Ready Card

Ready Metal Mastercard Prepaid Review: Fees, Rewards & Availability

Basic Information

The Ready Card (formerly Argent Card) is a premium crypto-funded debit card that bridges the gap between cryptocurrency assets and everyday spending. What distinguishes this card from competitors is its self-custody model - users maintain complete control of their crypto assets until the moment of transaction, when USDC is converted to fiat currency at the point of purchase.

Rewards and Benefits

Cashback Program

The Ready Metal Card offers a competitive cashback program funded by the Starknet Foundation:

• 3% cashback in STRK tokens on up to $5,000 spent each month
• Maximum monthly rewards: $150 in STRK
• Maximum annual rewards: $1,800 in STRK
• Rewards distributed by the 15th of each month (with estimates shown in-app and final validation at month end, UTC-based)
• No token staking or lockup required to earn rewards

The Ready Lite Card offers a more modest but still competitive cashback rate:

• 0.5% cashback in STRK tokens on up to $5,000 spent each month
• Maximum monthly rewards: $150 in STRK
• No token staking or lockup required

Excluded transaction categories include gambling, ATM withdrawals, money transfers, and financial services.

Cashback Streak Boosts

The Ready Metal Card includes an exclusive cashback boost feature:

• Spend $5+ daily to qualify for random cashback boost hours
• Boost tiers of 4%-6% during designated boost hours
• Base 3% rate applies outside boost hours
• Boosts are randomly triggered and time-limited
• Only available for Metal cardholders

Additional Perks

The Metal card includes several additional benefits:

• Free Layerswap bridging fees (refunded weekly, up to $100/month)
• 30% discount on Ramp Network crypto on-ramp fees (except UK)
• Partner discounts including:
  • Up to 25% off Nansen
  • 20% off Koinly
  • 15% off Airalo
  • 70%+ off NordVPN
• Non-transferable NFT for early cardholders that unlocks future perks

The Lite card does not include these additional perks.

Fees and Limits

Ready Card fees are structured around a transparent, no-hidden-fee model with competitive annual pricing for the Metal tier and a free option for the Lite tier.

Both cards have no monthly maintenance fees, no inactivity penalties, and no overdraft fees. Transactions simply decline if there are insufficient funds. Users who need higher spending limits can contact Ready's support team to request an increase beyond the standard $30,000 30-day limit.

Important Note on Refunds: Automatic refunds are not supported by Ready's card provider. Refunds are applied against future card spending unless you specifically request a manual refund to return the balance immediately.

Card Tiers and Options

Both the premium Ready Metal Card and the more accessible Ready Lite Card are now available. The Lite Card offers a more affordable entry point to Ready's self-custodial card ecosystem with a simplified feature set but maintains the core self-custody model.

To order either Ready card, users complete ID verification through the Ready app and can then order the card directly after KYC approval.

Top-Up Methods

• No pre-loading required
• Funds deducted from user's self-custodial wallet at purchase
• Supports USDC and USDC.e only
• Card connected and authorized via Ready mobile app

Self-Custody True Self-Custody

• Users retain full control of private keys at all times
• Funds remain in user's wallet until moment of transaction; spending authorized via smart contract session key
• If provider ceased operations, users keep full access to their assets

Supported Currencies and Conversion

Both Ready cards currently support USDC and USDC.e (bridged USDC) for funding transactions. Ready has indicated that "additional cryptocurrencies may be added in the future" but has not specified which ones or when.

For spending, the cards support all currencies accepted by Mastercard globally. Key conversion features include:

• USDC/USDC.e is treated as exactly $1.00 USD for spending purposes
• Automatic conversion to merchant's local currency at point of sale
• Uses Mastercard's official exchange rates with no additional markup
• No geographical restrictions on currency usage
• No pre-conversion or batch processing required - conversion happens at time of transaction

The transparent 1:1 conversion approach with no hidden fees distinguishes Ready from competitors that often incorporate hidden spreads into their exchange rates.

Important Note: For first in-store purchases, you may need to insert the card and enter your PIN before contactless payments will work.

Geographic Availability

The Ready Card is currently available for ordering in the UK and EEA regions, with global usage capabilities wherever Mastercard is accepted.

Card Ordering Eligibility

Currently limited to:

• United Kingdom
• European Economic Area (EEA) countries

Card Usage

The cards can be used globally for spending anywhere Mastercard is accepted, with Ready reporting card spend across 120+ countries worldwide.

Restricted Countries for Usage

• United States
• Heavily sanctioned countries including Afghanistan, North Korea, and other jurisdictions subject to international sanctions

While card ordering is currently limited to UK and EEA residents, the cards themselves provide worldwide spending capabilities once issued, making them valuable for international travelers and global commerce.

Banking & Financial Services

Ready has integrated comprehensive banking services to complement the card offering:

Bank Deposits

• Virtual account details provided for each user (IBAN/BIC in the EU, sort code/account number in the UK)
• Automatic conversion of bank deposits to USDC for immediate card spending
• SEPA and UK Faster Payments support for instant funding
• Direct integration with the Ready Card for seamless spending

Payment Rails

• Full integration with European payment infrastructure
• Support for both SEPA transfers and UK domestic payments
• Instant conversion and availability for card transactions
• No additional fees for bank deposit conversions

This banking integration eliminates the need for manual crypto purchases, allowing users to fund their self-custodial spending directly from traditional bank accounts while maintaining the security benefits of the self-custody model.

Compliance and Security

KYC Requirements

The Ready Card requires completion of a standard KYC process:

• Photo ID verification through Persona (KYC provider)
• Proof of residency in a supported region
• One-time process required before card issuance
• Ready does not store KYC data directly - this is handled by Kulipa (regulated card issuer partner)

Security Features

Both Ready cards incorporate several security features:

• Self-custody model - Ready never holds or controls user funds
• Smart contract "session key" permissions enable card transactions while maintaining user control
• Instant card freeze/unfreeze via the Ready Mobile app
• PIN-protected transactions and biometric protection for viewing card details
• Delayed transaction settlement enhances privacy
• Transaction notifications and activity monitoring

Ready claims a "7 years, 0 hacks" record for their smart contracts and has pioneered security features such as social recovery without seed phrases.

Technical Details

Card Format

Metal Card:

• Physical metal card weighing 16 grams
• Mechanically engraved design
• Available in gold or platinum finish options
• Google Pay support (Apple Pay in development)

Lite Card:

• Standard plastic card
• Google Pay support (Apple Pay in development)

Integration with Ready Ecosystem

Both cards are fully integrated with the broader Ready ecosystem:

• Ordered directly from the Ready Mobile app after completing ID verification
• One unified account for all activity—earn, spend, and manage crypto
• Clear transaction history available in the app
• DeFi integrations allow users to grow their crypto while using the card
• Connection to Starknet and Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solutions
• Built on a foundation of smart contract technology integrated with traditional payment rails
• Integrated bank deposit functionality with virtual account details

The cards use a technical architecture based on account abstraction features in Ready's smart contract wallet. When a user activates the card, they authorize a session key through their wallet's smart contract, allowing Kulipa to initiate USDC payments within set parameters while maintaining user sovereignty.

User Experience

The Ready card experience is centered around the Ready mobile app (iOS/Android), which provides:

• Card management integrated directly in the app
• Real-time transaction history and notifications
• Balance and reward tracking
• One-tap card freeze/unfreeze functionality
• Secure display of card details with biometric authentication
• PIN retrieval/management
• Direct access to partner perks and discounts (Metal card only)
• Virtual account details for bank deposits (IBAN/sort code)

Limited public user feedback is available due to the cards' recent launch, but early reports indicate positive reception for the seamless spending experience and self-custody model. Metal card users particularly appreciate the premium feel of the physical metal card. The main complaints noted relate to regional availability limitations.

Some users may experience a learning curve if they're new to self-custody wallets, and the USDC-only spending model requires users to manually convert other cryptocurrencies to USDC.

BTC Loan Product

Ready has recently launched a Bitcoin loan product that complements the card offering. This feature allows users to:

• Borrow USDC against their Bitcoin holdings as collateral
• Use the borrowed USDC directly with their Ready card for spending
• Maintain exposure to Bitcoin price appreciation while accessing liquidity
• Avoid selling Bitcoin to fund card transactions

This loan product enhances the utility of the Ready card ecosystem by enabling Bitcoin holders to spend without liquidating their cryptocurrency positions. The borrowed USDC can be used immediately with either the Metal or Lite card, providing a seamless bridge between Bitcoin holdings and everyday spending needs.

Best Suited For

Metal Card:

• Crypto natives who value self-custody while wanting everyday spending capabilities
• Regular spenders who can maximize the cashback benefits to offset the annual fee
• International travelers who benefit from zero foreign exchange fees and global acceptance

Lite Card:

• Crypto beginners looking for an entry-level self-custodial card with minimal cost
• Occasional spenders who want the benefits of self-custody without a premium fee
• Budget-conscious users who prefer a free card with modest cashback

Pros and Cons

Pros

• True self-custody model maintains crypto ownership principles
• Competitive cashback with boost opportunities up to 6%
• No hidden fees or exchange rate markups
• Global usage through Mastercard network
• Integrated banking with virtual account details

Cons

• 120 USDC annual fee for Metal card
• Currently only supports USDC/USDC.e for spending
• Ordering limited to UK and EEA residents
• Cashback rewards capped at $150 monthly
• Refunds applied against future spend by default

Conclusion

The Ready Card lineup represents a significant evolution in crypto payment cards by offering a self-custodial solution that doesn't compromise on user experience or benefits. With the introduction of the Lite card alongside the premium Metal option, Ready has made its self-custody model accessible to a broader range of users with different needs and budgets.

The Metal card's 3% cashback program (with boost opportunities up to 6%) funded by the Starknet Foundation provides substantial value that can easily offset the annual fee for regular users. At maximum utilization, users can earn up to $1,800 annually in STRK tokens, making it one of the more rewarding crypto cards available. When combined with partner perks and the absence of conversion fees, the value proposition is compelling for active cryptocurrency users.

The Lite card offers a more accessible entry point with no annual fee and a modest 0.5% cashback rate. While it lacks the premium perks of the Metal card, it maintains the core self-custody model and zero-fee approach that distinguishes Ready from many competitors.

Where Ready truly differentiates itself is in its philosophical approach - rather than asking users to surrender their assets to a custodian, it leverages smart contract technology to maintain self-custody while enabling seamless spending. This aligns with cryptocurrency's core values of financial sovereignty and decentralization.

The recent addition of integrated banking services with virtual account details and the BTC loan product further enhances the ecosystem by providing traditional banking integration while allowing Bitcoin holders to access liquidity without selling their holdings.

The primary limitations are the current restriction to UK and EEA residents for card ordering and the USDC/USDC.e-only funding model. These factors make it less accessible to users outside supported regions or those who primarily hold other cryptocurrencies.

For crypto-native individuals in supported regions who make regular purchases and value maintaining control of their assets, Ready Card delivers on its promise of bridging decentralized finance with everyday spending in a secure, rewarding way.

Additional Information

Technical Architecture

The Ready Card relies on Ready's smart contract wallet infrastructure, particularly leveraging "account abstraction" features that enable the card's self-custody model. When a user activates the card, they authorize a session key for Kulipa (Ready's card partner) through their wallet's smart contract. This session key allows Kulipa to initiate USDC payments from the wallet on behalf of the user, but only within set parameters and limitations.

This approach differs significantly from other crypto cards that require moving funds to custodial accounts. Instead, the session key concept allows for programmatic permissions that maintain user sovereignty while enabling automatic transactions when the card is used. Users can revoke this permission at any time through the app, instantly cutting off the card's ability to draw from their wallet.

Comparison with Competitors

While many crypto cards exist, Ready's offering has several distinguishing factors:

• Self-Custody: Unlike exchange cards from Coinbase, Binance, or Crypto.com, Ready never takes custody of user funds
• No Staking Requirements: Many competitors require staking their native token to unlock rewards (e.g., Crypto.com requires CRO staking for higher tiers)
• Reward Structure: 3% flat cashback with boost opportunities is among the highest uncomplicated rewards in the market
• Fee Transparency: Absence of FX fees, conversion fees, and hidden charges contrasts with some competitors who profit from these margins
• Tiered Options: With both Metal and Lite cards, Ready now offers options for different user needs and budgets
• BTC Loan Integration: The ability to borrow against Bitcoin while spending with the card is unique in the market
• Banking Integration: Virtual account details for direct bank funding sets Ready apart from purely crypto-funded competitors

The Metal card's annual fee positions it as a premium product, but the value proposition is strong for users who would spend enough to earn substantial cashback. The Lite card offers a more accessible entry point with its one-time shipping fee of $6.99, making the self-custody model available to a broader audience.