Best Crypto Cards in Brazil 2026
The R$ 35,000 monthly tax exemption is the single most important number for crypto users in Brazil right now. While the proposed flat tax (MP 1,303/2025) expired without becoming law, the reality of spending crypto in 2026 remains complex. Every time you tap a card to buy coffee in São Paulo or Rio, you are technically disposing of an asset. If your total sales and spending exceed that R$ 35k threshold in a month, you owe capital gains tax.
This regulatory friction defines the current landscape of the best crypto cards in Brazil. The market has split into two distinct approaches. One side offers pure convenience, converting crypto to BRL instantly to work with local payment terminals. The other prioritizes on-chain sovereignty, allowing you to spend directly from self-custody wallets like Gnosis Safe or Ready.
For Brazilian users, the challenge is twofold. You need a card that navigates the local banking system (where banks frequently block Pix transfers to crypto platforms for "security reviews") while offering rewards that outpace the volatility of the token market.
We analyzed five leading cards available to Brazilian residents to see which ones offer genuine utility beyond the marketing hype.
Here is how the top crypto cards compare in February 2026.
At-a-Glance Comparison
The following table breaks down the fee structures and reward tiers for the cards in this roundup. Note that "Staking" refers to the value of tokens you must lock up to achieve the listed reward rates.
| Card | Tiers Compared | Cashback | Annual Fee | FX Fee | Staking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ether.Fi Cash Card | Core, Luxe, Pinnacle | 3% (wETH) | Free | 1% | None to ~$47,000 |
| Ready Card | Lite Card, Metal Card | 0.5-3% (STRK) | Free | 0% | None |
| Kolo Card | Standard | 2% (BTC) | Free | 0% | None |
| PAYY Card | Virtual PAYY Card, Virtual PAYY Card | None | Free | 1% | None |
| Gnosis Pay Card | Base Card, Tier 2, Tier 4 | 0-4% (GNO) | Free | 0% | None to ~$13,000 |
Ether.Fi Cash Card Review: DeFi Borrowing and Rewards
Verdict: The best choice for DeFi power users who want to spend against their portfolio without triggering a taxable sale event for every transaction.
The Ether.Fi Cash Card operates on a fundamentally different model than traditional prepaid crypto cards. Instead of selling your crypto to load a fiat balance, this card connects to a non-custodial Gnosis Safe wallet on the Scroll L2 network. When you swipe the card, the system can borrow against your yield-bearing collateral (like eETH). This allows you to keep your assets earning staking rewards while you spend.
Brazil-Specific Considerations
For Brazilian users, the "borrow-on-swipe" model is particularly interesting regarding tax events. Since you are borrowing against collateral rather than selling the asset immediately, it changes the tax profile of the transaction compared to a standard disposal. However, users must be cautious. Repaying the loan or eventual liquidation still counts as a disposal. The 1% FX fee is a drawback for local spending in BRL, as this adds up quickly on daily purchases.
Rewards and Staking
The rewards program is aggressive but tiered. The "Core" tier offers 3% cashback in wETH without any staking requirement, which is exceptionally high for a free tier. However, this rate is progressive and decreases as you spend more. To unlock higher limits or maintain rates at high volume, you need to stake ETHFI tokens. The "Pinnacle" tier requires approximately 100,000 ETHFI (currently ~$47,000).
Notable Weaknesses
The complexity here is high. You are managing a collateralized debt position. If the market crashes, your collateral could be liquidated to cover your card balance. This is not a "set it and forget it" debit card. It requires active monitoring of your health factor.
Best for: DeFi natives who understand liquidation risk and want to preserve their ETH exposure.
Ready Card Review: Self-Custody with High Limits
Verdict: A strong contender for high-volume spenders who want self-custody without the complexity of managing DeFi loans.
The Ready Card (powered by Kulipa) uses account abstraction technology to keep funds in your own wallet until the exact moment of purchase. Unlike custodial cards where you deposit funds into the company's black box, Ready maintains a link to your self-custody wallet. The card authorizes a specific spending limit, but the issuer never takes full control of your assets.
Brazil-Specific Considerations
The card is strictly limited to USDC and USDC.e. Given that the Central Bank of Brazil is moving toward treating stablecoin transactions as foreign exchange operations, relying solely on USD-pegged assets is a strategic risk. You will need to manage your own swaps from BRL or other cryptos into USDC before spending. The card works globally, but the 120 USDC annual fee for the Metal tier is roughly R$ 700, a steep entry price compared to local bank cards.
Rewards and Staking
The Metal Card offers 3% cashback paid in STRK tokens. The Lite Card offers a modest 0.5%. The "Boost" feature occasionally spikes rewards to 6% for short periods. A critical detail is that rewards are capped at $150 per month. While 3% is generous, the payout in STRK ties your returns to the volatility of the Starknet ecosystem. A 3% return means little if the reward token drops 20% in value before you sell it.
Notable Weaknesses
The 120 USDC upfront fee for the Metal card is non-refundable. Additionally, the card currently lacks Apple Pay support, which limits its utility for iPhone users accustomed to contactless payments.
Best for: Users who hold large USDC balances and want self-custody without staking requirements.
Kolo Card Review: Bitcoin Cashback and Memecoins
Verdict: The most accessible option for everyday spending, especially for those who want to spend memecoins or earn Bitcoin.
Kolo Card distinguishes itself with its "Memepay" feature and a hybrid custody model. It allows users to spend a wide variety of assets, including PEPE and other memecoins, directly at the point of sale. The card handles the conversion in real-time using an aggregation engine that hunts for the best liquidity across DEXs and CEXs.
Brazil-Specific Considerations
Kolo is aggressively targeting emerging markets and works well in Brazil. The 0% FX fee is a massive advantage for Brazilians spending in Real (BRL) while holding crypto. Unlike cards that charge 1% or more on currency conversion, Kolo keeps the local spending cost effective. However, the card operates under a "testing regulatory regime" with a pending license. This regulatory uncertainty is a risk factor in Brazil's strict compliance environment.
Rewards and Staking
The value proposition is simple: 2% cashback paid in Bitcoin (BTC). There is no staking requirement to access this rate. New users may see a promotional 5% rate, but the standard 2% is the reliable figure. Earning rewards in BTC rather than a volatile platform token makes the cashback significantly more reliable for long-term holding.
Notable Weaknesses
The platform's stability is the main concern. Kolo reserves the right to reduce spending limits to $0 without notice due to its testing status. This makes it risky to rely on as a primary financial instrument.
Best for: Users who want 0% FX fees and prefer earning rewards in Bitcoin.
PAYY Card Review: Privacy and Zero-Knowledge Proofs
Verdict: A niche tool for privacy advocates who prioritize data protection over financial rewards.
PAYY is built on a custom blockchain network that utilizes zero-knowledge proofs to shield transaction amounts and balances. It creates a firewall between your on-chain history and your real-world identity. The card is non-custodial, with keys generated locally on your device.
Brazil-Specific Considerations
With the Receita Federal's new "DeCripto" reporting system increasing visibility into crypto assets, PAYY's privacy features are appealing. However, users should not mistake on-chain privacy for tax evasion. If you undergo KYC to get the card, the issuer still knows who you are. The physical card is contactless-only, which can be problematic in Brazil where older card machines often require a chip insert.
Rewards and Staking
There are no financial rewards. Zero cashback. You are paying for the product with the opportunity cost of lost rewards. The "Light-Up" physical card is a gimmick earned through points, but it offers no monetary value.
Notable Weaknesses
The lack of cashback makes this card mathematically inferior to every other option on this list for general spending. It is also limited to USDC, requiring you to bridge and swap assets before loading.
Best for: Privacy maximalists who are willing to sacrifice rewards for on-chain anonymity.
Gnosis Pay Card Review: The On-Chain Bank Account
Verdict: The most robust technical solution for users deeply integrated into the Gnosis ecosystem.
Gnosis Pay connects a Visa card directly to a Safe smart contract wallet on the Gnosis Chain. This is not a prepaid card; it is an extension of your on-chain wallet. The architecture allows for gasless transactions at the point of sale and supports specific stablecoins like EURe, GBPe, and USDCe.
Brazil-Specific Considerations
Gnosis Pay has explicitly expanded to Brazil, making it one of the few global DeFi cards with official local support. The 0% FX fee is excellent for local spending. However, the card is strictly limited to stablecoins on the Gnosis Chain. You cannot spend BTC or ETH directly; you must bridge and swap into the supported assets. This adds a layer of friction for users who keep their funds on mainnet Ethereum or Solana.
Rewards and Staking
The Base Card offers 0% cashback. To earn rewards, you must stake GNO tokens. Tier 2 offers 2% cashback but requires staking 1 GNO (currently $150). The yield scales up to 4% at Tier 4, which requires 100 GNO ($13,000). The rewards are paid in GNO, so your effective return depends entirely on the performance of the GNO token.
Notable Weaknesses
The user experience is fragmented. You manage the card via a web app, as there is no native mobile app. Dealing with customer support involves different entities depending on whether the issue is with the card or the underlying banking rails.
Best for: Users who already hold GNO and want a card that respects self-custody principles.
Category Winners
Best for Low-Cost Entry: Kolo Card
With no annual fee, no staking requirement, and 0% FX fees, Kolo is the cheapest way to start spending crypto in Brazil. The 2% Bitcoin cashback is a solid baseline that beats many premium cards.
Best for High-Volume Spenders: Ready Card
If you spend significantly more than the average user, the Ready Card's high limits and self-custody model justify the annual fee. The ability to keep funds in your own wallet until the purchase is a massive security advantage.
Best for DeFi Power Users: Ether.Fi Cash Card
The ability to borrow against collateral makes this unique. For a user with a large ETH stack who wants to buy a car or pay for a vacation without selling their position, this card offers a financial utility that goes beyond simple payments.
Best Overall Value: Gnosis Pay (Tier 2)
For a modest stake of ~R$ 900 (1 GNO), you get 2% cashback, 0% FX fees, and true self-custody. It strikes the best balance between cost, rewards, and technical sovereignty.
Final Verdict
The crypto card market in Brazil has matured. We have moved past the era of simple prepaid cards that charge high fees to spend your own money. The current generation of cards offers genuine integration with on-chain finance.
For most Brazilian users, the Kolo Card offers the path of least resistance. It handles the FX conversion efficiently and pays rewards in the hardest asset (Bitcoin). However, if you are comfortable with DeFi mechanics, the Ether.Fi Cash Card offers a financial tool that traditional banks simply cannot match.
Be aware that 2026 is a pivotal year for regulation. With the Central Bank eyeing stablecoins as foreign exchange instruments, the costs and rules for these cards may shift. Always keep your tax reporting explicitly clear, regardless of which card you choose.
For a full list of crypto cards available in Brazil, see our Brazil crypto cards page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay tax every time I use a crypto card in Brazil?
You do not necessarily pay tax at the moment of purchase, but every spend is a taxable event. You must track the cost basis of the crypto you spent. If your total sales and spending for the month remain under R$ 35,000, your gains are generally exempt. If you exceed this limit, you must calculate capital gains and pay tax via a DARF.
Why do Brazilian banks block transfers to crypto card apps?
Brazilian banks use aggressive fraud detection systems on the Pix network. Transfers to crypto-related entities are often flagged as high-risk. This can result in your funds being held for security review for several hours. It is common and usually resolves itself, but it makes "instant" top-ups unreliable.
Which crypto card has the best cashback for Brazilians?
The Ether.Fi Cash Card offers 3% cashback without a staking requirement, which is the highest free tier available. However, Kolo Card's 2% cashback is paid in Bitcoin, which many users prefer over volatility-prone platform tokens.
Are these cards safe to use in Brazil?
Yes, but they function differently than local bank cards. Most are issued internationally. While they work at Visa/Mastercard terminals, you may face occasional rejections at older machines that do not support contactless payments. Always carry a backup local card.
Does the Receita Federal know about my crypto card spending?
Yes. Brazil has implemented the "DeCripto" reporting framework (IN RFB 2,291). Local exchange partners and payment processors are required to report user activity. You should assume all transaction data is visible to tax authorities.