Crypto.com Card Review: Pros & Cons, Tiers, Fees, Limits & Alternative (2024)

Spending cryptocurrency in everyday establishments can be challenging. Many retailers don’t accept cryptocurrency, and those that do typically only support a few. However, a crypto debit card can alleviate these problems.

Throughout this Crypto.com card review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the product, breaking down its features and usability while answering questions like, is the Crypto.com card worth it? Let’s get started.

[key_takeaways title="Key takeaways"]

• The Crypto.com Visa card is a competitive product offering lower fees than Robinhood or Nexo and shipping faster than the Crypto.com card.
• Users can fund a Crypto.com card with 19 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT. However, less popular assets, like IOTA, must be converted before they can be used for a top-up.
• Although most Crypto.com cards require a certain amount of CRO to be staked, the Midnight Blue card doesn't have any, making it accessible to anyone with a Crypto.com account.
• Unlike other crypto card providers, like Wirex, the Crypto.com Visa card comes with free ATM withdrawals ranging from €200 to €1,000 per month.
• While the Crypto.com card offers many benefits, most are locked behind substantial CRO staking requirements, making access challenging.
• Unfortunately, there is no way to set up direct debits or transfer funds to another non-Crypto.com account. To move money out of a Crypto.com card, users can only spend money, transfer it to other Crypto.com users, or withdraw it from an ATM.

[/key_takeaways]

Crypto.com Card Quick Summary

• The Crypto.com card is used to spend crypto assets in real-world stores.
• The card offers rebates and CRO rewards.
• The Crypto.com card has lower fees than Robinhood or Nexo’s cards.
• You cannot conduct SEPA or SWIFT transfers using the Crypto.com card.
• There are five tiers of cards available with different CRO staking requirements.
• Several top-up methods are available.

📚Related:Best Crypto Debit and Credit Cards

Crypto.com Card Pros & Cons

What is a Crypto.com Card?

The Crypto.com Visa card is a debit card that lets you conveniently convert cryptocurrency held in your Crypto.com app wallet into fiat currency, which you can then spend at any real-world retailer that accepts Visa.

While the Crypto.com card’s primary function is enabling people to spend their crypto holdings in everyday shops, it also comes with several benefits to help users get more from their money. For example:

• CRO rewards
• Rebates on subscription services
• Airport lounge access

How does the Crypto.com Card Work?

Understanding how the Crypto.com card works is critical to determining whether it’s right for you.

The card is linked directly to your Crypto.com account. However, you can only manage it via the mobile app; there is no way to control the card on the desktop Crypto.com website. As such, you must have a smartphone to use the Crypto.com card.

• Acquire Card: After registering and verifying a Crypto.com account, you can apply for one of the company’s Visa cards. Users can select which card tier they’d like, and the company will ship it to their home address. While there is a €4.99 issuance fee for a Midnight Blue Card, other tiers, like the Royal Indigo Jade Green or Ruby Steel Card, do not require users to pay an issuance fee.
• Top-Up: One of the most significant benefits of the Crypto.com card is that any asset stored in the platform’s crypto wallet can be nearly instantaneously added to the balance of a Visa card. Additionally, customers can top up their Crypto.com card using a credit or debit card, allowing users without spendable crypto assets to reap the benefits of the Crypto.com card.
• Spend: Once the Crypto.com prepaid debit card is funded, holders can use it in any shop or online store that supports Visa payments.
• Withdrawing: During testing for our Crypto.com card review, we noticed that it’s impossible to digitally withdraw fiat or crypto from the card once it’s been added. While you can withdraw cash from an ATM using the card, there are monthly limitations for each card tier. Therefore, it’s critical to consider whether a top-up is required before committing to it.

📚Related:How to Use a Crypto Card: All You Need to Know

Crypto.com Card Alternative

swissmoney is a financial services provider bridging the gap between cryptocurrency and fiat. The company makes it convenient for crypto enthusiasts to store their crypto and convert it to fiat to facilitate everyday spending thanks to its built-in trading desk and IBAN accounts that support USD, EUR, GBP, and CHF.

The financial platform offers several benefits compared to Crypto.com. Including:

• Send Fiat: While the Crypto.com card lets users spend in everyday shops, it does not support digital transfers. However, swissmoney lets users top up their accounts with fiat or crypto and provides access to the SEPA financial systems, empowering users to send fiat transactions anywhere in the world using their crypto holdings.
• Virtual Cards: Unlike Crypto.com, swissmoney offers physical and virtual debit cards that can be used online or in-store via Apple Pay. Users can have more than one virtual card, making them ideal for separating different fiat currencies, dividing money for budgeting, and signing up for services you do not want to provide your card details.

swissmoney is a powerful alternative to some of the best crypto debit cards. The app vastly improves the process of converting crypto to fiat. It also makes spending far more convenient by offering the ability to transfer funds anywhere in the world quickly and easily. If you’re looking for a crypto prepaid card like the Crypto.com card, it’s worth considering swissmoney instead.

Crypto.com Card Tiers and Features Comparison

The Crypto.com card offers many benefits designed to fit seamlessly into your everyday life. Between rebates on subscription services and the ability to earn rewards, the Crypto.com card has something appealing to everyone.

• Cro Token Rewards: Above the first tier, every Crypto.com card lets users earn crypto rewards paid in CRO on spending. While the rewards cap is relatively low, below the fourth tier, it can add up and help offset the cost accrued from locking up CRO to access each tier.
• Rebates: Users can receive rebates on subscription services like Netflix, enabling them to save money each month, which again helps to offset the cost of CRO.
• Lockup Requirments: Unfortunately, the higher tiers of the Crypto.com card have significant lockup requirements, representing a substantial hurdle to overcome to attain the increased benefits from your preferred card tier.

To gain the total value offered by the Crypto.com card, you must stake a significant amount of CRO tokens to attain the Obsidian tier, which is beyond most people’s reach. However, the Frosted Rose Gold card tier offers comparable benefits with a 10x lower staking requirement. That said, if subscription rebates and CRO rewards are not a priority, the lower tier of cards provide the same core functionally.

Crypto.com Card Benefits in Detail

The Crypto.com card has several benefits that will appeal to crypto enthusiasts looking to move assets from a crypto wallet to prepaid debit cards for spending purposes. It’s important to consider the cardholder benefits and limitations to decide whether Crypto.com is the best option for you.

Crypto-to-Fiat Conversions

Crypto.com boasts incredible convenience when it comes to crypto-to-fiat conversions. Users can instantly top up their Crypto.com card using any funds stored in a crypto wallet on the platform.

The Crypto.com card can be used for in-person and online payments, making it highly versatile. We were impressed with the efficiency of the conversion process from our experience using the Crypto.com card. During our testing, we could load funds for spending onto the card in seconds, making it viable to top up the exact amount you need for a purchase on the fly.

Free ATM Withdrawals

Another significant benefit of using a Crypto.com card is free ATM withdrawals. While some crypto prepaid cards we’ve looked at, like Robinhood, charge fees for cash withdrawals, Crypto.com offers every user a specific limit of free withdrawals. Limits range from €200 for the Midnight Blue card to €1000 for Obsidian cardholders.

As customers can simply convert USDT to USD or other fiat currencies, the Crypto.com card offers a complete crypto off-ramp, as customers can exchange their digital coins for real-world cash. As such, the Crypto.com card is a valuable tool for anyone who stores a large portion of their wealth in digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH).

📚Read More: Crypto ATM Withdrawal Guide

Worldwide Acceptance

An often overlooked benefit of the Crypto.com card is its worldwide acceptance. Because Visa is the card issuer, people can use the Crypto.com card when shopping with over 80 million merchants in 200+ countries, making it a truly global off-ramp.

Moreover, as the card is accepted ubiquitously, it’s a great travel companion, yielding greater convenience than issues like American Express, which are less frequently accepted.

Crypto.com Card Limitations and Drawbacks

No product is without limitations, and the Crypto.com card is no exception. While the card represents an effective way to spend crypto, we found a few things to be aware of while researching for our Crypto.com card review.

Fiat Transfers

Although you can withdraw cash via an ATM with a Crypto.com card, you cannot send fiat to another bank account or customer. Unfortunately, this vastly limits the service’s use; people looking to send money to friends or set up direct debits to pay bills will need to use a service like swissmoney, which supports SEPA and SWIFT transfers.

High CRO Staking Requirments

While you can get a Crypto.com card without staking and CRO, the card’s benefits are locked behind higher tiers, the access of which requires significant CRO. These substantial requirements mean that many users won’t be able to enjoy the benefits the Crypto.com card offers, leaving it solely as a crypto off-ramp.

Mobile-Only

Although many people have smartphones, some prefer to manage their spending on a computer due to the larger screens. However, while testing for our Crypto.com card review, we found that you can only manage it on mobile, reducing accessibility. While most users should still be able to use a Crypto.com card, it would be nice to see balance management services added to the web platform.

Crypto.com Card Rates and Fees

One of the most important considerations when searching for a crypto card is the rates and fees the provider charges. Unfortunately, some companies levy many charges on their cards, which can quickly add up and reduce the viability of everyday use. Crypto.com charges the following fees:

Transaction Fees

Crypto.com offers competitive transaction fees versus other crypto cards we’ve looked at. However, the platform doesn’t clearly disclose fees for using crypto to top up a card. While no set fees are charged, during testing, we noticed that the price credited for a deposited asset would be slightly lower than its trading price, meaning your deposit could be lower than expected.

Account Fees

The Crypto.com card suffers from many fees most users wouldn’t initially consider. Between expensive fees for inactivity, card replacements, and closing accounts, customers could spend quite a sum to manage their Crypto.com card, substantially lessening the value offered.

Fees Overall

While the fees charged by the Crypto.com card initially seem very reasonable, the additional hidden fees for crypto top-ups and surprisingly high charges for certain account accounts impact the value offered by the card. That said, with free ATM withdrawals (within limits) and no charge for spending, the Crypto.com card remains relatively competitive in terms of value for money.

Crypto.com Card Limits

Every crypto debit card has certain limits regarding ATM withdrawals, top-ups, and transfers that users must adhere to. Typically, these limits are based on daily, weekly, and monthly thresholds designed to throttle use to acceptable and serviceable levels.

The Crypto.com card boasts relatively high limits, making it ideal for those with high net worth or who wish to put most of their expenditures on a crypto card. Additionally, some restrictions only apply to specific time frames, so it’s worth taking the time to understand when Crypto.com will reset each limit.

• Limits Shared Between Tiers: Many restrictions surrounding top-ups, transfers, and withdrawals are shared between card tiers, making them far more straightforward to understand, particularly as users upgrade their cards.
• Limits Resetting: While limits typically reset weekly or monthly, activities may count toward yearly limits, so planning ahead is essential to avoid unexpectedly hitting a limit.

Crypto.com Card Rewards

One of the most significant benefits of the Crypto.com card is the ability to earn rewards paid in CRO for each transaction. Rates range from 1% to 5%. You cannot earn rewards with every merchant, so if you’re planning a big purchase and want to earn CRO, it’s worth checking the retailer’s terms.

• No Rewards for Tier 1 Cardholders: Basic Midnight Blue card users cannot earn rewards. However, they can start receiving CRO rewards after upgrading to the second card tier.
• Bonus Rewards: Crypto.com also offers a loyalty program that rewards users based on their CRO holdings. Users can earn a bonus to their CRO rewards based on their Rewards+ level. However, the program is only available in select countries, including the United States.

Crypto.com Card Withdrawal

The Crypto.com card offers fiat withdrawals via an ATM, with limits varying between card tiers. While cryptocurrency can be withdrawn from Crypto.com, once you use it to top up a card, there is no easy way to switch back to crypto. Additionally, there is no way to withdraw or transfer fiat digitally, so ATMs are the only withdrawal option.

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• Limited to ATM Withdrawals: Unfortunately, the Crypto.com card only supports ATM withdrawals. There is no alternative way to move cash out of the card without spending. Therefore, it’s essential only to top up your spending.
• Crypto Withdrawals: Although it’s possible to withdraw cryptocurrencies stored in a Crypto.com wallet, once you exchange crypto for fiat and add the funds to a card, they’re converted to fiat and cannot be swapped back easily.

📚Read More: How to Withdraw from Crypto.com

Crypto.com Card Supported Cryptocurrencies

Crypto.com accepts 19 of the largest cryptocurrencies for people wishing to fund their Crypto.com card using digital assets. Unfortunately, those looking to fund their Crypto.com card using less popular tokens will need to convert them to a supported asset beforehand.

The supported tokens are BTC, ETH, LTC, DAI, CHZ, MANA, MATIC, DOGE, ENJ, LINK, XRP, USDP, ADA, THETA, UNI, ZIL, USDC, USDT, & VET.

• Convert Lower Market Cap Coins: Because the Crypto.com card can only be funded using popular assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Tether. Users aiming to spend less popular assets like Arbitrum or privacy-centric tokens like Monero will first need to exchange their assets, so it’s worth keeping fees in mind.
• Support for Mainstream Assets: While the Crypto.com card lacks support for lesser-known assets, it provides a great range of options for depositing popular assets. The Coinbase card supports eight cryptocurrencies, and the Crypto.com card offers more than double that amount, making it far more accessible and easier to deposit.

Crypto.com Card Global Acceptance

The Crypto.com card is available worldwide, including in 31 European countries, like the UK, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Additionally, any merchant that accepts Visa transactions supports the Crypto.com card.

• 40+ Million Merchants: Because Crypto.com worked with Visa to create its prepaid cards, they are accepted worldwide in over 40 million stores and millions more online retailers.
• European Access: The Crypto.com card is available across most of Europe, making it an excellent card for people based on the continent who frequently travel to neighboring countries.
• Worldwide: The Crypto.com card was initially rolled out in Asia and the United States, meaning it can be used all over the globe with no extra effort. However, foreign transaction fees may apply.

Crypto.com Card Security and Reliability

Any platform that handles customer funds needs excellent security. Crypto.com is a registered Electronic Money Institution (EMI) in the UK via the FCA and several other jurisdictions. As the Crypto.com card is linked to a user’s account, the company must employ security measures for both accounts and prepaid cards.

Account Security

Crypto.com utilizes several advanced security measures designed to protect customer accounts. The company ensures all cryptocurrency deposits are backed 1:1, eliminating withdrawal issues. Additionally, Crypto.com uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to protect customer accounts from being compromised. Residents of the US also benefit from FIDC insurance on balances up to $250,000.

While Crypto.com employs industry-standard security measures, the platform was hacked in 2022, resulting in over $34 million in losses.

Card Security

While many security measures implemented into the Crypto.com card haven’t been disclosed, the company employs Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), 256-bit encryption, and strict fraud monitoring. Additionally, as Visa issues the Crypto.com card, it benefits from the same protections the financial services provider offers to other cards on its network.

Crypto.com Card Areas of Improvement

While the Crypto.com card is an objectively good product that provides value to users, Crypto.com could improve it in a few areas. If these issues are resolved, the Crypto.com card will become a drastically better product:

• Fiat Transfers: One of the most significant disadvantages is its lack of fiat transfer support. Once you’ve converted your crypto to fiat, you can only send funds to other Crypto.com users, making it impossible to set up direct debits using a Crypto.com card. Crypto.com could benefit from a system like Swissmoney’s, which allows users to send SWIFT or SEPA fiat transactions.
• Fee Disclosure: Another area that could be improved is how fees are disclosed for the Crypto.com card. The variable spread charged when topping up a card with crypto is seldom referenced and easy to miss. Making it more transparent would help ensure users don’t end up with a lower-than-expected balance.
• Account Fees: While the Crypto.com card is mostly cost-effective and priced reasonably, specific fees, namely the 50 account closure and 50 card re-issuance fees, seem unreasonably expensive. It would be nice to see these essential costs reduced to make the service more user-friendly.

How to Top Up Crypto.com Card

If you decide to get a Crypto.com card, you need to know how to top it up. Thankfully, there are several available methods, which we’ll discuss below.

Top Up from Fiat Wallet

Step 1: Log into the Crypto.com app and head to the card management section.

Step 2: Press top-up and select the fiat wallet.

Step 3: Select a currency to convert your fiat to and input the desired quantity.

Step 4: Preview and confirm the transaction. The target wallet will be funded.

Fees: N/A

Top Up via Credit/debit Card

Step 1: Log in to the Crypto.com app and go to card management.

Step 2: Press top-up and choose credit or debit card.

Step 3: Select a linked card or add one.

Step 4: Confirm the transaction. Your Visa card will be funded.

Fees: 1%

Top Up via Crypto

Step 1: Log in to Crypto.com and select the card tab

Step 2: Press top-up and select crypto.

Step 3: Choose from the 19 supported cryptocurrencies.

Step 4: Preview and confirm the transaction. The top-up process is complete.

Fees: Variable Spread

Is the Crypto.com Card Worth It?

After reading through our Crypto.com card review, you have all the information to decide whether the card is worth it. The product offers a simple way to spend your crypto in shops, restaurants, bars, and other in-person establishments. Additionally, users can complete online purchases and send money to others with a Crypto.com account.

While the Crypto.com card offers high rewards, rebates on subscriptions, and fee-free ATM withdrawals, there are a few limitations to be aware of. Most notably, when crypto is converted to fiat and loaded onto the card, there is no easy way to reverse the transaction. Additionally, users cannot set up direct debits or send money to people without a Crypto.com account.

Although many of the Crypto.com card’s best features are locked behind substantial CRO staking requirements, the product remains valuable. Users can select which card tier they’d like, so the product is widely accessible. It can be tailored to a user’s requirements, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for a convenient way to spend their crypto.

Crypto.com Card Review FAQs

Can a Crypto.com card be used anywhere?

The Crypto.com card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. The card is usable with over 40 million merchants across 200+ countries and millions more online retailers. However, some merchants do not offer CRO rewards on purchases.

How to withdraw money from a Crypto.com Card?

An ATM withdrawal is the only way to withdraw fiat money from a Crypto.com card. You cannot withdraw USDT or any other crypto once used to top up a card. Unfortunately, the company has not implemented SEPA or SWIFT transfers, making it impossible to set up direct debits. Users wishing to transfer funds can only do so to other Crypto.com cardholders.

Can I use my Crypto.com card at an ATM?

Yes, every Crypto.com card tier allows holders to withdraw cash from an ATM. However, the number of free withdrawals you receive varies between the card tiers, from €200 to €1000. If you want to withdraw cash from an ATM outside of your allotted limit, Crypto.com will levy a 2% fee.

Is the Crypto.com card free?

There is a €4.99 issuance fee if you get the Midnight Blue Crypto.com card. However, users applying to a higher tier or those wishing to upgrade to the next tier can do so for free. However, there are a few account-centric fees, like €50 for closing an account and getting a replacement card.

Why use a Crypto.com card?

The most common reason to use a Crypto.com card is to spend your crypto holdings in everyday establishments like shops or restaurants that do not currently accept crypto assets. Additionally, many users apply for a Crypto.com card to earn CRO rewards on transactions or take advantage of the company’s subscription rebates.

Which Crypto.com Card is best?

The best Crypto.com will differ from person to person based on their requirements. If you’re looking for a cheap and secure way to spend your crypto, the Mightnight Blue card may be best as it has no CRO requirements. However, the Frosted Rose Gold and Icy White cards offer the best value if you want to earn CRO rewards and rebates.

Which Crypto.com card should I get?

The Midnight Blue card offers the best introduction into the space for the average user as it has no CRO staking requirements, making it widely accessible. However, opting for the Ruby Steel card could be a better choice if you hold CRO and want rewards.

How to Get a Crypto.com Card?

It’s easy to get a Crypto.com card. Users must create and verify an account with Crypto.com; then, they can select their desired tier and order a card. If you choose a card with CRO requirements, you must stake the assets for at least 180 days to gain increased benefits.

How long does it take to get a Crypto.com card?

After creating an account with Crypto.com and ordering a prepaid crypto card, the company aims to deliver the card within 7-14 business days. While one to two weeks may seem like a long wait, the Coinbase card takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks, around 50% longer.

How to use the Crypto.com card?

Once you’ve received a Crypto.com card, log into the app, head to the card section, choose top-up, and select your desired method. Once you have funded your card, you can use it for transactions with every merchant that accepts Visa. The card can be inserted into chip and pin readers or used contactless.

Is Crypto.com trustworthy?

Crypto.com has been operating since 2016 and is registered with several authoritative bodies, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Although hackers have previously compromised Crypto.com, the company has strengthened its security and is considered trustworthy.

Is the Crypto.com card suitable for crypto newcomers or those with limited experience?

The Crypto.com card is suitable for people with every level of experience because the app it’s managed on is simple to use. Top-ups can be completed with wallet balances or credit/debit cards, making the product accessible to those without crypto experience.

How do Crypto.com cards compare to other crypto cards?

The range of Crypto.com cards is excellent for people wishing to use crypto in everyday places. Compared to the Coinbase card, Crypto.com’s product ships faster, yields more rewards and supports 11 extra cryptocurrencies. Additionally, it has lower ATM withdrawal fees than Robinhood and Nexo.

Read More:

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