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Crypto.com Visa vs Coinbase Visa Debit
Getting crypto-back rewards with every purchase, whether buying coffee or taking an Uber, is a powerful way to grow your crypto portfolio. Before the advent of crypto-based cards, crypto natives had limited options for using their cryptocurrencies in the real world. The two most popular choices in the past were to either convert crypto to fiat or use a prepaid debit card loaded with crypto.
However, these days there are a few different options available when it comes to using cryptocurrency for everyday purchases. For example, Crypto.com (one of the most popular crypto apps) and Coinbase (a leading crypto exchange) have recently launched Visa debit cards that allow users to spend their crypto holdings with ease and earn lucrative rewards in crypto.
Crypto.com’s Visa card, for instance, gives users a whopping 100% cash-back on Spotify and Netflix subscriptions paid for in crypto and up to 5% back on all other purchases. On the other hand, Coinbase’s Visa card gives users 4% cash-back on all spending and 1% cash-back when converting their crypto to fiat currency.
So, which card is better?
It depends on what you’re looking for and how you plan to use your card. This article compares the Crypto.com Visa and the Coinbase Visa Debit to help you decide.
Crypto.com Visa Overview
The Crypto.com Visa is a prepaid debit card that allows users to spend their cryptocurrency holdings anywhere that accepts Visa payments. The card is issued by Metropolitan Commercial Bank and has several perks and rewards for users.
To get started, users must first download the Crypto.com app and create an account. From there, they can order their card and link it to their wallet. Once the card is requested, it typically arrives within ten days.
There are three different versions of the Crypto.com Visa card: Obsidian Black, Royal Indigo, and Jade Green. Each card has different requirements and perks associated with it. For instance, the Midnight Blue card requires no stake but doesn’t offer any benefits (other than the ability to convert your crypto into fiat for credit purchases)
The Jade Green card requires $4,000 in staked CRO but provides 2% cashback (paid in CRO) with free Netflix and Spotify (for the first sixth months) in addition to lounge access.
Finally the Obsidian Black card requires a whopping $400,000 (!) in staked CRO but provides 5% cashback, free Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime and private jet partnership.
- Up to 5% crypto cashback on all purchases
- Huge amount of available perks including free Netflix, Spotify and Airport Lounge access
- Unique CRO staking model offers five different tiers of cards
- High-quality premium metal cards
Pros & Cons
Pros
Ability to earn up to 5% cash-back on all spending
Higher tiers provide free Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime and airport lounge access
Shopping partners
The higher tier cards provide APY on your staked CRO
Cons
Huge staking requirements for top-tier cards
All cash-back rewards are in CRO
Comes with a $50 fee for closing the account without spending
Coinbase Visa Debit Overview
The Coinbase Visa Debit card is a prepaid debit card that allows users to spend their cryptocurrency holdings anywhere that accepts Visa payments. The card is issued by MetaBank and can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, online or offline.
Coinbase is a leading cryptocurrency exchange with regulated custody solutions that allow users to sell, buy, and store various coins. In addition, the Coinbase card makes it easy for users to spend their cryptocurrency holdings in the real world.
The Coinbase Visa Debit card is linked to the user’s Coinbase account and comes with several perks, including the support of nine crypto assets, up to 4% in crypto-back rewards, and zero monthly and annual fees.
- Visa card backed by one of the most reliable companies in cryptocurrency
- Links to your Coinbase account
- Spend your crypto anywhere Visa is accepted
- Switch between cryptocurrencies on the fly
Pros and Cons
Pros
Offers up to 4% crypto back rewards for spending
Rewards are issued in a variety of coins
No annual fee
Issued by a reputable and popular crypto exchange
Cons
Limited rewards
Only nine coins are supported on the card
Limited availability in some jurisdictions
Eligibility Requirements
When comparing the two cards in terms of eligibility, the Crypto.com Visa has an advantage. No minimum amount of CRO tokens need to be staked to use the card, making it accessible to a broader range of users.
On the other hand, the Coinbase Visa Debit Card requires users to have a Coinbase account to use the card. Additionally, users must be residents of eligible countries to use the card.
Both cards are debit cards, which means you don’t need a certain credit score to be approved.
Sign-up Process
Getting your account up and running on both platforms is a simple process.
On Crypto.com, you’ll need to download the app and create an account. Once your account is created, you can order your card directly from the app. The whole process takes just a few minutes to complete.
Similarly, signing up for Coinbase is a quick and easy process. First, you’ll need to create an account and verify your identity. Once your account is up and running, you can order your Coinbase Visa Debit Card directly from the Coinbase website.
Rewards & Perks
In terms of rewards and perks, the Crypto.com Visa has the edge over Coinbase’s Visa Debit Card. For example, the Crypto.com Visa offers up to 5% cash back on all purchases, while Coinbase’s Visa Debit Card only offers up to 4% back in crypto rewards.
Additionally, the Crypto.com Visa card offers several other perks, such as airport lounge access. Coinbase’s Visa Debit Card, on the other hand, only comes with a few benefits, such as zero ATM fees and support for nine different cryptocurrencies.
However, Crypto.com’s perks are also limited, especially to users who don’t have enough CRO to stake. The requirement to stake $400,000 in CRO to earn the top bonuses and rewards is unattainable for most users.
Pricing & Fees
Regarding pricing and fees, the Coinbase Visa Debit Card has an advantage over the Crypto.com Visa. Coinbase’s Visa Debit Card has no monthly or annual fees. Additionally, there are no foreign transaction fees when using the Coinbase card abroad.
The Crypto.com Visa, on the other hand, charges a $50 annual fee for the card. Additionally, users are charged a 3% for credit card top-ups.
Funding Options
Both cards offer a few different ways to fund your account.
On Coinbase, you can link your bank account, debit card, or credit card to fund your account. You can also use PayPal to fund your Coinbase account, although some restrictions are in place.
Similarly, on Crypto.com, you can link your bank account, debit card, or credit card to fund your account. You can also use Crypto.com’s own CRO tokens to top-up your account.
Optional Cryptocurrencies
Even though the main Coinbase exchange supports several coins, the Coinbase Visa Debit Card supports nine different cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and XRP. It’s important to note that the 4% cashback is paid out in a rotating coin (you don’t pick it).
The Crypto.com Visa card, on the other hand, only supports its own Cronos coin. There are no optional cryptocurrencies on the Crypto.com Visa.
Standout Features
The Coinbase Visa Debit Card comes with a few standout features, such as support for nine different cryptocurrencies and zero ATM fees.
The Crypto.com Visa card stands out, especially for its 100% cash back on Spotify and Netflix subscriptions. Additionally, the card offers up to 5% cash back on all purchases, making it one of the best rewards credit cards on the market but it requires a huge stake in CRO.
Verdict: Coinbase More Streamlined, Crypto.com Offers More Perks
So, which card is better? The Coinbase Visa Debit Card or the Crypto.com Visa?
It depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a card that offers great rewards and perks, then the Crypto.com Visa is the better option. However, you will have to stake tons of CRO to enjoy the top-tier perks that come with the card. Coinbase’s Visa Debit Card also has advantages, such as earning rewards in several cryptocurrencies.
Both cards offer quick and easy sign-ups, but Coinbase’s is slightly more accessible since you can sign up directly from the website. Similarly, funding your account is a quick and easy process on both platforms. However, Coinbase offers more funding options than Crypto.com.
If you are a heavy spender looking for the best reward card, then the Crypto.com Visa is the better option. However, if you are looking for a card with no ATM fees, Coinbase’s Visa Debit Card is the way to go.
