Metamask Card
The MetaMask Card is a self-custodial Mastercard debit card for users who want to spend cryptocurrency directly from their MetaMask wallet. Designed for crypto-native individuals, it enables spending stablecoins or ETH at any Mastercard merchant, converting tokens to local fiat at the time of purchase. The card is available virtually (standard) and as a physical metal card (premium, waitlist), with limited regional coverage and a strong emphasis on user-controlled funds. Integration with MetaMask ensures seamless management and preserves privacy without requiring a credit check.
- Type: Mastercard debit, available as virtual and (soon) physical metal card
- Key Feature: True self-custody—funds remain in MetaMask wallet until the transaction
- Availability: Virtual card in EU/UK, Switzerland, US (except NY/VT), select Latam countries
- Standout Benefit: Real-time crypto-to-fiat conversion with competitive cashback (up to 3% USDC)
- Biggest Downside: Limited token support and user-reported hidden ~1% transaction fees
Card Tiers
Detailed Summary
MetaMask Mastercard Debit: Self-Custodial Crypto Spending Card
Quick Summary
Key Features
- True self-custody model - funds remain in user's wallet until transaction
- Converts crypto to fiat at point of purchase via Linea network
- 1% USDC cashback on USDC purchases (3% for Metal Card on first $10K annually)
- Mastercard acceptance worldwide with Apple Pay/Google Pay integration
- No monthly or annual fees (only network gas costs for transactions)
Main Advantages
- Preserves self-custody while enabling everyday crypto spending
- Direct integration with existing MetaMask wallet
- Minimal fees for stablecoin transactions (~$0.02 Linea gas fee)
- Cashback rewards without staking requirements
- On-chain spend tracking through blockchain records
Notable Limitations
- Limited availability (EU/UK, parts of Latin America, most US states)
- Currently supports only select tokens (USDC, USDT, wETH, aUSDC)
- Requires bridging assets to Linea network
- No ATM withdrawal functionality
- Some users report ~1% hidden transaction fees despite official documentation
Table of Contents
Basic Information
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Name | MetaMask Card |
| Card Network | Mastercard |
| Card Type | Debit |
| Launch Date | 2024 (limited pilot) |
| Issuer | Monavate Ltd. (UK-based FCA-authorized electronic money institution, FRN 901097) |
| Program Manager | Baanx (Crypto Life) |
| Underlying Technology | Linea network (Ethereum Layer-2 solution) |
| Mobile Wallet Integration | Apple Pay and Google Pay |
| Merchant Acceptance | Worldwide, wherever Mastercard is accepted |
The MetaMask Card solves crypto's "last-mile" problem by enabling users to spend cryptocurrency directly from their MetaMask wallet for everyday purchases. It converts designated tokens to local fiat currency at the moment of purchase, maintaining a true self-custody model where funds remain under user control until the transaction occurs.
Rewards and Benefits
Cashback Structure
- Standard Virtual Card: 1% back in USDC on USDC purchases
- Metal Card: 3% USDC back on first $10,000 spent annually, then 1% cashback
- Reward Redemption: Rewards accrue automatically; users can claim them under Card → Rewards → Claim (requires paying gas)
- Cash-out Option: Rewards (USDC) can be withdrawn back to the wallet from Card → Withdraw at any time
Additional Benefits
- Self-custody model: Funds remain in user's control until purchase
- On-chain tracking: All transactions recorded on blockchain
- Yield earning: Ability to earn interest on idle funds using aUSDC (interest-bearing USDC)
- Metal tier exclusives: VIP event access and exclusive "surprise perks" (for Metal Card)
- No staking requirements: Rewards available without token staking
Fees and Limits
| Fee Type | Virtual Card | Metal Card |
|---|---|---|
| Issuance Fee | Free | One-time purchase cost (exact amount not specified) |
| Monthly/Annual Fee | None | None |
| USDC Transaction Fee | Linea gas fee only (~$0.02 or 0.015-0.035 USDC per transaction) | Same as Virtual |
| wETH Transaction Fee | Linea gas fee plus 0.875% swap fee | Same as Virtual |
| Foreign Exchange Fee | Mastercard exchange rate (no additional markup from MetaMask) | Same as Virtual |
| Additional Fees | User reports suggest possible ~0.9-1.2% additional on-chain fee* | Same as Virtual |
*Note: While MetaMask officially states there's no additional markup beyond the listed fees, multiple user reports indicate transactions may include an additional fee of approximately 0.9-1.2%. For example, some users report being charged 423.215 USD for a 419.40 USD purchase.
Spending Limits
- Hard daily cap of €8,750 (or $10,000) for all spending
- Users can set their own lower spending limits through the app
Card Tiers and Options
| Feature | Virtual Card (Standard) | MetaMask Metal Card (Premium) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | One-time purchase price (covers manufacturing & fulfillment) |
| Format | Digital only | Physical metal card |
| Design | Fox art design | Chromatic Fox design |
| Delivery | Instant digital issuance | Physical delivery (timeframe not specified) |
| Cashback | 1% in USDC on USDC purchases | 3% USDC on first $10,000 annually, then 1% |
| Special Perks | None | VIP event access, exclusive "surprise perks" |
| Apple/Google Pay | Yes | Yes (plus physical card capabilities) |
| ATM Access | No | Not confirmed (potentially in future) |
| Current Status | Available in supported regions | Not yet launched; waitlist opened March 5, 2025 |
Both card tiers offer worldwide Mastercard acceptance and maintain the self-custody model that distinguishes the MetaMask Card from other crypto cards.
Top-Up Methods
The MetaMask Mastercard Debit Card operates on an on-demand, self-custody model and does not require pre-loading or traditional top-ups. Users simply connect their MetaMask wallet (with supported tokens like USDC, USDT, wETH, or aUSDC bridged to the Linea network), and crypto is converted to local fiat currency automatically at the moment of purchase. Funds remain in the user's self-custody wallet until the instant a transaction is made, so there is no need to transfer assets to the card provider or pre-fund a card balance. The conversion uses the Mastercard exchange rate with only Linea network gas fees (typically ~$0.02), but users should note reports of a hidden ~1% on-chain transaction fee in addition to gas. All spending is managed in real time through the MetaMask mobile app, with instant access to funds and no waiting periods, minimum, or maximum top-up restrictions other than the daily spend cap of $10,000 (or €8,750).
Self-Custody True Self-Custody
Users hold full control over their crypto assets in their own MetaMask wallet up until the exact moment a purchase is made with the card. No funds are transferred to the card issuer or any third party in advance; instead, the transaction prompts a real-time conversion from the user’s wallet via a smart contract on the Linea network. This arrangement gives users complete authority over their private keys and ensures they, not the card provider, are responsible for wallet security. If MetaMask or the card program ceased operations, users would still have access to their assets since the funds never leave their personal wallet except at the point of transaction. The model offers strong self-custody but does require bridging assets to the Linea network and limits token selection, which could be inconvenient for some. While this setup maximizes user control, practical factors like network gas fees and regional restrictions are worth keeping in mind.
Supported Currencies and Conversion
Supported Cryptocurrencies
- Stablecoins: USDC, USDT, EURe (EUR stablecoin), GBPe (GBP stablecoin), aUSDC (interest-bearing USDC)
- Cryptocurrencies: wETH (wrapped ETH)
- Regional Limitations: U.S. users limited to USDC and aUSDC
Supported Fiat Currencies
- Local fiat currencies in all supported regions (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)
Conversion Process
- Real-time conversion from crypto to local fiat at point of sale
- Users can set token spending preference in the app
- Conversion uses Mastercard exchange rate
- Settlement occurs in real-time
Geographic Availability
Supported Regions
- Europe: EEA member countries (all EU plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), United Kingdom, Switzerland
- Americas: United States (excluding New York and Vermont), Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico
Restricted Regions
- United States: New York and Vermont (due to local regulations)
- All countries not explicitly listed as supported can join the waitlist
The card was initially launched as a limited pilot in the EU only, with expansion to include the Americas in March 2025. MetaMask indicates plans for further global expansion.
Compliance and Security
Regulatory Framework
- Issued by Monavate Ltd. (FCA-authorized electronic money institution)
- Program managed by Baanx (Crypto Life)
- Complies with regional financial regulations in supported territories
Identity Verification
- All users must complete KYC through the MetaMask app
- No credit check is performed (confirmed by Baanx/Monavate)
Security Features
- True self-custody model with funds remaining in user's wallet until transaction
- MetaMask wallet security protections
- Instant card freeze/unfreeze via app
- Blockchain-based security (Linea/Ethereum)
- Crypto-to-fiat processing runs on PCI-DSS-Level-1 stack operated by Mastercard/Baanx
Technical Details
Integration Architecture
The card utilizes the MetaMask Delegation Toolkit, an ERC-4337-style abstraction that creates a smart-contract "spender" address with delegated allowance. This technical approach enables the self-custody model while maintaining compatibility with traditional payment networks.
Transaction Processing
- User initiates purchase at Mastercard merchant (online or in-store)
- System identifies required amount in local currency
- Smart contract converts designated crypto from user's MetaMask wallet
- Merchant receives payment in local currency
- Transaction details recorded on Linea blockchain
Network Requirements
- Requires assets to be on Linea network (Ethereum Layer-2 solution)
- Users must bridge assets from other networks to use with the card
User Experience
The MetaMask Card is managed entirely through a dedicated "Card" tab in the MetaMask mobile app, which provides:
- Real-time transaction tracking
- Spending limit management
- Card freeze/unfreeze controls
- Reward claiming and management
- Token spending preference settings
User feedback has been mixed:
- Positive: Easy setup, quick KYC process, seamless integration with Apple/Google Pay
- Negative: Limited token support, need to bridge to Linea network, reports of hidden fees
Common user complaints include:
- EU/UK users cannot use EUR/GBP stablecoins yet, causing FX markup
- Several users report experiencing what appears to be a hidden fee of around 1% on transactions
- Some users report missing cashback on non-USDC spends (MetaMask attributes this to token slippage and pilot-phase limitations)
Best Suited For
- Existing MetaMask Users who already maintain crypto assets in MetaMask wallet
- Self-Custody Advocates who want to maintain control of their funds until the moment of spending
- Crypto Spenders who regularly want to use their digital assets for everyday purchases
- Stablecoin Holders looking for a direct spending option without going through centralized exchanges
- Users in Regions with Volatile Currencies who benefit from spending dollar-denominated stablecoins
Pros and Cons
Pros
- True self-custody model preserves control of funds until transaction
- No monthly or annual fees for either card tier
- Direct integration with existing MetaMask wallet simplifies user experience
- Cashback rewards without staking requirements
- Worldwide Mastercard acceptance with mobile wallet integration
Cons
- Limited geographic availability and token support
- Requires bridging assets to Linea network
- No ATM withdrawal functionality
- Potential hidden fees reported by users despite official documentation
- EU/UK users can't yet use local currency stablecoins, causing FX spread
Conclusion
The MetaMask Card represents a significant innovation in the crypto payment space by offering true self-custody spending capabilities. It effectively bridges the gap between decentralized finance and everyday commerce by maintaining user control of funds until the moment of purchase.
From an official fee perspective, the card is exceptionally competitive with no monthly fees, minimal gas costs for transactions, and cashback rewards that easily outweigh these expenses. However, potential users should be aware of the reported unofficial transaction fees that some users are experiencing.
Key limitations include restricted regional availability, limited token support, and the requirement to bridge assets to the Linea network. Without ATM withdrawal functionality, this positions the card primarily as a spending solution rather than a complete banking replacement.
For crypto-native individuals who value self-custody and already use MetaMask, the card offers a compelling way to spend digital assets directly without sacrificing control or incurring significant fees. This value proposition is especially strong in regions with volatile local currencies, where spending dollar-denominated stablecoins provides greater purchasing power stability.
Additional Information
Technical Implementation
The MetaMask Card's self-custody model is made possible through the use of smart contract technology that only transfers funds at the moment of transaction. This differs significantly from traditional crypto cards that require users to deposit funds to a custodial wallet controlled by the card issuer.
Future Developments
While specific timelines aren't provided, MetaMask has indicated plans to:
- Expand support for additional tokens, including EUR and GBP stablecoins for European and UK users
- Launch the Metal Card to waitlisted users
- Potentially add ATM functionality (unconfirmed)
- Introduce additional reward structures
Early users report transaction reliability is generally good, with only occasional merchant timeouts causing transaction reversals. In these cases, funds automatically return to the user's "Credits" balance. The KYC process has been praised as faster than many traditional fintech solutions like Wise or Revolut.
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