Pintopay Card

Pintopay Mastercard Prepaid: Global Crypto Spending Without KYC

Basic Information

Pintopay is a fintech platform founded in 2023 that bridges cryptocurrency with everyday spending through its prepaid Mastercard. The platform enables users to convert their crypto assets into spendable fiat currency for real-world purchases without requiring traditional banking infrastructure.

What distinguishes Pintopay in the market is its minimal-friction approach with no mandatory KYC verification for basic card issuance and instant virtual card delivery. The service operates through a licensed Hong Kong-based partner and issues corporate prepaid cards that work globally on the Mastercard network.

Users can manage their cards through either a dedicated mobile app (branded as "AWallet finance" on app stores) or a Telegram bot interface, with Apple Pay integration available for contactless payments.

Rewards and Benefits

Unlike many crypto cards, Pintopay does not offer traditional percentage-based cashback on spending. Instead, its rewards program centers on referrals and affiliate earnings:

Referral Program

Pintopay offers a multi-tiered referral program that rewards users for bringing new customers to the platform:

• Card-issuance Bounty: 25% commission on each referred user's card issuance
• Transaction Commission: 0.2% of each referred user's lifetime spending
• Tiered Bonuses:
  • Level 1 (0 referrals): Base 25% issuance + 0.2% spend commissions
  • Level 2 (10+ referrals): Additional 10% bonus
  • Level 3 (30+ referrals): Additional 10% bonus
  • Level 4 (50+ referrals): Additional 10% bonus
  • Maximum potential earnings: "up to 40%" through combined commissions
• All referral earnings paid in USDT directly to card balance

Additional Benefits:

• Occasional $10 welcome bonus for new users
• Social media giveaways and promotions
• No staking requirements for any features
• Future loyalty program and staking options planned (per roadmap)
• "PINS" feature planned to locate and spend crypto at favorite places

Fees and Limits

Conversion Process:

• Crypto deposits are converted to USD card balance
• Top-ups can take up to 12 hours to reflect on card balance
• One-way conversion (currently cannot convert card balance back to crypto)
• No transaction frequency limits stated

Card Tiers and Options

Pintopay does not offer traditional tiered card plans with varying benefits. Instead, all users access the same features, limits, and fee structure. The platform offers two card format options:

Both card options share the same fee structure, cryptocurrency support, and overall account limits. The main difference is the physical card's ability to be used for ATM withdrawals and direct in-store payments without requiring a mobile wallet.

Top-Up Methods

Users top up their Pintopay card by transferring supported cryptocurrencies (primarily USDT, BTC, ETH, BNB, TRX, and others across multiple networks) from an external wallet to their Pintopay account via the mobile app or Telegram bot. All crypto deposits are converted one-way to USD at the time of top-up, with a 2.5% fee for amounts $100+ or a $2 minimum fee for smaller amounts, and the resulting USD balance is loaded onto the prepaid card. The process requires moving funds from the user's self-custody wallet to Pintopay's custodial wallet, meaning users relinquish control of their assets during conversion. Top-ups can take up to 12 hours to become available, and the minimum top-up amount is approximately $14 (for USDT TRC-20); there is currently no option to withdraw card funds back to crypto. All card spending is in USD, with additional Mastercard FX rates applied at the point of sale for non-USD transactions.

Self-Custody Custodial

Pintopay uses a custodial model, meaning users must transfer their crypto assets to the platform, which then holds and manages these funds on their behalf. After depositing crypto, it is converted to USD and loaded onto a prepaid Mastercard balance, with users only able to spend from this custodial fiat balance. Users do not control the private keys to their crypto or card funds at any stage, and cannot independently access or withdraw their assets once deposited. If Pintopay or its partners ceased operations, users would not have independent access to their funds, which is a key risk of this setup. This approach offers convenience, high spending limits, and minimal KYC requirements, but comes at the cost of self-sovereign control and carries risks associated with relying on the platform’s security and solvency. While Pintopay plans to introduce self-custody features in the future, the current model prioritizes ease of use over user-controlled asset security.

Supported Currencies and Conversion

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Pintopay supports 40+ cryptocurrencies for top-ups, with the primary options being:

• Primary Top-Up Currency: USDT (Tether)
• Networks: Tron (TRC-20), Ethereum (ERC-20), Binance Smart Chain (BEP-20), Bitcoin
• Major Coins: BTC, ETH, BNB, TRX, TON, ADA
• Altcoins: NEAR, 1INCH, DOGE, MATIC, CAKE, EGLD, FREE, WOM, MMPRO
• Network Options: Multiple chains supported for certain tokens (e.g., USDT on ERC-20, TRC-20, BEP-20, Polygon, OKC)

Supported Fiat Currencies

• Settlement Currency: USD only
• Card Denomination: USD only (no EUR or other fiat options currently available)

Conversion Capabilities

• Crypto → USD: One-way conversion (cannot convert back to crypto)
• USD → Local Currency: Automatic conversion at point of sale using Mastercard exchange rates
• Future Plans: Local currency top-ups (e.g., Russian ruble)

Geographic Availability

Pintopay offers broad global coverage with some notable exceptions:

• Supported Regions: Available in "100+ countries" (some marketing claims 180+ countries)
• Confirmed Usage: Successfully used in Turkey, Israel, Uzbekistan, United States, Brazil, Kyrgyzstan, and Western Europe

Restricted Countries

• Sanctioned Countries: North Korea, Iran, Syria, Cuba
• Russia: App access blocked (requires VPN); card cannot be used for in-store (offline) purchases in Russia, though some online transactions may work

Regional Variations

• United States: Some U.S.-only services may reject the Hong Kong-issued card (e.g., OpenAI/ChatGPT Plus)
• Brazil: Certain local merchants may require local BINs
• Europe/UK: Generally seamless experience with high acceptance rates
• Asia (Non-Russia): Strong performance reported in countries like Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan

Pintopay maintains the right to restrict service in regions as required by banking partners or the card network.

Compliance and Security

Identity Verification

• KYC Requirements: No mandatory KYC for basic card issuance
• Minimum Information: Email/Telegram account
• Conditional Verification: KYC may be requested for suspicious activity or high-value transactions

Regulatory Framework

• Card Issuer: Sunrate Solutions Limited (Hong Kong) - Money Service Operator license 16-11-02003
• Crypto Provider: Coincierge Holdings UAB (Lithuania) - Registered VASP, company no. 306283405
• Corporate Structure: UANT Inc. with entities in Hong Kong, Delaware, and Dubai

Security Features

• Transaction Security: 3D Secure (3DS) for online transaction verification
• Card Details: Secure storage in app
• Wallet Integration: Verification process for adding card to Apple Pay/Google Pay
• Custody Model: Currently custodial (user funds held by Pintopay and partners)
• Future Plans: Self-custody wallet and "smart contract vault" planned for Q1 2025
• Insurance: No explicit insurance mentioned for crypto deposits

User Controls

• PIN Management: Limited (preset PIN provided, cannot be customized yet)
• Transaction Monitoring: Available via app/Telegram
• Card Freezing: Available through app/Telegram interface

Technical Details

Mobile App Features

• Available for Android and iOS (branded as "AWallet finance" on app stores)
• Wallet management and card issuance
• Transaction history and monitoring
• Top-up functionality
• Card details view and management

Telegram Bot Interface

• Alternative to mobile app (@mypintopaytest_bot)
• Full card management capabilities
• Command-based interface
• Support access

Support Channels

• Primary: Telegram (@PinToPaySupportTeam)
• Email support available
• No phone support
• Typical response times within 24 hours (based on user reports)

Conversion Mechanics

• Process Flow:
  1. User deposits crypto to Pintopay wallet
  2. Pintopay converts crypto to USD (through liquidity partners)
  3. USD balance loaded onto card
  4. No direct crypto spending (always converted to fiat first)
• Settlement Timing: Up to 12 hours to reflect on card
• Blockchain Dependence: Conversion speed depends on blockchain confirmations
• Currency Display: Card balance shown in USD only
• Exchange Rate Source: Not explicitly stated for crypto-to-USD conversion

User Experience

The Pintopay user experience is characterized by simplicity and minimal friction, with some tradeoffs in terms of features and support:

• Onboarding: Quick and simple process requiring minimal information
• Card Acquisition: Instant virtual card issuance through app or Telegram
• Mobile Wallet Setup: Generally smooth Apple Pay integration, though verification codes can sometimes be delayed
• Transaction Experience: Standard Mastercard acceptance globally with occasional regional limitations
• Support Quality:
  • Positive: Basic issues resolved quickly through Telegram
  • Negative: More complex problems may face longer resolution times
• Common Feedback:
  • Positive: Ease of use, global acceptance, privacy features
  • Negative: Delayed top-ups, inability to withdraw funds from card, occasional support delays
• Language Support: Multiple languages supported (specific languages not detailed)

Best Suited For

• Digital Nomads who need a reliable way to spend crypto while traveling internationally
• Privacy-Conscious Users who prefer minimal KYC requirements and corporate card structure
• Crypto Enthusiasts who want to utilize their digital assets for everyday purchases
• Residents of Regions with Limited Banking who need alternative payment solutions
• High-Volume Spenders who benefit from the flat $0.25 transaction fee structure on larger purchases

Pros and Cons

Pros

• No mandatory KYC verification for basic card issuance
• High spending limits (up to $300,000 monthly)
• No monthly fees or staking requirements
• Global acceptance via Mastercard network
• Instant virtual card with Apple Pay integration
• Straightforward fee structure

Cons

• One-way conversion (cannot withdraw funds from card to crypto)
• Top-ups can take up to 12 hours to reflect on card
• Physical cards not available until 2025
• Custodial wallet system (self-custody planned for 2025)
• No direct cashback on spending
• Some regional restrictions and service limitations

Conclusion

Pintopay offers a compelling solution for crypto holders seeking to use their digital assets in everyday life without the friction of traditional banking or extensive KYC procedures. The platform's standout features include its high spending limits, global acceptance via the Mastercard network, and seamless integration with mobile payment systems.

The no-KYC approach and instant virtual card issuance provide a level of financial privacy and convenience that few competitors match. However, significant limitations exist, including the one-way conversion process, top-up delays, and the custodial nature of funds.

For users who prioritize minimal friction and global spending capability over features like cashback rewards or instant conversions, Pintopay represents an attractive option in the crypto card market. The service works best for those who understand crypto basics and are comfortable managing the associated risks of a relatively new platform.

The straightforward fee structure (2.5% top-up fee plus $0.25 per transaction) makes it particularly cost-effective for regular users and high-volume spenders, where the flat transaction fee becomes increasingly negligible for larger purchases.

Additional Information

Upcoming Features

Pintopay has announced several features on their roadmap:

• Physical Card: Planned launch in 2025
• Self-Custody Wallet: Planned for Q1 2025
• Smart Contract Vault: Planned for Q1 2025
• PIN Change Feature: In development
• Staking Program and Loyalty System: Targeted for Q4 2024
• PINS Feature: Location-based service to find crypto-friendly merchants
• Withdrawal Functionality: Plans to enable card-to-crypto withdrawals
• Local Currency Top-Ups: Future support for additional fiat currencies

Card Usage Workarounds

Users have developed several strategies to maximize their Pintopay experience:

• For Russian Users: Use VPN to access app; card works for online purchases but not in-store
• For Declined Transactions: Some U.S.-only services require a U.S.-issued card; no workaround except using an alternative payment method
• For Faster Top-Ups: Load card well in advance of planned large purchases
• For Minimizing Fees: Top up $100+ at a time to ensure the flat 2.5% fee (avoid the $2 minimum on smaller amounts)
• For ATM Usage: Remember the default PIN (0000 or 1234) as it cannot be changed yet
• For Mobile Wallet Verification: Be prepared to wait up to an hour for verification codes when adding to Apple Pay