cards. In June, it launched the Crypto.com Visa Signature Credit Card in the U.S., building on its existing prepaid debit card offerings.

The card’s APR ranges from 18.24% to 32.24%, based on creditworthiness and prime rates at account opening. Balance transfer fees are 5% or $10 (whichever is higher), and foreign transaction fees are 3%.

What makes Crypto.com unique is its tiered reward system, where higher-tier users earn better cashback rates:

These bonus rates apply for 12 months from card activation or tier upgrade. Rewards are paid in cryptocurrency, reinforcing the platform’s “earn crypto while you spend” philosophy.


Kraken: Launches “Krak” App to Rival Venmo and PayPal

Kraken is taking a different approach—bypassing physical cards for now and launching Krak, a next-generation global money app designed to compete with Venmo and PayPal.

Launched in June, Krak enables seamless management of over 300 fiat currencies and digital assets.

Key features include:

Krak positions Kraken not just as an exchange but as a full-stack financial platform—blurring the lines between crypto wallets and neobanks.

👉 See how integrated financial apps are reshaping crypto spending habits.


Bybit: High-Tier Users Enjoy Up to 10% Cashback

Bybit’s Mastercard-based crypto debit card allows users to spend digital assets instantly—anytime, anywhere. Available in both virtual and physical forms, it serves users in the EEA, Switzerland, AIFC, Australia, Brazil, and Argentina.

Card issuance costs €10. Users in eurozone countries pay a 2% fee on withdrawals exceeding €100 monthly. Transaction fees are 0.9% above Bybit’s spot rate, plus a 0.5% markup on Mastercard’s FX rate for currency conversion.

Cashback rewards range from 2% to 10%, depending on the user’s VIP level. During a recent promotion (Jan–Mar 2025), new cardholders received 10% cashback.

Supported fiat: USD
Supported cryptos: BTC, ETH, XRP, TON, USDT, USDC, MNT, BNB

Bybit’s focus on high-tier traders reflects its broader strategy: rewarding loyal users with premium financial tools.


Bitget: Dual-Card Strategy with Wallet and Exchange Cards

Bitget employs a two-pronged approach:

1. Bitget Wallet Card (Mastercard)

Co-issued with Immersve, this card lets users spend crypto directly from their wallet. KYC-verified users receive a $5 cashback bonus upon activation.

Available in EEA, UK, Latin America (select countries), Australia, and New Zealand—only for whitelisted users.

2. Bitget Exchange Visa Credit Card

Available only to VIP users by invitation:

This dual model allows Bitget to serve both casual spenders and high-volume traders.


MEXC: Transparent Fee Model Targets European Users

The MEXC Mastercard debit card is open to users across most EEA countries.

With a simple cost structure and wide regional access, MEXC aims to become an entry-level option for European crypto users.


Gate: Combines Cashback with Platform Perks

Gate’s Visa-based card (in EUR) comes in both virtual and physical forms—no issuance fees.

Rewards:

Gate emphasizes real-world use cases while integrating platform-specific benefits—creating a closed-loop ecosystem.


KuCoin: EEA-Only Card with Multi-Crypto Support

The KuCard VISA is available only to EEA residents.

Features:

KuCoin enables real-time trading between cryptos during transactions—a rare feature in the space.


Conclusion: From Trading Platforms to Financial Lifestyles

The focus of crypto exchanges is shifting—from pure trading venues to lifestyle platforms. By launching credit cards, debit cards, and integrated payment apps, they’re building the “trading is life” ecosystem where every purchase earns crypto rewards.

While partnerships with Visa, Mastercard, and Amex remain key enablers, platforms like Kraken and Bitget Wallet are exploring independent paths through stablecoins and native apps.

As more exchange-backed cards launch globally in late 2025, competition will intensify. The winner? Users who gain more ways to spend, earn, and live with crypto every day.

👉 Start exploring platforms that turn your spending into crypto gains now.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which crypto card offers the highest cashback?
A: Bybit offers up to 10% cashback for top-tier VIP users during promotions. Crypto.com’s Obsidian tier provides up to 6.5% in the first year.

Q: Are there any crypto cards with no annual fees?
A: Yes—Gemini and Bitget Wallet cards have no annual or monthly fees, making them cost-effective options.

Q: Can I use these cards outside my home country?
A: Most cards work globally via Visa or Mastercard networks, though foreign transaction fees may apply (typically 2–3%).

Q: Do I need a trading account to apply?
A: Yes—platforms like Gemini, Bybit, and KuCoin require an active account on their exchange for card eligibility.

Q: Are crypto rewards taxable?
A: In most jurisdictions, crypto earned as rewards is considered taxable income at the time of receipt. Consult a tax professional for guidance.

Q: Which platforms support multiple cryptocurrencies for rewards?
A: Gemini supports over 50 cryptos, while Gate and Bitget allow users to choose from several reward currencies like BTC, ETH, USDT, and platform tokens.


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