Tuyo Card

Tuyo Card Visa Prepaid Review: Fees, Rewards & Availability

Basic Information

Tuyo Card is positioned as a bridge between decentralized crypto ownership and everyday spending utility. The card functions as a prepaid Visa card that allows users to spend USDC on the Base network at any merchant accepting Visa. Unlike most crypto cards, Tuyo's defining characteristic is its self-custodial architecture where users maintain full control of their assets through private keys. The platform is not a bank, exchange, or custodian; it facilitates self-custody, and all trading, Earn, and DeFi activities happen directly on-chain with Tuyo not acting as a party to those transactions.

Rewards and Benefits

Tuyo Card offers a comprehensive TUYO rewards program where users earn TUYO points through multiple activities. The program is organized into seasonal phases with different multipliers leading up to a token generation event (TGE) planned for early 2026.

TUYO Rewards Program

The TUYO rewards ecosystem allows users to earn points through four main activities:

• Card Spending: Earn TUYOs with every dollar spent using Tuyo Card
• Trading: Earn rewards on trades executed within the Tuyo platform
• Earn Vaults: Receive additional yield paid in TUYOs when using DeFi vault strategies
• Referrals: Earn a multiplier on your referred friends' TUYO rewards

Reward Seasons and Timeline:

The TUYO rewards program is structured across multiple seasons with decreasing multipliers over time:

• Season 0 – Pioneers: Retroactive rewards plus 48-hour window (ended November 1, 2025)
• Season 1 – Early Adopters: November 1 – December 11, 2025
• Season 2 – FOMO: December 11, 2025 – January 22, 2026
• Season 3 – Last Call: January 22, 2026 until TGE in early 2026

Important Notes:

• Specific TUYO accrual rates per dollar spent are not published as fixed public numbers
• Current reward percentages and multipliers are displayed in-app and vary by season
• Effective "cashback" value depends on future TUYO token valuation at TGE
• No fixed percentage cashback in fiat terms is guaranteed or publicly fixed

Referral Program

Tuyo Card features a formal in-app referral program where users earn a share of their referred friends' TUYO rewards. Documentation indicates referrers can earn between 20–50% of referred users' TUYO rewards, with exact percentages shown inside the app and tied to specific TUYO rewards seasons and campaigns.

Unique Features

• Self-Custodial Architecture: Users maintain full control of crypto assets via private keys, a significant departure from the custodial model used by most competing crypto cards
• Automatic Fiat Conversion: The platform automatically converts incoming USD, EUR, or MXN transfers to USDC at no fee
• DeFi Integration: The app includes "Vaults" functionality offering yield strategies up to approximately 11% APY on USDC, EURC, BTC, and ETH (APY is variable and not guaranteed)
• No Token Requirements: Unlike many crypto cards, Tuyo doesn't require users to stake or hold a proprietary token to access core functionality
• Multi-Chain Support: Deposit USDC or other tokens on Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, or Polygon and convert to USDC on Base for free inside the app

Fees and Limits

Tuyo Card fees are structured to minimize costs for users, with no annual or maintenance charges and competitive foreign exchange rates.

Spending Limits:

Tuyo Card offers industry-leading spending limits that increase with account usage and history:

• Starting Limit: Up to $10,000 per day
• Standard Limit: All cards now support up to $50,000 per day
• Enhanced Limits: Step-ups to $100,000 and $200,000 per day available once certain spending thresholds are met
• Specific monthly maximums are displayed in-app after KYC completion

Important Limitations:

• ATM withdrawals and PIN functionality are explicitly not supported; the card is designed for in-store, online, and mobile-wallet purchases only
• The card can only spend from your "Cash" balance, not directly from "Earn" vaults; funds must be moved from Earn to Cash before spending
• Exchange rates for crypto-to-USDC conversion vary based on available DeFi liquidity

Card Tiers and Options

As of late 2025, Tuyo offers a single consumer card tier with no published "upgrade" levels or staking requirements. The company appears focused on delivering a standardized product rather than tiered benefits based on staking or spending levels. The virtual card is available immediately upon approval, while the physical card option is labeled "coming soon" on the official website.

Top-Up Methods

Users add funds to the Tuyo Card by depositing USDC directly from their self-custodial wallet through the Tuyo mobile app, maintaining full control of their assets via private keys until the moment of spending. The card only spends USDC, so all other cryptocurrencies must first be manually converted to USDC within the app before they are available for top-up, with no explicit conversion fee but possible variation in rates due to DeFi liquidity. Fiat currencies (USD, EUR, MXN) can be transferred in and are automatically converted to USDC without fee. There are no pre-loading requirements or custodial transfers prior to spending—users keep custody until the transaction is authorized at point of sale, and top-ups are managed instantly within the mobile (iOS) app. Key limitations include support for USDC only (manual conversion required), geographic restrictions (Americas region), and unspecified minimum/maximum loading limits, which are shown in-app after KYC.

Self-Custody True Self-Custody

The Tuyo Card operates on a self-custodial model, letting users maintain ownership and control of their crypto assets through private keys at all times. Purchases are funded directly from the user's own wallet using USDC, so there is never a requirement to deposit crypto assets with Tuyo or a third party before spending. If the company were to go out of business, users' crypto funds would remain accessible in their own wallets since Tuyo never takes custody. This approach means you’re solely responsible for your key security, but it also maximizes control and minimizes the risk of losing access due to a platform failure. Practical tradeoffs include the need to manually convert any non-USDC crypto before spending, and the responsibility for safe key management, as there’s no recourse if a private key is lost. For those who value financial autonomy and want to minimize third-party risk, this self-custody approach offers strong protection without sacrificing everyday usability.

Supported Currencies and Conversion

Crypto Currencies

The card operates exclusively with USDC on the Base network as its spending currency. While the Tuyo app supports multiple blockchains and cryptocurrencies, all must be converted to USDC on Base before being available for card spending.

Supported Networks for Deposits:

• Ethereum
• Base
• Arbitrum
• Optimism
• Polygon

Users can deposit USDC or other tokens on any of these networks and convert to USDC on Base for free inside the Tuyo app.

Fiat Currencies

Tuyo supports USD, EUR, and MXN (Mexican peso) for personal bank accounts. The platform automatically converts incoming transfers in these currencies to USDC without charging fees.

Conversion Mechanics

• In-app conversion between supported cryptocurrencies and USDC on Base (free)
• Automatic fiat-to-USDC conversion for incoming transfers (free)
• All non-USDC cryptocurrencies must be manually swapped to USDC on Base before spending
• Exchange rates based on DeFi liquidity pools; no explicit spread fee but rates vary with market conditions

Geographic Availability

Tuyo Card is available in the United States, selected European markets, and several Latin American countries. The card launched in the US in late 2025 and has expanded to EU and LATAM regions. Exact eligibility is determined during the KYC process in-app.

Europe

Tuyo Card is confirmed live in Spain and other EU markets, with IBAN support in Luxembourg and compatibility with local merchants across the European Union.

Americas

The card is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and select Latin American and Caribbean countries including: Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica.

Prohibited Jurisdictions

Tuyo Card is unavailable in OFAC/UN/EU-sanctioned jurisdictions including: Afghanistan, Albania, Belarus, Bosnia, Central African Republic, Congo, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Crimea, Donetsk & Luhansk regions, North Korea, and Syria. The card also prohibits dealings with entities on OFAC/UN/EU sanctions lists.

Regional Variations

• US program has 0% FX fees for USD transactions
• International transactions in non-USD currencies incur up to ~1% FX spread
• Within the US, some states may be excluded (specific states determined during KYC)
• EU users benefit from IBAN support and SEPA compatibility

Compliance and Security

Tuyo operates through a partnership structure with various entities handling different regulatory aspects. The platform is not a bank, exchange, or custodian; it facilitates self-custody with all trading, Earn, and DeFi activities happening directly on-chain.

Full KYC is required for card activation, including proof of ID, address, and other standard KYC/AML procedures typical for a US-based fintech.

Custody Model

Tuyo employs a hybrid custody model:

• Non-custodial for crypto assets: Users hold their own private keys
• Custodial for fiat funds: Fiat deposits held by Bridge/partner bank

Security Features

• Self-custodial wallet with private keys stored by user (encrypted on-device)
• Encrypted backups, device biometrics or 2FA, secure seed phrases
• Data encrypted in transit and at rest
• Published security audit document mentioned but details not provided

No FDIC insurance covers crypto balances (as expected with self-custody), though fiat holdings in partner bank accounts may have standard FDIC/deposit insurance. No special crypto insurance program is mentioned.

Regulatory Structure and Licensing

Tuyo Inc.

• Delaware-incorporated fintech company
• Not a bank, exchange, or custodian
• Facilitates self-custody and on-chain transactions

Bridge Ventures, Inc.

• Licensed US money transmitter (NMLS #2450917)
• Provides fiat currency services (USD, EUR, MXN) and virtual bank account numbers in the US
• EEA operations supported via Bridge Building Sp. z.o.o.

Signify Holdings (Rain)

• Regulated fintech partner
• Facilitates card issuance through licensed partner institutions pursuant to local requirements

Card Issuer

• Cards are issued by licensed partner banks via Signify Holdings (Rain)
• Specific issuing bank varies by jurisdiction and is determined by local regulatory requirements

Technical Details

The Tuyo platform consists of:

• Mobile Apps:

  • iOS app (4.9/5.0 rating with ~70 reviews on App Store as of December 2025)
  • Android app fully launched on Google Play

• Wallet Architecture:

  • Self-custodial model where users control private keys
  • Support for multiple blockchains (Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon)
  • External wallet addition via recovery phrase
  • Card spends exclusively from USDC on Base network

• Card Processing:

  • Visa payment network integration
  • Automatic conversion from USDC to fiat at point of sale
  • Mobile wallet support (Apple Pay and Google Pay)
  • Virtual card format with physical card coming soon

• Integrations:

  • DeFi "Vaults" for yield generation (up to ~11% APY on select assets)
  • Built-in fiat on/off ramps via Bridge Ventures
  • Free cross-chain conversion to USDC on Base
  • No third-party payment system integrations (cannot link to PayPal or Curve)

User Experience

The Tuyo platform has received positive feedback from its growing user base of over 30,000 people globally. The iOS app maintains a 4.9/5.0 rating on the App Store as of December 2025, with early adopters praising the UX and onboarding experience, with some calling it the "best onboarding" experience in crypto.

App Functionality

The mobile app combines several functions:

• Wallet management (supporting Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Polygon)
• Exchange functionality for converting between cryptocurrencies
• Card management and transaction history
• DeFi "Vaults" for yield options with variable APY
• Built-in fiat on/off ramps
• TUYO rewards tracking and referral program management

Platform Availability:

• iOS: Fully launched and highly rated (4.9/5.0)
• Android: Fully launched on Google Play; users can download and order the card directly from the app

Support Options:

• In-app support chat
• Help center and email support
• No phone support is advertised

Known Limitations:

• Some Spanish and EU merchants may not accept the card
• Cannot be linked to PayPal or Curve
• Works with major e-commerce sites like Amazon, eBay, Miravia, and AliExpress
• All cryptocurrencies must be manually converted to USDC on Base before spending
• Card can only spend from "Cash" balance, not directly from "Earn" vaults

Best Suited For

• Privacy-Focused Crypto Users who want to maintain self-custody while still accessing spending functionality
• USDC Holders who want to utilize their stablecoins for everyday purchases without surrendering custody
• DeFi Enthusiasts who appreciate the integration of yield options with spending capabilities and want to earn TUYO rewards
• New Crypto Users who value the highly-rated onboarding experience and straightforward interface
• High-Volume Spenders who can benefit from daily limits up to $200,000 with account history
• International Users in the US, EU, and Latin America seeking a crypto card without staking requirements

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Self-custodial model maintains true crypto ethos of user control
• No annual fees or maintenance charges
• No staking requirements to access the card
• Free fiat-to-USDC conversion for deposits
• Free cross-chain conversion to USDC on Base
• Highly-rated mobile app experience with intuitive interface (4.9/5.0 on iOS)
• Industry-leading spending limits (up to $200,000/day with history)
• Available on both iOS and Android
• TUYO rewards program with multiple earning opportunities
• DeFi yield options up to ~11% APY
• 0% FX fees on USD transactions
• Available in US, EU, and Latin America

Cons

• Limited to USDC on Base network for spending (other cryptocurrencies require manual conversion)
• Virtual card only; physical card not yet available
• ATM withdrawals and PIN functionality not supported
• TUYO reward rates not published as fixed percentages; vary by season
• Reward value depends on future TUYO token valuation at TGE
• Cannot be linked to PayPal or Curve
• Some merchants may reject the card
• Card can only spend from "Cash" balance, not directly from "Earn" vaults
• Earn APY is variable and not guaranteed

Conclusion

Tuyo Card delivers a distinctive proposition in the crypto-card market through its self-custodial model, enabling users to spend USDC on Base at merchants worldwide while maintaining control of their private keys. This approach addresses a key concern for crypto users who want to use their assets for everyday purchases without surrendering custody to a centralized provider.

The card's integration with the Visa network ensures broad merchant acceptance, while the streamlined mobile app provides an accessible user experience that has earned a 4.9/5.0 rating on iOS. The TUYO rewards program adds a compelling incentive layer with multiple earning opportunities through spending, trading, Earn vaults, and referrals, though the ultimate value depends on the TUYO token's performance at TGE in early 2026.

With industry-leading spending limits up to $200,000 per day, zero annual fees, and availability across the US, EU, and Latin America, Tuyo has positioned itself as a serious contender in the self-custodial crypto card space. The platform's integration of DeFi yield strategies (up to ~11% APY) and free cross-chain conversion further enhance its value proposition.

Tuyo Card's main limitations include its USDC-on-Base-only spending model, lack of ATM functionality, and the absence of a physical card option (though one is coming soon). The card appears most suitable for users who prioritize self-custody and simplicity over extensive reward programs or multi-crypto spending capabilities.

For users in supported regions who regularly hold USDC or want a self-custodial spending solution with competitive limits and no fees, Tuyo offers a compelling option. The growing user base of over 30,000 people and highly-rated app experience suggest the platform is successfully delivering on its promise of bridging DeFi and everyday spending.

Additional Information

Potential Drawbacks and Risks

• Limited Crypto Flexibility: Card only spends USDC on Base network; other cryptocurrencies require manual conversion
• Geographic Restrictions: Unavailable in sanctioned jurisdictions and some US states
• Regulatory Uncertainty: As a crypto fintech, service could be impacted by evolving regulations
• Technical Considerations: Some early users report occasional app sync delays during high blockchain activity
• Security Responsibility: Self-custodial model places key security responsibility on users
• Merchant Acceptance: Some merchants (particularly in Spain and EU) may not accept the card; cannot be linked to PayPal or Curve
• Physical Card Unavailable: Only virtual card currently available; physical card coming soon
• No ATM Access: ATM withdrawals and PIN functionality explicitly not supported
• Reward Uncertainty: TUYO reward rates not fixed; effective cashback depends on future token valuation at TGE
• Earn Vault Risks: APY rates are variable and not guaranteed; DeFi strategies carry inherent smart contract and market risks
• Spending Restrictions: Card can only spend from "Cash" balance, not directly from "Earn" vaults

Early user experiences, primarily from social media and app store reviews, indicate generally positive reception with particular praise for the smooth onboarding process, fast USDC funding capability, self-custodial architecture, and reliable transaction processing. The platform's expansion to over 30,000 users globally demonstrates growing adoption and trust in the self-custodial model.

Minor criticisms include the extra step required to convert non-USDC tokens for spending, limitations on merchant acceptance, and questions about the future value of TUYO rewards, though these appear to be acceptable tradeoffs for users who value the self-custodial model and competitive fee structure.