Tuyo Card
Tuyo Card is a self-custodial crypto debit card designed for users who want to spend USDC directly at Visa merchants without relinquishing control over their assets. It bridges crypto and traditional spending by allowing everyday purchases from a non-custodial wallet, ensuring users maintain their private keys. Currently focused on the Americas, the card is best suited for people who value self-custody, USDC stability, and straightforward mobile app management. The card does not support direct spending from other cryptocurrencies and exact rewards rates are not specified.
- Type: Visa prepaid/debit card (physical & virtual, no credit)
- Key Feature: Self-custodial: user retains private keys and asset control
- Availability: Americas regional launch (U.S., Canada, Latin America); limited expansion beyond listed countries
- Standout Benefit: Spend USDC globally via Visa network while keeping custody of funds
- Biggest Downside: Only USDC supported for spending; other cryptocurrencies require manual conversion; reward structure unclear
Card Tiers
Detailed Summary
Tuyo Card Visa Prepaid: Self-Custodial Crypto Debit Solution for USDC Spending
Quick Summary
Key Features
- Self-custodial model where users maintain full control of crypto assets via private keys
- Spends USDC directly at any Visa merchant worldwide
- Both physical and virtual card options with Apple Pay integration
- Automatic conversion of incoming USD/EUR/MXN to USDC at no fee
- DeFi "Vaults" yield options available in-app
Main Advantages
- No annual or maintenance fees
- True self-custody while enabling everyday spending
- Highly-rated mobile app experience (4.9/5.0 on iOS)
- Free fiat-to-USDC conversion for incoming transfers
- No staking requirements or token prerequisites
Notable Limitations
- Only spends USDC, requiring manual conversion from other cryptocurrencies
- Limited to Americas region initially (US, Canada, Mexico, and select countries)
- Cashback structure mentioned but specific rates not officially published
- ATM withdrawals appear to be disabled or limited
- Android app still in waitlist/beta stage as of early 2025
Table of Contents
Basic Information
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Name | Tuyo Card |
| Card Network | Visa |
| Card Type | Prepaid Debit Card |
| Launch Date | Early 2025 |
| Card Issuer | Third National Bank through Signify Holdings (operating as Rain) |
| Partner Entities | Tuyo Inc. (Delaware fintech), Bridge Ventures (fiat services) |
| Card Format | Both physical and virtual cards available |
| Mobile Wallet | Apple Pay (Q1 2025), Google Pay (planned) |
| Merchant Acceptance | Standard Visa merchant network worldwide |
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 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.
Rewards and Benefits
While Tuyo's marketing materials mention a cashback program, specific rates are not officially published in cardholder agreements or program literature. The card does not require staking any tokens (there is no native Tuyo token), making it accessible without investment prerequisites.
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 that appears to offer yield options on user funds
- No Token Requirements: Unlike many crypto cards, Tuyo doesn't require users to stake or hold a proprietary token to access core functionality
No formal referral program has been publicly announced as of early 2025.
Fees and Limits
| Fee Type | US Program | International Program |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Maintenance Fee | None indicated | None indicated |
| Inactivity Fee | None indicated | None indicated |
| Foreign Exchange | 1% (when settled in USD) | Up to 3% |
| Cross-Border Fee | Not specified | Up to 3% |
| ATM Withdrawal | Appears disabled | Appears disabled |
| Cash Advance | None (listed as "None") | Not specified |
| Fiat to USDC Conversion | Free | Free |
| Crypto to USDC Conversion | No explicit fee (exchange rates based on DeFi liquidity) | No explicit fee (exchange rates based on DeFi liquidity) |
Specific daily and monthly spending limits are not publicly detailed but appear to be:
- Subject to internal risk-based limits set by the issuer
- Customized per user and displayed in-app after KYC completion
- Likely to include standard transaction, daily, and monthly maximums
The card's conversion process leverages underlying DeFi liquidity for crypto-to-USDC conversion. While there's no explicit "spread" fee mentioned, users should be aware that exchange rates will vary based on available liquidity.
Card Tiers and Options
| Feature | Standard Tuyo Card (Only Tier Available) |
|---|---|
| Issuance Fee | $0 |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Card Material | Not specified in official documentation |
| Delivery Method | Physical card shipped to verified address; virtual card available immediately in app |
| Special Features | Self-custodial functionality (user controls private keys) |
| Usage Capabilities | Purchase transactions at Visa merchants; cash advances appear to be disabled |
As of early 2025, Tuyo has not announced multiple card tiers or staking requirements. There is only a single consumer card offering with no published "upgrade" levels. The company appears to be focused on delivering a standardized product rather than tiered benefits based on staking or spending levels.
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 primarily with USDC (USD Coin) as its spending currency. While the Tuyo app supports multiple blockchains and cryptocurrencies, all must be converted to USDC before being available for card spending. The specific list of supported cryptocurrencies for app storage and conversion is not fully detailed in the source material.
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
- Automatic fiat-to-USDC conversion for incoming transfers
- No details on exact conversion timing or slippage protections are provided
- All non-USDC cryptocurrencies must be manually swapped to USDC before spending
Geographic Availability
As of March 2025, Tuyo Card is available primarily in the Americas region with planned global expansion:
Americas (Confirmed Available)
United States (some states excluded), Canada, Mexico, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica
While the company's social media states the card is "now available globally," detailed EMEA/APAC availability lists have not yet been published.
Prohibited Jurisdictions
Official "Prohibited Jurisdictions" include: Afghanistan, Albania, Belarus, Bosnia, Central African Republic, Congo, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Crimea, Donetsk & Luhansk regions, North Korea, Syria
The card also prohibits dealings with entities on OFAC/UN/EU sanctions lists.
Regional Variations
- US program has slightly different fee structure than the International program
- Within the US, some states are excluded (specific states not listed in source material)
Compliance and Security
Tuyo operates through a partnership structure with various entities handling different regulatory aspects:
- Tuyo Inc.: Delaware-incorporated fintech (not a bank or exchange)
- Bridge Ventures: Licensed US money transmitter (NMLS #2450917) with EEA-compliant framework
- Signify Holdings (Rain): Regulated fintech partner
- Third National Bank: Card issuer
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.
Technical Details
The Tuyo platform consists of:
Mobile Apps:
- iOS app (released ~3 weeks before March 2025)
- Android app in waitlist/beta stage
Wallet Architecture:
- Self-custodial model where users control private keys
- Support for multiple blockchains
- External wallet addition via recovery phrase
Card Processing:
- Visa payment network integration
- Automatic conversion from USDC to fiat at point of sale
- Mobile wallet support (Apple Pay confirmed, Google Pay planned)
Integrations:
- DeFi "Vaults" for yield generation
- Built-in fiat on/off ramps
- No specific third-party payment system integrations mentioned
User Experience
The Tuyo platform has received positive initial feedback from users, with the iOS app rated 4.9/5.0 on the App Store. Early adopters praise 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 multiple blockchains)
- Exchange functionality for converting between cryptocurrencies
- Card management and transaction history
- DeFi "Vaults" for yield options
- Built-in fiat on/off ramps
Support is available through:
- In-app support chat
- Help center and email support
- No phone support is advertised
Some users have noted minor issues with token conversion requirements, as all cryptocurrencies must be manually converted to USDC before being available for card spending.
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
- New Crypto Users who value the highly-rated onboarding experience and straightforward interface
- International Users in the Americas region 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
- Highly-rated mobile app experience with intuitive interface
Cons
- Limited to USDC for spending (other cryptocurrencies require manual conversion)
- Geographic availability still primarily focused on Americas region
- Cashback rates not clearly disclosed despite being mentioned
- ATM functionality appears limited or disabled
- Android app still in beta/waitlist stage as of early 2025
Conclusion
The Tuyo Card delivers a distinctive proposition in the crypto-card market through its self-custodial model, enabling users to spend USDC 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 early adopters have praised. By focusing on USDC as the spending currency, Tuyo minimizes volatility concerns while enabling direct crypto utilization.
Tuyo's main limitations include its geographic availability (though expanding), spending currency options (USDC-only), and undefined reward structures. 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, Tuyo offers a compelling option with minimal fees and straightforward operation. Those seeking high-tier rewards or extensive cryptocurrency support may find the current offering more modest compared to some established competitors.
Additional Information
Potential Drawbacks and Risks
- Limited Crypto Flexibility: Card only spends USDC; 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
Early user experiences, primarily from social media, indicate generally positive reception with particular praise for the smooth onboarding process, fast USDC funding capability, self-custodial architecture, and reliable transaction processing.
Minor criticisms include the extra step required to convert non-USDC tokens for spending and questions about international ATM support, though these appear to be acceptable tradeoffs for users who value the self-custodial model.
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