Rizon Card

Rizon Visa Prepaid Card: Non-Custodial Stablecoin Spending Solution

Basic Information

Rizon Card functions as a "stablecoin neobank," allowing users to spend digital USD directly in everyday transactions. Unlike traditional crypto cards, Rizon employs a non-custodial architecture where users maintain full control of their USDC or USDT stablecoins until the moment of purchase, when automatic conversion to local currency occurs.

The card operates through a partnership with Rain, a licensed Visa principal member specializing in stablecoin-linked cards. This partnership ensures proper licensing, compliance, and access to Visa's global acceptance network of over 100 million merchants and ATMs worldwide.

Rewards and Benefits

RIZpoints Program

Rizon is developing a rewards program called RIZpoints (coming soon) with the following features:

• Every purchase will earn RIZpoints that can be redeemed for discounts or offers with partner merchants
• No staking requirements to access rewards (unlike many competitor crypto cards)
• The exact earning rate and point value have not yet been published
• All users will have equal access to the rewards program regardless of spending volume

Referral Program

Rizon offers a generous referral program:

• $20 reward for each successful referral
• Referred friends receive $2 upon signup
• No limit to the number of referrals a user can make
• An Ambassador Program is mentioned on the website but with no specific details published yet

Additional benefits include:

• Non-custodial wallet architecture that maintains user control of assets
• Ability to send stablecoins to other users via RizTag, email, or phone number without gas fees
• No monthly or annual account maintenance fees

Fees and Limits

Spending and Transaction Limits

Rizon's fee structure is transparent with no hidden charges. The most significant fees are for currency conversion on non-USD transactions (1.2% + $0.30) and ATM withdrawals (2%). There are no monthly maintenance fees, and most basic card operations are free of charge.

Card Tiers and Options

Rizon offers a single, universal card plan with no multi-tier levels or staking requirements. All verified users receive the same features and benefits:

Rizon's approach is deliberately egalitarian, offering a straightforward stablecoin card with the same benefits for everyone rather than a layered tier system that requires token staking or premium subscriptions.

Top-Up Methods

Users can top up the Rizon Card by depositing USDC or USDT stablecoins into their self-custody wallet within the Rizon mobile app, using any supported blockchain network (Solana, Polygon, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, Avalanche, Ethereum mainnet). Funds remain fully under the user's control in a non-custodial smart contract vault until a card transaction occurs—no pre-loading to a custodial account is required. There are no Rizon-imposed top-up fees or deposit limits (only standard blockchain network fees apply), and funds are available instantly after network confirmation. Only USDC and USDT are supported for top-up; other cryptocurrencies or fiat deposits are not accepted, and any required conversion to stablecoins must be completed before deposit. All top-ups are managed exclusively through the Rizon mobile app, with no web dashboard or bank transfer option available.

Self-Custody True Self-Custody

Rizon Card uses a true self-custody model where users retain full control of their stablecoins and private keys at all times until the exact moment of purchase. Funds are kept securely in user-controlled wallets or smart contract vaults on-chain, with no transfer to the card issuer or centralized platform prior to spending. When a transaction occurs, the required amount of stablecoins is automatically converted and settled via Visa, but users never relinquish custody except for the brief instant of payment. If Rizon or its partners ceased operations, users would still have access to their assets through their self-custody wallets. This approach maximizes user sovereignty and security, though it requires users to safeguard their own wallet access and recovery methods. The model combines the flexibility of crypto with the convenience of global card payments, but users remain responsible for managing their keys and understanding stablecoin risks.

Supported Currencies and Conversion

Rizon Card currently supports two USD-pegged stablecoins:

• USDC (USD Coin)
• USDT (Tether)

No other cryptocurrencies are directly supported for spending at this time.

For spending, the card can be used with virtually any fiat currency at the point of sale. While the balance is held in USD stablecoin value, automatic conversion occurs when spending in different currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and any other local currency that Visa supports.

Supported Blockchain Networks

Rizon supports stablecoin deposits from multiple blockchain networks:

• Solana
• Polygon (EVM)
• Base
• Arbitrum
• Optimism
• Avalanche
• Ethereum mainnet (implicitly supported)
• ZKsync (listed in Rain docs but not yet confirmed as live in-app)

This multi-chain support allows users to choose the most cost-effective network for deposits based on current gas fees and their existing holdings.

Conversion Process

When using the Rizon Card, the conversion process works as follows:

1. Funds are held as stablecoins in the user's wallet until a card transaction is initiated
2. At the moment of purchase, the appropriate amount of stablecoins is automatically converted to the required local currency
3. For USD transactions, no conversion fee applies
4. For non-USD transactions, a $0.30 + 1.2% fee is applied for currency conversion
5. The conversion is handled by Rain's infrastructure, which finds the lowest available rate
6. No manual conversion step is required by the user

The app allows users to display their balance in their local currency for convenience, while funds remain in digital USD until spent.

Geographic Availability

Rizon Card is officially targeted at the United States and Latin America at launch, with advertised availability in "90+ countries" worldwide. The company does not publish a comprehensive country list but instead directs users to check eligibility in-app.

Restricted Regions:

• Countries under international sanctions are explicitly blocked
• Users cannot send stablecoins to "blacklisted countries" (referring to FATF list)
• This implies places like North Korea, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and sanctioned regions of Russia are prohibited

Regional Variations:

• Most of Europe and parts of Asia are effectively not able to sign up at this time due to pending regulatory clearance
• Users from unsupported regions are placed on a waitlist
• As Rain secures additional licenses, Rizon plans to expand service to more countries beyond the initial focus areas

Rizon's terms state that services are not offered in jurisdictions where they would violate local laws.

Compliance and Security

Non-Custodial Architecture

Rizon employs a non-custodial wallet model where:

• Users maintain sole control of their private keys
• Keys are generated and stored securely on the user's device
• Funds are held in on-chain smart contract vaults that only the user can control
• Rizon has partnered with Privy (a secure wallet infrastructure provider) to handle on-device key management and encryption

This architecture maintains the borderless, self-sovereign nature of crypto while providing the convenience of traditional payment cards.

Security Features

Rizon implements several security measures:

• Face ID, Touch ID, device passkeys, and other biometric verification
• Two-factor authentication and transaction alerts
• Ability to freeze or terminate cards directly from the app
• Encryption of all sensitive data in transit and at rest

Regulatory Compliance:

• Full KYC verification is required before card issuance (advertised as taking under 2 minutes)
• All regulated activities are handled by Rain, which is a Visa Principal Member with appropriate money transmitter licenses
• Rain handles compliance checks (KYC/AML) and card transaction oversight

There is no explicit mention of insurance for crypto deposits. Since funds are in stablecoins on-chain, they are not FDIC-insured.

Technical Details

Rizon's technical infrastructure is built around a non-custodial wallet architecture that connects to traditional payment rails:

• Wallet Infrastructure: Powered by Privy for secure on-device key management
• Smart Contract Vaults: Hold user funds on-chain until the moment of spending
• Card Infrastructure: Provided by Rain as a Visa Principal Member
• Mobile App: Available on iOS (Apple App Store) and Android (Google Play)
• API Integration: Rain's infrastructure connects the blockchain wallet to Visa's payment network
• Transaction Flow:
  1. User initiates a card transaction
  2. Rain's infrastructure interacts with the user's smart contract vault
  3. The required amount of stablecoins is converted to fiat at the current exchange rate
  4. The merchant receives payment in their local currency
  5. The transaction is recorded in the app's history

This architecture eliminates the need for users to manually convert crypto to fiat before spending, creating a seamless experience while maintaining self-custody of assets.

User Experience

The Rizon app provides a comprehensive suite of features:

• Cards Section: View card details, add to Apple/Google Pay, see transactions, manage card settings
• Send Section: Send stablecoins via RizTag (username), phone number, or email
• Deposit Section: Top up account with stablecoins from various blockchain networks
• Wallet Section: View balance and transaction history

Additional UX Features:

• Language Support: The app/website is offered in 6 languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi/Urdu, Indonesian, and Turkish
• Support Channels: In-app chat support, help center, and email support
• Mobile Wallet Integration: Cards can be immediately added to Apple Pay or Google Pay upon issuance

Early users report positive experiences with the sign-up process, KYC verification, and card functionality. The ability to use Apple/Google Pay immediately is highlighted as a significant advantage. Some users outside supported regions express frustration at being waitlisted despite global marketing.

Best Suited For

• Crypto-First Users who want to spend stablecoins without sacrificing self-custody or control
• International Travelers who benefit from borderless USD spending with competitive FX rates
• Freelancers and Remote Workers who receive payments in stablecoins and need an easy way to spend them
• Residents of Countries with Unstable Currencies who want to preserve value in USD while maintaining spending ability
• Privacy-Conscious Individuals who prefer self-custody solutions over traditional banking relationships

Pros and Cons

Pros

• True Self-Custody - users maintain control of their stablecoins until the moment of spending
• No Monthly Fees - zero maintenance costs make it economical for all usage levels
• Instant Virtual Card - immediate issuance and Apple/Google Pay integration
• Multi-Chain Support - deposit options across numerous blockchain networks
• Generous Referral Program - $20 per successful referral with no limit

Cons

• Limited Geographic Availability - primarily focused on US and Latin America initially
• Stablecoin-Only - no support for BTC, ETH, or other non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies
• ATM Withdrawal Limits - $250 daily maximum may be restrictive for heavy cash users
• Pending Features - physical cards and rewards program not yet launched
• New Platform - less established track record compared to some competitors

Conclusion

Rizon Card represents a significant innovation in the crypto payment card space by combining the security of self-custody with the convenience of traditional card payments. Its non-custodial wallet architecture addresses a key concern in the crypto community—maintaining control of assets while enabling everyday spending—and sets it apart from most competitors that require users to deposit funds into custodial accounts.

The card's fee structure is transparent and competitive, with no monthly fees and reasonable charges for currency conversion and ATM withdrawals. The lack of spending limits (beyond available balance) makes it suitable for both small purchases and larger transactions.

While Rizon is still evolving, with some features like physical cards and rewards not yet launched, it successfully bridges the gap between crypto self-custody and everyday spending. Its focus on stablecoins rather than volatile cryptocurrencies ensures a predictable spending experience without complex tax implications.

For users who prioritize self-custody while wanting seamless spending capabilities, particularly those in the US and Latin America, Rizon offers a compelling solution that maintains the core values of cryptocurrency while providing the practical utility of a Visa card.

Additional Information

Rain Partnership Details

The relationship between Rizon and Rain is crucial to understanding the card's regulatory compliance and capabilities:

• Rain (Signify Holdings/Nimbus LLC) is a Visa Principal Member, meaning it can issue cards directly without requiring a sponsor bank
• In March 2025, Rain secured $24.5 million in Series A funding led by Norwest to expand its stablecoin card issuing capabilities globally
• Rain's infrastructure supports multiple blockchain networks for settlement, including Solana, Tron, and Stellar alongside EVM chains
• As the licensed entity, Rain handles all regulated activities including KYC verification, transaction monitoring, and compliance with financial regulations
• Rizon itself functions as a software layer that provides the user interface and wallet technology, while Rain enables the card issuance and fiat off-ramp capabilities

Upcoming Features

Rizon has announced several features that are currently in development:

• Physical Cards: Coming soon, with shipping upon request once available
• RIZpoints Rewards Program: Will allow users to earn points on purchases and redeem them with partner merchants
• Expanded Regional Availability: As Rain secures additional licenses, Rizon plans to expand service to more countries beyond the initial US and LATAM focus
• Additional Blockchain Support: Rain is expanding its stablecoin card infrastructure to include more chains, which may eventually be reflected in Rizon's offerings

While these features are not yet available, they form part of Rizon's roadmap for expanding its service offerings in the near future.