Coinbase Card

Coinbase Visa Debit Card & Coinbase One Credit Card: Cryptocurrency Spending Solutions with Automatic Conversion

Basic Information

The Coinbase Visa Debit Card functions as a prepaid/debit Visa card that draws funds directly from a user's Coinbase account cryptocurrency balances. When a purchase is made, the card automatically converts the selected cryptocurrency to the appropriate fiat currency at the point of sale, allowing users to spend digital assets for everyday transactions without manually converting first.

The Coinbase One Credit Card is a premium American Express credit card that requires an active Coinbase One membership subscription. It offers higher Bitcoin rewards based on assets held on the Coinbase platform and features a distinctive metal design.

Coinbase One Credit Card

Card Specifications

The Coinbase One Card is a premium American Express credit card launching in Fall 2025 with the following specifications:

• Stainless steel card weighing 17 grams
• Unique design featuring etched Bitcoin Genesis Block text
• No annual fee for the card itself (separate from Coinbase One membership)
• No foreign transaction fees
• Credit approval required through First Electronic Bank
• Statement can be paid with bank account or crypto held at Coinbase
• Initially available only in the United States

Membership Requirements

The Coinbase One Card requires an active Coinbase One membership subscription:

• Basic tier: $49.99/year
• Premium tier: $299.99/month
• Membership must remain active to maintain card account
• Includes additional benefits beyond the card (see Coinbase One Subscription)

Credit Card Rewards

The Coinbase One Card offers a tiered Bitcoin rewards structure:

• All cardholders start at 2% Bitcoin back on purchases
• Up to 4% Bitcoin rewards based on Coinbase asset holdings
• Rewards are automatically deposited to the user's Coinbase account
• No caps on rewards earning potential
• No rotating categories or activation requirements

Rewards and Benefits

Crypto Rewards Structure

Coinbase Visa Debit Card:
U.S. cardholders earn cryptocurrency rewards on purchases, with rates varying by cryptocurrency:

• Current reward rates typically around 0.5-1% in major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH)
• Historical rates were higher at launch, offering up to 4% back in Stellar Lumens (XLM) or 1% in Bitcoin
• Occasional promotional periods with higher reward rates on certain assets
• UK/EU cardholders currently do not have access to the crypto rewards program

The Coinbase Visa Debit Card requires no staking or token holdings to obtain the card or access rewards, unlike several competitor cards that mandate token lock-ups for higher reward tiers.

Coinbase One Credit Card:

• Starts at 2% Bitcoin back on all purchases for all cardholders
• Up to 4% Bitcoin back based on assets held on Coinbase platform
• No staking requirements, but requires active Coinbase One membership
• Rewards automatically deposited to Coinbase account

Unique Features

Coinbase Visa Debit Card:

• Ability to select which cryptocurrency to spend from the Coinbase app before each purchase
• Instant notifications for all transactions through the Coinbase app
• Direct deposit capability allows having paycheck deposited directly to Coinbase
• Integration with broader Coinbase ecosystem, including Coinbase Rewards (staking/yield)
• In the U.S., dedicated 24/7 phone and email support for card-specific issues

Coinbase One Credit Card:

• Premium metal card design with Bitcoin Genesis Block etching
• Integration with Coinbase One membership benefits
• Ability to pay statement balance with cryptocurrency
• Higher reward rates than the debit card option
• American Express network benefits and protections

Fees and Limits

Card-Related Fees

Transaction Fees

Spending Limits

Card Tiers and Options

The Coinbase Visa Debit Card maintains a simple single-tier structure with no premium or metal card options. Unlike competitor cards, there are no staking requirements or subscription tiers to access different benefit levels.

The Coinbase One Credit Card offers a premium metal design but requires an active Coinbase One membership subscription. The rewards rate varies based on assets held on the Coinbase platform, starting at 2% Bitcoin back for all cardholders.

Top-Up Methods

Users do not need to pre-load or manually transfer funds to use the Coinbase Card; instead, it draws directly from their Coinbase account balance at the time of purchase. When a transaction occurs, the selected cryptocurrency (any of the 250+ supported by Coinbase) is automatically converted to the local fiat currency (USD, GBP, or EUR) at the point of sale, with a hidden conversion spread of approximately 0.5-2% applied—this acts as a fee. This on-demand model means users retain custody of their crypto on Coinbase until each transaction, and there are no explicit top-up fees, minimums, or waiting periods for funds to become available. All management, including spending source selection, is handled via the Coinbase app or website. Note: Each transaction results in a taxable crypto sale and may incur capital gains tax obligations.

Self-Custody Custodial

The Coinbase Card requires users to hold cryptocurrency in their Coinbase account, which acts as the custodian of the private keys. Users maintain control over their crypto assets within Coinbase but do not have direct access to private keys or seed phrases. Crypto is converted automatically to fiat at the point of sale, meaning custody effectively transfers to Coinbase during transactions. Users must undergo full KYC verification and comply with regulatory requirements, with Coinbase operating under licensed money transmitter and banking partnerships. In the event Coinbase ceases operations, funds are held in custodial accounts with protections like FDIC pass-through insurance for USD and segregated bank accounts for EUR/GBP. This model offers self-custody elements (user control within Coinbase) but with significant custodial restrictions and regulatory oversight.

Supported Currencies and Conversion

Cryptocurrency Support

Both the Coinbase Visa Debit Card and Coinbase One Credit Card support all cryptocurrencies available on the Coinbase platform (250+ assets), including:

• Major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
• Stablecoins: USD Coin (USDC), DAI, and others
• Altcoins: Stellar (XLM), Dogecoin (DOGE), and numerous others
• DeFi tokens: Uniswap (UNI), Basic Attention Token (BAT), 0x (ZRX), Augur (REP), and more
• ERC-20 tokens and other supported assets on Coinbase

Users can select which cryptocurrency to use before making a purchase through the Coinbase app, allowing flexible spending from any holdings in their Coinbase account.

Fiat Currency Support

Coinbase Visa Debit Card:

• Primary Settlement Currencies:

  • USD (United States dollar) for U.S. customers
  • GBP (British pound) for UK customers
  • EUR (Euro) for customers in Eurozone countries

• Currency Conversion:

  • Cryptocurrency is converted to the local fiat currency at the time of transaction
  • For purchases in currencies other than the card's base currency, Visa's network handles conversion
  • No foreign transaction fees for currency conversions, but Visa's exchange rates apply

Coinbase One Credit Card:

• Primary Settlement Currency:

  • USD (United States dollar) only at launch

• Currency Conversion:

  • For international purchases, American Express handles the currency conversion
  • No foreign transaction fees, but standard American Express exchange rates apply
  • Can pay statement balance with cryptocurrency from Coinbase account

Geographic Availability

Supported Regions

Coinbase Visa Debit Card:

• United States: Available nationwide except Hawaii (excluded due to regulatory constraints)

• Europe: Available across all 30 countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) including:

  • Western Europe: United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria
  • Northern Europe: Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland
  • Eastern Europe: Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia
  • Southern Europe: Greece, Cyprus, Malta
  • Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
  • Liechtenstein

Coinbase One Credit Card:

• United States only at launch (Fall 2025)
• International expansion plans not yet announced

Restricted Regions

Coinbase Visa Debit Card:

• Within Supported Countries: Hawaii (in the U.S.) due to state regulatory requirements

• Prohibited Usage Countries: The card cannot be used in numerous regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Belarus, Central African Republic, China, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, or Zimbabwe

• Not Yet Available In: Canada, Asia-Pacific regions, Australia, South America, Africa, and other territories outside the U.S. and Europe

Coinbase One Credit Card:

• Not Available Outside U.S.: The credit card will initially only be available to U.S. customers

Compliance and Security

Regulatory Framework

• Coinbase operates as a licensed Money Services Business (MSB) in the U.S. with money transmitter licenses in various states
• In the U.S., the Visa debit card is issued by Pathward, N.A., an FDIC-insured bank, under Visa's license
• The Coinbase One Credit Card is issued by First Electronic Bank under American Express licensing
• In Europe, the debit card was issued by Paysafe Financial Services under FCA e-money regulations
• Coinbase has obtained a MiCA license from Luxembourg's CSSF in 2025, enabling unified crypto services across all 27 EU member states
• Luxembourg has been established as Coinbase's European hub, consolidating previous separate licenses in Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain
• In February 2020, Coinbase became a Visa Principal Member, the first pure-play crypto company to achieve this status
• Card usage is prohibited for certain merchant categories including gambling, illicit products/services, money orders, and cryptocurrency services
• Transactions attempted in restricted countries or with prohibited merchant categories are automatically declined

Security Features

• Account Security:

  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) required for account access
  • Instant notifications for every card transaction
  • Ability to lock/freeze the card instantly via the app if lost or stolen
  • PIN can be changed securely through the app

• Asset Protection:

  • Custodial model with 98%+ of customer crypto in cold (offline) storage
  • Crime insurance policy covering a portion of digital assets against theft or cybersecurity breaches
  • USD held with Coinbase is kept in pooled custodial accounts at regulated U.S. banks with FDIC pass-through insurance up to $250,000 per user
  • Non-US customers' fiat (EUR/GBP) held in segregated custodial bank accounts
  • Benefits from Visa's Zero Liability protection against fraudulent charges for debit card
  • American Express fraud protection benefits for credit card

• Compliance Measures:

  • Full KYC (Know Your Customer) verification required for card eligibility
  • Anti-money laundering (AML) checks on crypto-to-fiat conversions
  • Transaction monitoring algorithms to flag unusual patterns
  • Compliance with PCI-DSS standards for handling card data securely
  • Credit approval process for Coinbase One Credit Card

Technical Details

Conversion Mechanics

Coinbase Visa Debit Card:

• Cryptocurrency is converted to fiat at the exact time of transaction (not in advance)
• When a purchase is made, Coinbase automatically converts the selected cryptocurrency to the appropriate fiat currency
• Every transaction involving crypto is treated as a sell transaction for tax purposes
• Coinbase applies its own exchange rates with a spread (typically around 0.50% but can reach ~2% in volatile markets)
• For non-local currency transactions, Visa's network handles the secondary conversion at standard exchange rates

Coinbase One Credit Card:

• Functions as a traditional credit card with statement billing
• Purchases are made in fiat currency, not directly with cryptocurrency
• Can pay statement balance with cryptocurrency from Coinbase account
• Crypto-to-fiat conversion occurs only when paying statement with crypto
• Rewards are paid in Bitcoin regardless of payment method

Settlement Process

Coinbase Visa Debit Card:

• Transaction Flow:

  • Transactions are typically settled in real-time or within standard Visa settlement timeframes
  • Crypto rewards are usually deposited to the user's Coinbase account shortly after transaction settlement
  • Users can select which cryptocurrency or fiat currency to use for each purchase through the Coinbase app
  • Default wallet can be set but can be changed before any purchase

• Technical Integration:

  • Card works with standard payment terminals and online checkout systems as a regular Visa debit card
  • Supports chip-and-PIN transactions, contactless tap-to-pay, and online card-not-present transactions
  • Mobile wallet integration allows tokenized card usage through Apple Pay and Google Pay

Coinbase One Credit Card:

• Transaction Flow:

  • Transactions follow standard American Express credit card settlement process
  • Statement generated monthly with minimum payment due
  • Can pay statement with bank account or cryptocurrency from Coinbase account
  • Bitcoin rewards deposited to Coinbase account after transaction settlement

• Technical Integration:

  • Functions as standard American Express credit card at point of sale
  • Supports contactless payments, chip transactions, and online purchases
  • Mobile wallet integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay

User Experience

Coinbase Visa Debit Card:
The Coinbase Card is managed entirely through the main Coinbase mobile app or website, with a dedicated card section for:

• Applying for the card and viewing card details
• Switching the cryptocurrency spending source before purchases
• Tracking transaction history with merchant details, amount, crypto used, and rewards earned
• Categorizing card spending (dining, travel, etc.) for budget tracking
• Managing security features like freezing the card or changing PIN

Coinbase One Credit Card:
The Coinbase One Card will be managed through the Coinbase app with features including:

• Credit application and approval process
• Virtual card access immediately upon approval
• Statement viewing and payment options
• Tracking Bitcoin rewards earned
• Managing security features and card settings

Support options include:

• U.S. cardholders: 24/7 phone support line and dedicated email support for card issues
• European users: Support via Coinbase's regional support centers and email
• In-app help section with FAQ covering common issues
• Premium support for Coinbase One members

User feedback has been mixed:

• Positives: Many users praise the convenience of spending crypto, ease of use, absence of foreign transaction fees, and crypto rewards
• Negatives: Common complaints include hidden costs via conversion spread, difficulty resolving fraudulent transactions, occasional unexplained transaction declines, and disappointment with reduced reward rates over time

Best Suited For

Coinbase Visa Debit Card:

• Existing Coinbase Users who want to spend their crypto holdings directly without transferring to a bank first
• International Travelers who benefit from zero foreign transaction fees and worldwide Visa acceptance
• Cryptocurrency Enthusiasts who prefer earning crypto rewards rather than traditional credit card points
• Digital Payment Adopters who appreciate mobile wallet integration and contactless payment capabilities
• Regular Cryptocurrency Spenders who want to use their digital assets for everyday purchases while maintaining a single crypto platform

Coinbase One Credit Card:

• Coinbase One Members who already subscribe to the service for other benefits
• Higher-Value Coinbase Users who maintain significant assets on the platform to maximize rewards
• Credit Card Users who prefer the consumer protections of credit vs. debit
• Bitcoin Accumulators who want to earn Bitcoin rewards on everyday spending
• Premium Card Enthusiasts who appreciate metal card designs and premium features

Pros and Cons

Pros

Coinbase Visa Debit Card:

• No issuance fees, annual fees, or foreign transaction fees
• Automatic conversion of crypto to fiat at point of sale
• Wide cryptocurrency support (250+ assets from Coinbase)
• No staking requirements to access the card or rewards
• Mobile wallet integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay

Coinbase One Credit Card:

• Premium metal card design with Bitcoin Genesis Block etching
• Higher Bitcoin rewards (2-4%) compared to debit card
• No annual fee for the card itself (separate from membership)
• No foreign transaction fees
• American Express network benefits and protections
• Can pay statement with cryptocurrency

Cons

Coinbase Visa Debit Card:

• Hidden costs through conversion spread (0.5-2%)
• Crypto rewards program only available to U.S. cardholders
• Each transaction creates a taxable event in most jurisdictions
• Lower reward rates compared to initial launch offerings
• Less robust purchase protections than credit cards

Coinbase One Credit Card:

• Requires active Coinbase One membership ($49.99/year minimum)
• Only available in the U.S. at launch
• Limited to American Express merchant network
• Rewards tied to assets held on Coinbase platform
• Potential tax implications when paying statement with crypto

Conclusion

Coinbase now offers two distinct card products that cater to different user needs and preferences. The Coinbase Visa Debit Card represents a significant advancement in making cryptocurrency practical for everyday use, bridging the gap between digital assets and traditional payment systems. Its primary strength lies in allowing users to seamlessly spend their crypto holdings without manual conversion steps, effectively functioning as a debit card linked directly to their Coinbase account.

The new Coinbase One Credit Card elevates the offering with a premium American Express credit card that provides higher Bitcoin rewards based on assets held on the platform. While it requires a Coinbase One membership subscription, it offers the benefits of a credit card including consumer protections and a distinctive metal design.

Both cards offer no foreign transaction fees and integrate directly with the Coinbase ecosystem, allowing users to manage their crypto and spending in one place. The debit card provides immediate access to crypto holdings with automatic conversion at point of sale, while the credit card follows a traditional billing cycle with the option to pay statements with cryptocurrency.

The choice between the two cards depends on user preferences, spending habits, and whether they value the additional benefits of Coinbase One membership. The debit card remains best suited for existing Coinbase users who want direct access to their crypto holdings, while the credit card appeals to those who prefer credit card protections and higher Bitcoin rewards.

Users should be aware of the tax implications of crypto transactions and the hidden costs of conversion spreads when using either card. Despite these considerations, both cards represent significant steps toward mainstream cryptocurrency adoption by making digital assets more accessible for everyday transactions.

Additional Information

Tax Implications

Using the Coinbase Visa Debit Card to spend cryptocurrency can create tax liabilities in many jurisdictions. In the United States, the IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, meaning that spending crypto is considered a sale and may trigger capital gains or losses. Coinbase tracks these transactions and provides reports, but users are responsible for reporting them on their tax returns.

The rewards earned through either card are treated as miscellaneous income for tax purposes. If crypto rewards exceed $600 in value in a year, Coinbase may issue a 1099-MISC form for U.S. taxpayers. Users should consult with tax professionals to understand their specific obligations when using the cards.

For the Coinbase One Credit Card, paying a statement balance with cryptocurrency would also constitute a taxable event, as it involves selling crypto to pay the bill.

Comparison to Competitors

Unlike some competitor cards such as Crypto.com that require staking their native token for higher reward tiers, the Coinbase Visa Debit Card offers its features without any staking requirement. This lowers the barrier to entry but may result in lower overall rewards compared to competitors willing to stake.

The Coinbase One Credit Card takes a different approach by tying rewards to assets held on the platform rather than staked tokens. This allows users to earn higher rewards based on their overall Coinbase portfolio rather than locking up specific tokens.

The metal design of the Coinbase One Credit Card positions it as a premium product comparable to other metal crypto cards in the market, while the integration with American Express provides a recognized network with established benefits and protections.

Coinbase One Subscription

The Coinbase One subscription is a prerequisite for the Coinbase One Credit Card and offers additional benefits beyond the card itself:

Basic Tier ($49.99/year):

• Up to 4% Bitcoin back on Coinbase One Card purchases
• 4.5% APY on first $10,000 USDC held
• Zero trading fees up to $500/month
• $1,000 crypto protection coverage
• Access to Coinbase One Credit Card (subject to approval)

Premium Tier ($299.99/month):

• All Basic tier benefits
• Enhanced customer support
• Additional premium features
• Higher limits on certain benefits

The subscription represents a significant shift in Coinbase's product strategy, bundling premium features including the new credit card into a membership model. This approach allows Coinbase to offer enhanced benefits to their most engaged users while maintaining the accessibility of their core debit card product for all customers.