For crypto enthusiasts, crypto credit cards allow you to earn Bitcoin and other digital currencies on your regular spending. If you're new to cryptocurrency, this type of rewards credit card could help you get started. And if you're already investing, you can use one to add to your crypto wallet. To help you find the best crypto credit card, our experts have put together a list of the top options.
Best crypto credit cards
- Up to 3% back in crypto rewards:Gemini Credit Card™
- Available for consumers with fair credit:Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card
- Crypto purchases with your rewards:Venmo Credit Card
- Prepaid card with crypto rewards:Crypto.com Card
Ratings Methodology
Gemini Credit Card™
Great for: Up to 3% back in crypto rewards
Rating image, 3.00 out of 5 stars.
3.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 3.00 out of 5 stars.
3.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Credit Score:Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
Credit ScoreFalling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
12.99% - 23.99%, variable
RewardsEarn up to 3% back on dining ($6,000 annual spending cap), 2% on groceries, and 1% on other purchases. Crypto rewards will automatically be deposited into the cardholders’ Gemini account
1% - 3% crypto rewards
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
Offers a simple way to earn crypto on your purchases, but it won't replace any of the top rewards cards. The rewards rates are low, and crypto rewards are notoriously hard to put to practical use. However, there's no annual card fee or surcharge to turn rewards into crypto, so it may be useful for those who want to dabble in crypto without extra fees.
- Earns crypto rewards
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- No welcome offer
- Crypto has limitations
- Waitlist to apply
- Earn up to 3% back on dining ($6,000 annual spending cap), 2% on groceries, and 1% on other purchases. Crypto rewards will automatically be deposited into the cardholders’ Gemini account
- Earn crypto rewards out at the time of purchase
- No annual fee
- Get a custom-colored card in black, silver, or rose.
Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card
Great for: Available for consumers with fair credit
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Credit Score:Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair (300-669)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
Read Review
Credit ScoreFalling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Fair (300-669)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
8.99%-29.99% APR
Rewards
1.5% back in Bitcoin
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome OfferEarn a $200 bonus after making $500 in purchases and 3 consecutive on-time monthly payments within the first year after your account is opened.
$200 bonus
This card is a solid introduction to Bitcoin rewards, and it doesn't require good credit to qualify. Not being able to transfer Bitcoin could be frustrating for crypto enthusiasts.Read Full Review
- Bitcoin rewards
- Unlimited 1.5% back
- No card fees
- Fixed APR
- Lenient approval requirements
- Can't transfer Bitcoin
- Immediate interest charges
- No sign-up bonus
- No 0% intro APR offer
- Earn a $200 bonus after making $500 in purchases and 3 consecutive on-time monthly payments within the first year after your account is opened.
- Unlimited 1.5% back in bitcoin when you make payments
- The simple way to earn bitcoin: make purchases on your card, make payments, earn bitcoin
- No annual fees, no foreign transactions fees
- Get pre-approved in seconds with no impact to your credit score
- Pay with your phone or device by using Apple Pay™ or Google Pay™
- Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud liability
Personal Credit Lines are issued by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card is issued by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Upgrade is a financial technology company, not a bank.
Venmo Credit Card
Great for: Crypto purchases with your rewards
Read Review
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Credit Score:Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
Read Review
Credit ScoreFalling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
20.24% to 29.24%, Variable
RewardsEarn 3% back on your top spend category, 2% on the next category, and 1% on other purchases
1% - 3% back
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
Offers an unlimited 2% and 3% rewards in the top two eligible spending categories, has no annual fee, and syncs with the Venmo app for added convenience.Read Full Review
- No annual fee
- Custom cash back
- Earn up to 3% cash back
- No earnings cap
- Custom card with QR code
- No welcome bonus
- No annual fee
- Automatically earn up to 3% cash back
- Earn 2% on the next category
- Earn 1% on the rest of your purchases
- Convert rewards to crypto
- The Venmo Credit Card lets you earn custom cashback rewards and syncs seamlessly with the Venmo app
- Keep tabs on card activity in the app, right with all your Venmo spending – every purchase, payment, split, and reward
Crypto.com Card
Great for: Prepaid card with crypto rewards
Rating image, 3.00 out of 5 stars.
3.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Rating image, 3.00 out of 5 stars.
3.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. = Best = Excellent = Good = Fair = Poor
Credit Score:Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
300-579
580-669
670-739
740-850
Credit ScoreFalling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
N/A since it's a prepaid card
RewardsDepends on card tiers:Midnight Blue, 0% backRuby Steel, 1% backRoyal Indigo and Jade Green, 2% backFrosted Rose Gold and Icy White, 3% backObsidian, 5% back
1% - 5% back
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
This prepaid debit card has some lucrative perks that are useful for crypto enthusiasts and even those who aren't. But consider that significant funds need to be staked to qualify for the best benefits.
- Crypto rewards
- Allows you to spend your crypto
- No monthly or annual fee
- Reimbursem*nt with select merchants
- Airport lounge access
- Most benefits require staking
- No sign-up bonus
- Restrictions on rewards
- Volatility of crypto
TIP
The right crypto investing mindset
Investing in crypto can be extremely risky. We think investors should approach these assets like any other technological investment — with a long-term mindset and the expectation of ups and downs. The Fool realizes there may be opportunities for investors. We do actively recommend select cryptocurrencies to our community. But we encourage everyone to be well versed prior to investing to understand the potential risks and rewards.
How to choose the best crypto credit card
Choosing the best crypto credit card can be much different than shopping for any other type of credit card. Here are the things to look at to find the right one.
Card issuer
For the most part, crypto credit cards are issued in partnership with platforms that let you buy and sell cryptocurrency. They're also usually only available to that platform's users. For example, if you want the Gemini Credit Card™, a Gemini account will be created if your card application is approved. This is something you wouldn't need to consider with most of the best credit cards.
If you already have an account with any cryptocurrency apps and exchanges, start by checking whether they offer their own credit cards. This is the most convenient option, since you're already a client. However, if you're willing to open accounts with other platforms, it's also a good idea to compare all your card options.
Types of cryptocurrency available
Each crypto credit card has different cryptocurrencies you can earn as rewards. Most cards give you at least a few options, but the number varies quite a bit.
If you're flexible about which cryptocurrency you receive, then you can pick any crypto credit card. But if you want to earn a specific cryptocurrency, look for a credit card that offers it.
LEARN MORE: Types of Cryptocurrency
Rewards rate
The rewards rate is how much a crypto credit card earns on purchases. Some crypto cards earn one flat rate across all purchase categories. Other cards offer higher rates in bonus categories and a lower rate on purchases outside of those bonus categories.
What's most important is to pick a crypto credit card with a good rewards rate. Flat-rate cards tend to work well for just about anyone, but if you have high spending in certain categories, you could benefit more from a bonus category card.
Fees
These can make a big difference in which crypto credit card is the best value. Here are the most common types of fees to look for as you compare credit cards:
- Annual fee: A yearly fee charged for the card. The majority of crypto cards are no annual fee credit cards, so you can find plenty of options you can get for free. This is a big plus, because when your credit cards aren't costing you money every year, you're less likely to run into a situation where you have too many credit cards.
- Foreign transaction fee: A fee charged on transactions made in foreign currencies or that are processed through foreign banks. It's good to have a credit card with no foreign transaction fee, and if you're a frequent international traveler, it's practically a must.
- Cryptocurrency sales fee: Some cards charge a fee when you sell your crypto rewards. While this doesn't necessarily mean you need to rule out those cards, one without this type of fee could be a better deal.
LEARN MORE: How to Choose a Credit Card
What is a crypto credit card?
A crypto credit card is one that offers cryptocurrency rewards on your spending. It works similarly to a cash back credit card in that it earns a set rate, such as 1.5%, on purchases you make. The difference is that crypto credit cards can then convert that cash into cryptocurrency for the cardholder.
Here's a basic example of how this would work with a crypto rewards credit card that earns 1.5% back on purchases:
- You spend $1,000 in purchases during a billing period.
- That spending would be worth $15 of rewards.
- The card issuer would use that to buy $15 of a cryptocurrency.
Most crypto credit cards let you choose from different cryptocurrencies, although certain cards only offer one cryptocurrency or a small number of them.
It's worth noting that not all crypto credit cards only offer rewards in cryptocurrency. Some also give you other options, such as cash back. They're still considered crypto credit cards as long as cryptocurrency is one of your reward options.
LEARN MORE: Credit Card Types: Which Fits Your Needs?
Pros and cons of crypto credit cards
Here are the main pros and cons of crypto credit cards:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Earn cryptocurrency through your normal spending | Selection of crypto credit cards is limited, so you have fewer card options |
| Crypto rewards could increase significantly in value | Cryptocurrency is volatile and could also plummet in value |
| Most crypto credit cards don't charge an annual fee | Timing of the crypto purchase depends on the card issuer |
Crypto credit cards vs. crypto debit cards
Crypto credit cards and crypto debit cards are both popular, and it's easy to get them confused. But just like traditional credit and debit cards, they're two different payment methods.
When you use a crypto credit card, you're borrowing money from the credit card issuer. The card issuer pays for your purchases upfront, and you repay it later. There can be interest charges, but if you pay your card's full balance by the due date, you'll avoid interest on your purchases.
LEARN MORE: How Does Credit Card Interest Work?
When you use a crypto debit card, you're spending your own funds. A cryptocurrency debit card is normally connected to your account on the card issuer's crypto platform. Transactions are deducted from your cryptocurrency balance. There are also prepaid crypto debit cards that you can load with funds, either in crypto or fiat currency (traditional currency, like the U.S. dollar). Our pick, the Crypto.com Card is a prepaid debit card essentially.
LEARN MORE: What Is a Debit Card?
| Card | Rating | Great For |
|---|---|---|
Gemini Credit Card™
| Rating image, 3.00 out of 5 stars. 3.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | Great For: Up to 3% back in crypto rewards |
Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card
| Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars. 3.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | Great For: Available for consumers with fair credit |
Venmo Credit Card
| Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars. 3.50/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | Great For: Crypto purchases with your rewards |
Crypto.com Card
| Rating image, 3.00 out of 5 stars. 3.00/5Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.5 stars equals Best.4 stars equals Excellent.3 stars equals Good.2 stars equals Fair.1 star equals Poor.We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs. | Great For: Prepaid card with crypto rewards |
Personal Credit Lines are issued by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card is issued by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Upgrade is a financial technology company, not a bank.
FAQs
Crypto credit cards earn rewards on your purchases in cryptocurrency. This type of rewards card earns a percentage back, such as 1.5%, on the cash value of your purchase. That amount is then converted to a cryptocurrency. If you have a card that earns 1.5% back in Bitcoin rewards, then $1,000 in purchases would earn you $15 worth of Bitcoin.
Crypto credit card rewards are taxable if you sell them after they've increased in value. Although credit card rewards generally aren't taxable, crypto rewards are different because they can fluctuate in value. You don't need to pay taxes when you receive crypto rewards, but you do if you realize a gain on them -- meaning you sell or use them in any way after their price has gone up.
You need a credit score of 670 or higher to qualify for most crypto credit cards. These cards are usually only available to consumers with a credit score in the good credit to excellent credit range. There are, however, some exceptions that you can qualify for even if you have a lower credit score.
Cryptocurrency is still a relatively new and unregulated market and there are risks involved -- even with carrying a crypto credit card. If your crypto platform or card issuer fails, you might lose the rewards you've earned. Another risk is that cryptocurrency prices are extremely volatile, so the value of your rewards could fluctuate dramatically.
Our Credit Cards Experts
By:Lyle Daly
Writer
Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. He writes for The Ascent and The Motley Fool, and his work has appeared in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.
Fact CheckedEmma Newbery
Emma lives in Bogota, Colombia, where she owns the English-language newspaper The Bogota Post. She began her editorial career at a financial website in the U.K. over 20 years ago and has been contributing to The Ascent since the summer of 2019.
I'm an enthusiast deeply versed in the realm of cryptocurrency and financial technology, with a comprehensive understanding of crypto credit cards and their implications. My knowledge extends beyond theoretical concepts, incorporating practical insights into the dynamics of various crypto credit card offerings.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
1. Crypto Credit Cards Overview
Definition: A crypto credit card is a financial tool that allows users to earn rewards in cryptocurrency based on their spending habits. These cards function similarly to traditional cashback credit cards, but instead of earning cash, users receive cryptocurrency as rewards.
2. Featured Crypto Credit Cards
a. Gemini Credit Card™
-
Features:
- Up to 3% back in crypto rewards.
- No annual fee.
- Rewards structure: Up to 3% back on dining, 2% on groceries, and 1% on other purchases.
-
Considerations:
- Rewards deposited into the cardholder’s Gemini account.
- Crypto rewards have limitations.
- No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
b. Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card
-
Features:
- Available for consumers with fair credit.
- 1.5% back in Bitcoin.
- No annual fee.
-
Considerations:
- Earn a $200 bonus after specific purchase and payment milestones.
- Solid introduction to Bitcoin rewards.
- Cannot transfer Bitcoin.
c. Venmo Credit Card
-
Features:
- Crypto purchases with rewards.
- 3% back on the top spend category, 2% on the next category, and 1% on other purchases.
- No annual fee.
-
Considerations:
- Syncs with the Venmo app.
- Custom cashback rewards.
- No welcome bonus.
d. Crypto.com Card
-
Features:
- Prepaid card with crypto rewards.
- Variable rewards based on card tiers.
- No monthly or annual fee.
-
Considerations:
- Crypto rewards available based on card tiers.
- Most benefits require staking.
- Rewards can be converted to crypto.
3. How to Choose the Best Crypto Credit Card
a. Card Issuer
- Crypto credit cards are often issued in partnership with cryptocurrency platforms.
- Availability is usually limited to users of that specific platform.
b. Types of Cryptocurrency Available
- Different cards offer different cryptocurrencies as rewards.
- Some cards provide flexibility in choosing the rewarded cryptocurrency.
c. Rewards Rate
- Varies among cards, with some offering flat rates and others having tiered structures.
- Important to choose a card with a favorable rewards rate based on spending habits.
d. Fees
- Annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and cryptocurrency sales fees are common considerations.
- No annual fee is a prevalent feature, enhancing the attractiveness of crypto credit cards.
4. Pros and Cons of Crypto Credit Cards
Pros:
- Earn cryptocurrency through regular spending.
- Potential for increased value in crypto rewards.
- Many cards have no annual fees.
Cons:
- Limited selection of crypto credit cards.
- Cryptocurrency volatility poses a risk.
- Timing of crypto purchases depends on the card issuer.
5. Crypto Credit Cards vs. Crypto Debit Cards
-
Crypto Credit Cards:
- Users borrow money from the credit card issuer.
- Rewards are earned on credit and need to be repaid.
-
Crypto Debit Cards:
- Users spend their own funds directly from their cryptocurrency balance.
- Transactions deduct from the user's crypto balance.
6. FAQs
a. How Do Crypto Credit Cards Work?
- Rewards are earned on purchases and converted into cryptocurrency based on a set rate (e.g., 1.5% back in Bitcoin).
b. Are Crypto Credit Card Rewards Taxable?
- Taxable if sold after an increase in value, considering the volatility of cryptocurrency.
c. Credit Score Requirement for Crypto Credit Cards
- Typically requires a credit score of 670 or higher.
d. Risks Associated with Crypto Credit Cards
- Risks include platform or issuer failure and cryptocurrency price volatility.
7. Expert Contributors
- Lyle Daly: Personal finance writer specializing in credit cards and travel rewards.
- Emma Newbery: Editor and contributor with a background in financial journalism.
In conclusion, the article provides a thorough exploration of crypto credit cards, covering key offerings, considerations, and guidance on choosing the best card based on individual needs and preferences.
