Stella Card
Stella Card is a crypto-backed Visa credit card designed for users wanting to spend digital assets seamlessly in everyday transactions. It supports major cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC), automatically converting them to USD at the point of sale, and can be used worldwide where Visa is accepted (except in 49 restricted regions). Both virtual and physical cards are available, with broad mobile wallet integration for flexible payment options. Fee structures and limits are mostly disclosed in-app, and users must complete KYC before activation.
- Type: Visa credit card (virtual & physical)
- Key Feature: Automatic crypto-to-USD conversion at purchase
- Availability: Global (except 49 countries); supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay
- Standout Benefit: No annual fee & free deposits (blockchain gas only); no card tiers—limit set by crypto deposit
- Biggest Downside: Some fees only visible in app after registration; limited cashback/rewards
Card Tiers
Detailed Summary
Stella Visa Credit Card: Crypto-Backed Card with Automatic Conversion
Quick Summary: Stella Card
Key Features
- Automatic crypto-to-USD conversion at point of sale
- Integration with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay
- Credit limit increases based on cryptocurrency deposits
- Both virtual and physical card options available
- Accepted at over 40 million Visa merchants worldwide
Main Advantages
- No annual fees or crypto deposit fees
- Free physical card after USD 20,000 in top-ups
- Seamless spending of crypto without manual conversion
- Global availability (except 49 restricted jurisdictions)
- Referral program with up to 40% commission on card fees
Notable Limitations
- No cashback or staking rewards program
- 2% ATM withdrawal fee plus local surcharges
- Limited cryptocurrency support (only BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC)
- Some fees only disclosed within the app after registration
- Virtual card application fee required (disclosed in-app)
Table of Contents
Basic Information
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Name | Stella Card |
| Card Network | Visa |
| Card Type | Credit Card |
| Issuer | Stella Pay |
| Format Options | Virtual and Physical |
| Mobile Wallet Support | Apple Pay, Google Pay, Alipay, WeChat Pay |
| Merchant Acceptance | Over 40 million Visa-accepting merchants worldwide |
Stella Card is a crypto-backed Visa credit card that bridges traditional financial systems with blockchain technology. The card enables users to spend cryptocurrencies at Visa-accepting merchants without manually converting tokens first. Unlike many crypto cards with tier-based systems, Stella offers a standard card with a credit limit that increases as users deposit and exchange cryptocurrencies.
Rewards and Benefits
While Stella Card doesn't offer a traditional cashback program or staking benefits, it provides several advantages for crypto users looking to spend their digital assets.
Referral Program
Stella Card offers a generous referral program where users can:
- Earn up to 40% commission on card fees
- Earn up to 38% on top-up fees
- Potential to earn up to USD 100,000 per year through referrals
Additional Benefits
- Automatic crypto-to-USD conversion at point of sale
- Seamless fund transfers between virtual and physical cards
- Easy cashout and ATM withdrawal capabilities
- Free physical card after accumulating USD 20,000 in top-ups
Fees and Limits
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Virtual Card Application | Pay-as-you-go (disclosed in-app) |
| Physical Card | Free after USD 20,000 top-up; delivery fee applies otherwise |
| Annual Fee | None |
| Crypto Deposit | 0% (only blockchain gas fees apply) |
| ATM Withdrawal | 2% plus local ATM surcharge |
| Crypto-to-fiat Conversion | Displayed dynamically in app |
| Purchase Fees | Displayed in app, not publicly itemized |
| Cash-out Fee | Exists but figures not disclosed publicly |
| Limit Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Daily Spending Limit | USD 100,000 for regular accounts |
| Daily ATM Withdrawal | USD 2,000 |
| Monthly ATM Withdrawal | USD 10,000 |
| ATM Frequency | Up to 3 withdrawals daily, 30 monthly |
Card Tiers and Options
Unlike many crypto cards, Stella offers a single standard card rather than a tier-based system.
| Feature | Standard Stella Card |
|---|---|
| Issuance Fee | Virtual card: Pay-as-you-go fee (disclosed in-app) Physical card: Delivery fee waived after topping up USD 20,000 |
| Credit Limit | Starts at zero and increases based on cryptocurrency deposits |
| Card Format | Both virtual and physical options available |
| Additional Features | Automatic crypto-to-USD conversion at point of sale |
Top-Up Methods
To spend with the Stella Visa Credit Card, users deposit supported cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, USDT, or USDC) from their external wallets into the Stella app, moving funds from self-custody to Stella's custodial wallet. Once deposited, crypto assets can be spent directly—there is no requirement to manually pre-convert to USD, as Stella automatically handles crypto-to-USD conversion at the exact time of purchase. Some conversion and transaction fees do apply (amounts are dynamically displayed in-app and not fully disclosed publicly), and blockchain network gas fees are required for the initial deposit. Users can manage and top up their balance via mobile apps on iOS, Android, or Telegram. Your crypto moves out of your own custody and into the provider's control during this process, and only four cryptocurrencies are currently supported.
Self-Custody Custodial
The Stella Card operates on a custodial model, meaning all cryptocurrency assets deposited by users are held and managed by Stella Pay rather than by the individual user. While users can direct how their crypto funds are used for spending through the platform interface, they do not retain access to the underlying private keys at any stage. Stella handles the automatic conversion of supported cryptocurrencies to USD at the time of each purchase, and the resulting fiat balance is held within the card's custodial account for credit use. If Stella Pay ceased operations, users would not have independent means to access or withdraw their funds, as the assets remain within Stella's custody. This level of custody simplifies spending and offers broad integration with payment networks, but comes at the cost of relinquishing self-sovereign control and increased dependence on the platform's operational stability and security.
Supported Currencies and Conversion
Cryptocurrencies
Stella Card supports a focused selection of major cryptocurrencies:
- BTC (Bitcoin)
- ETH (Ethereum)
- USDT (Tether)
- USDC (USD Coin)
Supported Networks
The card supports multiple blockchain networks for deposits, including:
- ERC-20
- TRON
- BNB Smart Chain
- Polygon
- Arbitrum One
- Optimism
Fiat Currencies
USD serves as the base currency for the card, with crypto automatically converted to USD at the time of purchase.
Conversion Process
When making a purchase, the Stella Card automatically converts crypto to USD at the point of sale, providing a seamless spending experience without requiring users to manually convert funds beforehand.
Geographic Availability
Stella Card is available globally wherever Visa is accepted, except for 49 restricted jurisdictions.
Restricted Regions
The card is unavailable in: Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Compliance and Security
Verification Requirements
- Full e-KYC process required during sign-up
- Verification typically completed within 1-2 business days
- Many cases auto-approved within minutes
Security Features
- Advanced encryption for data protection
- Real-time transaction alerts
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Ability to lock card immediately
- Customizable spending caps
- Continuous AML monitoring
Asset Custody
Stella uses a custodial model where user assets are held in Stella-managed wallets.
Technical Details
Application Platforms
- iOS app
- Android app
- Telegram Mini App
Integration Capabilities
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Alipay
- WeChat Pay
Adoption Metrics
As of reporting, the Android app had approximately 2,600 downloads, indicating the card is still in relatively early stages of adoption.
User Experience
Account Management
Users can manage their Stella Card through dedicated mobile apps available on iOS and Android, or through a Telegram Mini App. The interface allows for monitoring transactions, managing crypto deposits, and controlling card settings.
Customer Support
Support is available through Zendesk help-center tickets, though no live-chat support was reported in the source material.
User Feedback
- Positive reports: Fast and smooth transactions, including upgrading services like X Premium; well-designed app; easy ID verification process
- Negative reports: Complaints about USD 30 virtual-card cost; limited cryptocurrency support; occasional failed transactions requiring support intervention
Best Suited For
- Crypto enthusiasts who want to spend digital assets without manual conversion processes
- Frequent international travelers who benefit from worldwide Visa acceptance and mobile wallet integration
- High-volume cryptocurrency users who can meet the USD 20,000 top-up threshold for a free physical card
- Mobile payment adopters who value integration with multiple digital wallets including Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Referral program participants who can benefit from the generous commission structure
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No annual fees or maintenance charges
- Free crypto deposits (aside from blockchain gas fees)
- Seamless automatic conversion from crypto to USD
- Wide acceptance through the Visa network
- Comprehensive mobile wallet integration
Cons
- Limited cryptocurrency support compared to some competitors
- 2% ATM withdrawal fee plus local surcharges
- Lack of cashback or rewards program
- Some fees only disclosed after app registration
- Virtual card requires an upfront fee
Conclusion
Stella Card offers a straightforward solution for crypto holders seeking to integrate digital assets into everyday spending. Its strength lies in the automatic conversion feature that handles the crypto-to-USD exchange at the point of sale, paired with broad acceptance through the Visa network and integration with popular mobile wallets.
The card's approach of offering a single product where spending power directly relates to deposited crypto creates a transparent relationship between holdings and spending limit. This simplicity, combined with the absence of annual fees and deposit fees, makes Stella Card particularly appealing for medium-to-high-balance crypto users who can meet the USD 20,000 top-up threshold for a free physical card.
While the lack of cashback rewards and limited cryptocurrency support are notable drawbacks, Stella Card's focus on simplicity and functionality provides a solid option for those prioritizing seamless crypto spending over rewards maximization.
Additional Information
Platform Coverage
The Stella Card ecosystem spans iOS and Android platforms, with the additional option of a Telegram Mini App, providing flexibility in how users manage their card and cryptocurrency assets.
Fee Structure Approach
Stella's revenue model appears to emphasize transaction-based charges rather than maintenance fees, with no annual fee and free crypto deposits (beyond network gas fees).
Practical Usage
The card functions as a traditional credit card with special integration for cryptocurrency holdings, allowing spending at any Visa-accepting merchant worldwide without the merchant needing any cryptocurrency acceptance capabilities.
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