Crypto debit cards can be useful and continue to grow in popularity. As more individuals join the crypto market, infrastructure providers are seeking to make it easier for them to join. 

Europe is among the regions where crypto debit cards are becoming more common. This guide lists the top nine crypto debit cards in Europe, along with everything you need to know about each.

What are crypto debit cards?

Crypto debit cards allow individuals to use their crypto assets to purchase online and in-person products and services. Crypto cardholders can use this physical card for transactions or ATM withdrawals, just like traditional debit and credit cards. They can preload their debit cards with cryptocurrency, and then the crypto debit card automatically exchanges only the needed amount of fiat at the time of the purchase. 

Over the last few years, cryptocurrency has become more mainstream, and that has led to an increase in the number of crypto debit cards available in Europe. Some of these services offer perks such as cashback rewards, interest rates, and other useful insights on their mobile apps. The debit cards offer support for multiple cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin (BTC), ethereum (ETH), and litecoin (LTC).

Top 8 crypto debit cards in Europe

As a cryptocurrency investor and holder, you want to use and access your digital assets as easily as possible. Luckily, as a European resident, you have plenty of crypto debit card options. The top six crypto debit cards in Europe are listed below.

1. Wirex Card

Visa Crypto Prepaid Card
Who can apply?
E.U. & 100+
Type
Physical and virtual
Cashback
Up to 8%
Annual fee
No

2. Coinbase Card

Visa Crypto Debit Card
Who can apply?
U.S.A., E.U., U.K. Residents
Type
Virtual & physical
Cashback
Up to 4% cashback
Annual fee
No

3. Uphold Card

Mastercard crypto debit card
Availability
Card for UK and potentially US users only
Type
Physical and virtual
Cashback
Up to 2% in XRP
Annual fee
No

4. Bybit Card

Mastercard debit card
Availbility
E.E.A.
Type
Physical & virtual
Cashback
Up to 10%
Annual fee
No

Terms Apply. Cryptoassets are highly volatile. Your capital is at risk.

5. Binance Card

Visa Crypto Debit Card
Who can apply?
E.E.A. Residents
Type
Virtual & physical
Cashback
Up to 8% cashback
Annual fee
No

6. Nexo Card

Mastercard Crypto Debit Card
Who can apply?
E.E.A. Residents
Type
Virtual & physical
Cashback
Up to 2% cashback
Annual Fee
No

7. Crypto.com Card

Visa Crypto Prepaid Card
Who can apply?
U.S., E.U., 100+ Countries
Type
Physical and virtual
Cashback
Up to 5%
Annual fee
No
8. SpectroCoin Card

8. SpectroCoin Card

Visa Crypto Debit Card
Who can apply?
E.E.A. & 100+ countries
Type
Virtual & physical
Cashback
No
Annual fee
No

How do crypto debit cards work?

You can use a cryptocurrency debit card to make purchases just like a traditional debit card. A crypto debit card acts like a prepaid card and can be loaded with crypto to make in-store or online purchases from merchants who don’t otherwise accept cryptocurrency.

Many crypto debit cards are supported by traditional credit card companies. This allows users to make purchases anywhere the major credit card company’s cards are accepted. This is the case for most crypto debit cards.

To request a crypto debit card in Europe, you will need to open an account with one of the companies that offer a cryptocurrency debit card. Before using your card, you must verify your identity and deposit crypto in your account.

There are different conditions based on what card you have and what crypto you choose. Every crypto debit card offers a list of cryptocurrencies. Obviously, the most commonly supported cryptos include bitcoin and ethereum. 

Representation of crypto transactions on the Visa Network
Visa Network: vulcanpost.com

The majority of these crypto debit cards work with a software cryptocurrency wallet and an app that allows you to load crypto or fiat onto the card. You can manage your card and account through that app. The app also offers a virtual card that can be used for online purchases.

Once the card is loaded, you can use it at ATMs, merchant stores, and other locations, just like a regular debit card. The best part is that you don’t have to wait for your physical card to arrive. After signing up for an account, you can use your virtual card immediately. 

Many crypto cards offer a flat rate for rewards and cashback for your purchases in specific categories, just like regular rewards cards.

Crypto debit cards compared

FeaturesTypeFeesCashbackIssuance feeSupported crypto
Nexo CardPhysical and virtual-Rates start at 0%, up to 13.9%
-No inactivity, annual, or monthly fees
-No foreign exchange fees for
up to €20,000 per month
Up to 2%FreeBTC, ETH, XRP, and 14+ assets
Coinbase CardPhysical and virtual-No transaction fees
-1.5% fee for ATM transactions
Up to 4%£4.95Any coins or tokens supported by Coinbase
Binance CardPhysical and virtual-Transaction fees
up to 0.9%
-ATM withdrawal fee 2% (per withdrawal)
for non-EUR,
and outside of Europe
-Foreign transaction fee
2% per transaction for non-EUR, outside Europe
Up to 8%-First issuance free
-Re-issuance €25
BNB, BUSD, USDT, BTC, SXP, ETH, EUR, ADA, DOT, XRP, AVAX, SHIB, LAZIO, PORTO, SANTOS
SpectroCoin CardPhysical and virtual-No transaction for purchases made within EEA countries, in EUR,
-0.5% for transactions not in EUR
1% for internet transactions not in EUR
-Using an ATM to get cash costs 1%-2%.
-Chargeback €25
No-Free
-Re-issuance €15
-€60 expedited shipping
Any coins or tokens supported by the SpectroCoin wallet
Wirex CardPhysical and virtual-Free ATM withdrawal up to £200 monthly
after which a small fee of 2% is applied (EEA/ UK, international/ domestic)
Up to 8%FreeBTC, ETH, SHIB, and 50+ coins and tokens
Crypto.com CardPhysical and virtual-$4.95 inactivity fee per month after 12 months
-3% foreign transaction fee on all non-USD purchases and ATM withdrawals
-2% ATM withdrawal fee on amounts above the monthly free ATM limit
Up to 8%-$4.99 for the first physical Midnight Blue cardADA, BTC, CHZ, DAI, DOGE, ENJ, EOS, ETH, LINK, LTC, MANA, MATIC, USDP, TAUD, TCAD, TGBP, TUSD, UNI, USDC, USDT, VET, XLM & ZIL
Uphold CardPhysical and virtual-Spending limit of £10,000 GBP and 50 transactions per day
-ATM withdrawal fees (UK), £2.50 GBP domestic and £3.50 foreign
Up to 4%-Card shipping fee of £9.95250+ coins and tokens

What are the benefits of using crypto debit cards?

crypto debit cards what

Nowadays, cryptocurrency is used by an increasing number of people from all over the world. As seen in the figure below, crypto adoption is increasing at a similar rate as the internet. Since digital assets are part of our daily lives, more people are becoming interested in how they can use them as payment. 

crypto adoption
Crypto vs. internet adoption: triple-a.io

Because most businesses don’t accept cryptocurrency payments (yet!), a crypto debit card will indirectly help you pay with crypto for goods and services. Here are the main benefits of using a crypto debit card in Europe:

  • Cashback reward: You can earn cashback rewards by simply paying with your crypto debit card. Each cryptocurrency card provider may offer different benefits, and some may offer 3% or higher rewards for each transaction.
  • Access to different currencies with only one card: Many cryptocurrency debit cards allow you to access your fiat currencies as well as crypto assets. 
  • Convenient for everyday expenses: If you want to use your crypto for everyday expenses like groceries or gas, crypto debit cards are a great solution

Crypto vs. traditional debit cards

unbanked by region
Unbanked population by region: World Bank

The benefits of crypto debit cards can not be overstated. They are the bridge from traditional finance to web3. Crypto debit cards allow you to use your crypto for real-world use cases. They also have some benefits over traditional debit cards.

Contrary to popular belief, transactions made with traditional debit cards aren’t settled until days later. This means that crypto debit cards give you faster payment finality.

In addition, crypto debit cards are a great solution for the unbanked. According to the most recent data from the World Bank, about 1.7 billion people do not have access to financial institutions. You do not have to sign up for a bank account to use them. You can also use them to withdraw money from ATMs nearly anywhere major card providers are accepted, in your local currency.

What security features do European debit cards offer to protect against fraud?

European debit cards incorporate several advanced security features to ensure the safety of transactions and protect users against fraud, including those using traditional cards and innovative financial products like crypto credit cards. These measures are designed to safeguard your financial information and provide peace of mind while using conventional and crypto credit cards, including those from top European crypto exchanges.

  • Protect your PIN: Keep your PIN confidential and never share it with anyone. This fundamental step helps prevent unauthorized access to your account.
  • Check your bank statements regularly: Regularly reviewing your bank statements lets you quickly identify and report suspicious transactions.
  • EMV chip technology: European debit cards are equipped with EMV chips, which provide stronger security than traditional magnetic stripe cards, making it harder for fraudsters to clone a card.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Many banks and Bitcoin debit cards offer 2FA for online transactions, which requires a second verification form and adds an extra layer of security.
  • Real-time alerts: Banks often provide real-time alerts for transactions made with your debit card, enabling you to monitor activity and quickly respond to any fraudulent charges.

By leveraging these security features, users can enjoy greater protection against fraud using traditional debit cards and innovative financial products like crypto credit cards.

How to choose the right card for you

If you believe that the asset class will become more prominent in day-to-day usage and have a hefty amount of crypto, then a crypto debit may be for you. It can be a convenient way of using crypto for your expenses.

Furthermore, if you use crypto a lot, then you might be more interested in receiving more cashback for your purchases. In this case, you’ll have to explore all the different tiers for cashback rewards for each card. It’s also worth mentioning that each card may have different transaction fees. 

Join the BeInCrypto Telegram group if you want more information on crypto debit cards (or anything else web3-related!) Many of our members will be happy to help and answer your questions in more detail.

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Iulia Vasile
Iulia Vasile is a seasoned professional in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, working full-time in the field since 2017. With a background in computer engineering, she has the unique ability to write about complicated topics, including DeFi, NFTs, trading, and AI, in a way that is easy to understand. Iulia learned multiple programming languages while completing her Software Engineering degree in Bucharest at Politehnica University. Iulia brings her expertise and personal...
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