FNT Mastercard Prepaid Debit Card: Crypto-to-Fiat Bridge for Everyday Spending

Basic Information

The FNT Crypto Card bridges the gap between cryptocurrency holdings and everyday spending, enabling users to utilize digital assets in the real world without cumbersome conversion processes. The card operates on the Mastercard network, allowing for instant crypto-to-fiat conversion when users top up their card balance. This allows spending at millions of merchants worldwide with zero transaction fees and no foreign exchange markups when spending in the card's native currency (EUR).

Rewards and Benefits

Membership Tier Rewards

FNT implements a tiered membership system based on FNTIO token holdings, providing escalating benefits for loyal users:

• Fee Discounts: 10-40% off card issuance, top-up fees, and trading fees depending on tier
• Staking Yield Bonus: 10-40% boost on staking returns (paid in FNTIO)
• Referral Rewards: 10-40% commission on referral activities

Unlike many competitors, FNT doesn't require forced lock-up of tokens; users simply need to hold the required FNTIO in their wallet to maintain tier status.

While no direct cashback percentage is currently advertised, "tier-based rewards" and "cashback" are mentioned in future plans.

Upcoming Features

• VIP Card Program: Higher limits (€50,000/day, €250,000/month) for qualified users
• Crypto Credit Line: Ability to use crypto as collateral for a flexible credit line
• Cashback Program: Potential introduction of direct cashback on spending
• Gamified Rewards: In-app quests and FUNT token rewards for platform engagement

Fees and Limits

The primary cost of using the FNT card is the 2% top-up fee applied when converting cryptocurrency to fiat. This fee can be reduced by 10-40% depending on your membership tier. Once funds are loaded onto the card, there are no transaction fees for purchases, and no foreign exchange markups when spending in the card's native currency (EUR).

Card Tiers and Options

FNT offers a tiered membership system based on FNTIO token holdings. Higher tiers provide increasing discounts on card issuance and top-up fees, along with enhanced benefits across the FNT ecosystem. All tiers share the same standard spending limits, though Black tier members will likely be eligible for the upcoming VIP card with significantly higher limits.

The card is available in both physical and virtual formats. The physical card costs €32 plus shipping, while the virtual card costs €10. Both can be used for online purchases, while the physical card also enables in-store and ATM transactions.

Top-Up Methods

Users top up the FNT Crypto Card by transferring any of 14+ supported cryptocurrencies (including BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, and others) from their personal wallet or exchange account into their FNT platform account via the web platform or Telegram mini-app. During top-up, crypto is instantly and irreversibly converted to fiat (EUR for European cards) at market rates, with a 2% top-up fee (discounted by 10-40% for higher membership tiers). Funds are moved from user-controlled crypto wallets to the provider's custodial fiat balance, meaning custody is transferred to FNT at the moment of conversion and cannot be reversed to crypto. Top-up limits are €10,000/day for physical cards, €5,000/day for virtual cards, and €20,000/month total, with no waiting period—fiat is available for spending immediately after conversion. Pre-loading is required (no on-demand crypto spending), and once topped up, funds can only be spent in fiat; they cannot be converted back to crypto through FNT.

Self-Custody Hybrid Custody

The FNT Crypto Card uses a hybrid custody model where users keep control of their crypto assets in their own wallets until they decide to top up the card. When topping up, crypto is converted to fiat (EUR) and held by the card issuer as a prepaid balance for spending, meaning users lose direct access to their crypto once the conversion is complete. Until this point, users manage their private keys and assets independently, but after topping up, the funds are custodial and accessible only through the FNT platform. If FNT or its issuing bank ceased operations, users could not recover the fiat balance independently, but would still control any unconverted crypto. This approach offers flexibility and regulatory compliance, making it easy to spend crypto in daily life, but it does require trust in the platform for fiat funds after conversion. Users should be aware that market volatility may affect the value of their crypto at the moment of conversion, and the card does not support converting fiat back to crypto.

Supported Currencies and Conversion

FNT supports 14+ cryptocurrencies across 8+ blockchain networks:

• Major Coins: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), Solana (SOL)
• Stablecoins: USDT, USDC, EURT, XAUT
• Partner Tokens: FLOKI, DOGS, HMSTR, TON, NOT, FNTIO

The platform supports multiple networks for the same token, providing flexibility and potential fee savings:

• USDT on: ERC-20, TRC-20, BSC, Algorand, TON, Polygon
• USDC on: ERC-20, Polygon, Stellar, Algorand

The card's primary fiat currency is EUR for European cards, and all transactions are denominated in fiat for spending.

Conversion Mechanics

• Conversion Timing: Crypto is converted to fiat at the time of top-up, not at purchase
• Conversion Fee: 2% fee applied during top-up (reduced by tier discounts)
• Settlement Process: Once converted to fiat, funds are immediately available for spending
• One-Way Conversion: Cannot convert fiat balance back to crypto through FNT
• Currency Display: Transactions displayed in card's native currency (EUR for European cards)

Geographic Availability

Physical Card Availability

Physical FNT cards are currently available in 31 European countries:

• All EU member states
• EEA members (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein)
• Switzerland

Notable exclusion: United Kingdom (not yet supported)

Virtual Card Availability

Virtual cards are available globally except in restricted regions:

• OFAC-sanctioned countries (Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, etc.)
• Regions prohibited by the issuing bank or Mastercard

Currently unsupported major markets include the United States and United Kingdom.

Expansion Plans

FNT's roadmap includes expansion to Latin America and South/Southeast Asia in 2025.

Compliance and Security

Regulatory Framework

FNT operates under Swiss financial regulations through Global Unit Pay (GUP-CH AG), which is an affiliated financial intermediary with SO-FIT, a self-regulatory organization recognized by FINMA under the Swiss Anti-Money-Laundering Act.

Identity Verification

• Full KYC required (passport/ID + selfie verification)
• Verification process completed via FNT web portal or Telegram mini-app before card issuance

Security Features

• Two-factor authentication
• Ability to freeze cards via app
• EMV chip security for physical cards
• Fiat balances held by the issuing e-money institution in segregated accounts as required by EU regulations

Custody Model

• Custodial for fiat balances once converted
• User maintains custody of crypto until top-up conversion

Technical Details

Platform Architecture

FNT's technical infrastructure is built on a compliant Swiss financial foundation through Global Unit Pay (GUP-CH AG). The platform features a modular architecture that enables white-label capabilities for partner-branded cards.

Integration Capabilities

• Telegram Integration: Full functionality through @FNT_Crypto_website_bot
• Mobile Wallet Support: Cards can be added to Apple Pay/Google Pay
• Payment System: Direct integration with FNT's crypto wallet and exchange platform

Card Technology

• Physical cards feature EMV chip technology for secure in-store transactions
• Virtual cards provide unique card numbers for online purchases
• Contactless payment capability when added to Apple Pay or Google Pay

User Experience

Platform Access

• Web platform
• Telegram mini-app (@FNT_Crypto_website_bot)
• Dedicated iOS and Android apps in closed beta (scheduled for Q3 2025)

User Interface

FNT offers a clean, straightforward design focusing on accessibility for both beginners and experts. The Telegram mini-app provides complete functionality for ordering cards, completing KYC verification, and loading funds.

Support Channels

• Telegram chat
• In-app ticketing
• No 24/7 phone support currently available

Common Limitations

• Some merchants may not accept prepaid cards for certain transactions (hotels, car rentals)
• For declined virtual card transactions, users may need to try using the physical card or adding to Apple/Google Pay

Best Suited For

• European Crypto Enthusiasts who want to utilize digital assets in daily life without cumbersome conversion processes
• Frequent European Travelers who appreciate zero FX fees when spending in the card's native currency
• FNTIO Token Holders who can maximize benefits through the tiered membership system
• Crypto Projects seeking white-label card solutions for their communities
• Telegram-Centric Users who value the seamless integration with the messaging platform

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Zero transaction fees on purchases and no FX markups in native currency
• Tiered membership system offering substantial discounts (up to 40%)
• Support for multiple blockchain networks provides flexibility and potential fee savings
• Seamless Telegram integration simplifies the user experience
• White-label capability enables partner-branded cards

Cons

• 2% top-up fee represents the main cost of using the service
• Geographic availability currently limited to Europe for physical cards
• Benefits heavily tied to FNTIO token holdings
• No direct cashback program currently available
• Dedicated mobile apps still in development

Conclusion

The FNT Crypto Card successfully bridges the gap between cryptocurrency holdings and everyday spending with a straightforward, compliance-focused approach. Its standout features include zero transaction fees, no FX markups when spending in the card's native currency, and a comprehensive membership tier system that rewards loyal users with substantial discounts.

The card's integration with multiple blockchain networks and support for 14+ cryptocurrencies provides flexibility for various crypto holders. The innovative Telegram mini-app integration and white-label capabilities further differentiate FNT from competitors.

However, the 2% top-up fee (though competitive in the crypto card market) represents the main cost of using the service. Geographic availability is currently restricted to Europe for physical cards, and the membership tier benefits are heavily tied to FNTIO token holdings, which may not appeal to users who prefer not to invest in platform tokens.

As FNT expands its geographic reach and implements planned features like the crypto credit line, cashback program, and dedicated mobile apps, its value proposition will likely strengthen. For European crypto enthusiasts who want to utilize their digital assets in daily life and are willing to hold FNTIO tokens to maximize benefits, the FNT Crypto Card offers a compelling solution.

Additional Information

White-Label Capability

FNT's platform is designed with modular architecture that enables other crypto projects to launch branded cards on FNT's infrastructure. The Floki-branded card is a prime example of this capability, allowing the Floki community to access a custom-designed card that supports their native token. This white-label functionality positions FNT not just as a consumer product but as a banking-as-a-service solution for the crypto industry.

Telegram Mini-App Integration

The integration with Telegram via a mini-app (@FNT_Crypto_website_bot) represents an innovative approach to user onboarding and engagement. This allows users to complete the entire process—from KYC verification to card ordering and fund management—directly within the Telegram messaging app, which is already popular in the crypto community. This reduces friction in the user journey and leverages existing user behavior patterns.

Competitive Landscape Context

The FNT Crypto Card enters a market with established players like Crypto.com, Binance Card, and others. While these competitors often offer direct cashback rewards, FNT's approach focuses on fee reductions and ecosystem benefits. This positions FNT as potentially more attractive for users who frequently top up their cards or engage with multiple aspects of the platform (trading, staking), as the cumulative fee savings can exceed the value of traditional cashback programs.