Zebec Card

Zebec Mastercard Prepaid Debit Card: Multi-Chain Crypto Spending Solution

Basic Information

Zebec Card is a crypto-funded prepaid debit card program designed to bridge digital assets with traditional spending. The cards allow users to spend cryptocurrency as fiat at millions of merchants worldwide without manual conversions.

The program offers three distinct tiers (Silver, Carbon, and Black), each with different features and limits. All cards are issued on the Mastercard network, ensuring global acceptance at over 90 million merchants where Mastercard is accepted.

Zebec Cards are primarily available as virtual cards that can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless payments. Physical cards have been showcased in marketing materials but are not yet widely distributed to users.

A key distinguishing feature of Zebec Card is its non-custodial approach, where users retain control of their crypto funds until the moment of spending. This differs from many competing crypto cards that require users to deposit funds into custodial accounts.

Rewards and Benefits

Unlike traditional crypto cards that offer percentage-based cashback, Zebec provides a unique rewards structure through its Crypto Airdrop Program. Instead of earning a fixed percentage on purchases, cardholders receive weekly distributions of various cryptocurrencies.

Crypto Airdrop Program

The Zebec Cards Airdrop Program regularly distributes tokens from partner projects to cardholders. These airdrops include:

• "Hot" meme tokens and new project tokens
• Established "blue-chip" tokens on occasion
• Tokens from projects Zebec has partnered with

Recent airdrops have included tokens like MOG, BRETT, SILLY, BONK, MEW, MUMU, and NEIRO, among others. According to Zebec, the value of these airdrops has been substantial, with average amounts ranging from $35 to $100 per cardholder in recent weeks.

This rewards approach differs significantly from traditional cashback models, as the value can fluctuate based on token performance. Zebec has noted that after some announcements, the tokens' price action yielded up to 60% gains for cardholders.

All three card tiers (Silver, Carbon, and Black) participate in the airdrop program, though Black cardholders may receive exclusive benefits like higher-value airdrops or early access to certain token rewards.

Notably, Zebec does not require staking its native token ($ZBCN) to access card benefits or rewards, unlike many competing crypto cards that demand staking for higher reward tiers.

Fees and Limits

Card Fees Structure

*Exact fee amounts not publicly disclosed

One of Zebec Card's strongest selling points is its low-fee or no-fee structure. The Silver and Carbon tiers advertise "zero fees" for loading and spending, meaning users can deposit crypto to the card with no surcharge and spend without transaction fees. For stablecoins like USDC/USDT, the conversion is 1:1 with no markup.

The Black Card includes a 1% load fee on each reload, but offers unlimited reloads and essentially no spending limits in return.

While Zebec doesn't charge fees for purchases, ATM cash withdrawals do incur standard fees (typically around $2-3 per domestic withdrawal). Additional fees may apply for card replacement, expedited shipping of physical cards, and liquidating remaining balances after account closure.

Spending and Withdrawal Limits

Zebec imposes different limits based on card tier:

• Silver: Positioned for everyday spending up to $1,000 per day. The original Silver Card was non-reloadable and did not support ATM withdrawals due to lack of PIN functionality.

• Carbon: Allows $1,000 per transaction with a $10,000 daily spending cap. This is a firm published limit - no single purchase can exceed $1,000, requiring users to split larger purchases into multiple transactions if possible. Carbon supports ATM withdrawals and unlimited reloads.

• Black: Marketed as having "no spend limit" (though issuer/network safeguards may still apply). In practical terms, users could spend well above $10,000 in a single day or transaction, limited only by their crypto balance and any risk monitoring systems.

Card Tiers and Options

Zebec offers three distinct card tiers, each targeting different user needs:

Zebec Silver Card (formerly Zebec Instant Card) is the base-tier option with immediate activation. Users can obtain a virtual card within minutes of signing up with minimal KYC requirements - just basic personal information like name, address, email, and phone. The Silver Card is primarily virtual and can be added to mobile wallets for contactless use. It's designed for everyday use with moderate limits (up to $1,000 daily) and was initially non-reloadable in early iterations.

Zebec Carbon Card (launched March 2025) is positioned as "the world's first reloadable, zero-fee, fully private crypto debit card." It builds on Silver by allowing unlimited reloads and higher spending power while maintaining zero fees. Carbon allows up to $1,000 per transaction and $10,000 in daily spending. U.S. users can obtain Carbon with instant approval and minimal verification.

Zebec Black Card is the premium top-tier option for power users. Introduced in mid-2024, it's described as "reloadable and limitless" with essentially no preset spending cap. Black Card users can load "as much cryptocurrency as needed" and spend freely. While it carries a 1% load fee, it offers maximum flexibility for high-value transactions. Black Card availability appears more selective compared to Silver and Carbon.

All three tiers participate in Zebec's weekly token airdrop rewards program instead of traditional percentage-based cashback.

Top-Up Methods

Zebec Card supports top-ups via a non-custodial process where users connect their own crypto wallets (e.g., via WalletConnect) and transfer supported cryptocurrencies—including stablecoins (USDC, USDT), BTC, ETH, BNB, MATIC, SOL, TRX, and many others across 15+ blockchains—directly to the card through the Zebec app or web portal. For Silver (prepaid, virtual), users pre-load the card with crypto, which is converted to fiat at a 1:1 rate for stablecoins, with zero load or conversion fees and a $1,000/day spending cap; funds move from self-custody to the card provider's e-money account upon top-up, with balances available almost instantly. Carbon Card allows unlimited reloads up to $1,000 per transaction and $10,000/day, also with no top-up or conversion fees; funds are transferred from the user's wallet to the provider at each reload, and are available for spending within seconds to minutes. Black Card supports the widest range of tokens, has no preset top-up or spending limits, but applies a 1% load fee on each reload; funds become spendable nearly instantly after transfer. All tiers require moving funds from self-custody to the provider's custodial card balance at top-up, and crypto is automatically converted to fiat at the time of loading (not at purchase), with no additional FX fees for spending abroad; top-ups are managed via Zebec's app or website, and there are no physical card top-up options as cards are currently virtual-only.

Self-Custody Hybrid Custody

Zebec Card uses a hybrid custody model where users maintain control of their crypto in their own wallets until they choose to load funds onto the card. At that point, the selected crypto is converted to fiat and held by the card issuer as a prepaid or debit card balance, ready for spending. This means users benefit from self-custody up until the moment of loading, but once funds are on the card, they are under the issuer's custody and subject to standard prepaid card safeguards. If Zebec or its issuing partner ceased operations, only the remaining fiat card balance would be at risk, as users' original crypto holdings remain unaffected in their own wallets. This approach offers strong privacy and flexibility, but users should be aware that loaded fiat is not independently accessible outside the card system. Overall, Zebec's model balances user control with the convenience of real-world spending, though it does involve a custody handoff at the loading stage.

Supported Currencies and Conversion

Cryptocurrency Support

Zebec Cards stand out for their extensive multi-chain support. As of mid-2025, the cards can be loaded with assets from 15+ blockchains, including:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ethereum (ETH) and ERC-20 tokens (including USDC, USDT)
• Binance Smart Chain (BNB) and BEP-20 tokens
• Solana (SOL) and SPL tokens
• Polygon (MATIC)
• Tron (TRX) and TRC-20 tokens
• Core DAO (CORE)
• Base chain assets
• OctaSpace (OCTA)
• Various partner tokens like SKEY, KENDU, RWA, and others

Zebec continues to expand its blockchain integrations, with new chains being added regularly. The platform is non-custodial, meaning users connect their own wallets (via WalletConnect or similar) to load crypto, rather than depositing into Zebec's custody.

Fiat Currency Handling

When using the Zebec Card, crypto is converted to fiat in real-time at the point of sale. There is no dedicated fiat balance that users hold; instead, the loaded crypto is converted into the fiat currency required by the merchant when a transaction occurs.

For stablecoins like USDC and USDT, the conversion is 1:1 with no markup (1 USDC equals $1 USD). For spending in currencies other than USD, Mastercard handles the conversion at standard exchange rates with no additional FX fee from Zebec.

This approach allows users to effectively spend in any currency supported by the Mastercard network worldwide without worrying about manual conversions or exchange rate markups.

Geographic Availability

Zebec Card has a broad international reach, with availability in over 100 countries across multiple continents. According to official documentation, the supported regions include:

North America: United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago

South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay

Europe: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom

Asia: Georgia, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey

Africa: Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tunisia, Zambia

Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu

Zebec Cards are not available in countries outside this list. Notable exclusions include China, Russia, India, and jurisdictions with strict crypto bans or under U.S. sanctions (Iran, North Korea, Syria, etc.).

While Zebec markets its program as "global," availability may vary by card tier, and users should verify current availability at the time of application.

Compliance and Security

KYC Requirements

Zebec employs a tiered KYC (Know Your Customer) approach that varies by card tier and user location:

For many users, especially U.S. residents applying for the Silver or Carbon card, "limited KYC" is implemented. This requires only basic information:

• Full name
• Address
• Email
• Phone number

For these users, no ID document upload is necessary. Zebec likely verifies this information against public records using identity verification services.

Users from regions with stricter regulations (particularly in the EU) or those seeking higher limits may need to complete full KYC, which typically includes:

• Government-issued ID
• Selfie verification
• Proof of address

The minimal KYC approach for U.S. users is marketed as a privacy feature, allowing "100% private" transactions with minimal personal identity tied to everyday spending.

Custody Model

Zebec's model is non-custodial for crypto until conversion. This means:

1. Users keep crypto in their own wallets or Zebec's on-chain treasury system
2. Crypto is only moved onto the card at the moment of spending or when needed
3. Zebec doesn't hold large pools of user crypto that could be vulnerable to hacks

When crypto is converted to fiat for card loading, those fiat funds become e-money issued by the partner bank. By regulation, these funds must be safeguarded by the issuer – typically held in a trust account.

This approach differs from many crypto cards that require users to deposit funds into custodial accounts controlled by the card provider.

Technical Details

Zebec Card operates through a technical infrastructure that bridges blockchain networks with traditional payment rails:

Card Network Integration: All Zebec cards are issued on the Mastercard network, ensuring acceptance at over 90 million merchants worldwide. This integration allows crypto assets to be spent anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Blockchain Connections: Zebec supports 15+ blockchains through various wallet connection methods. Users can connect wallets via WalletConnect or similar protocols to load funds from chains like Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, and others.

Mobile Wallet Support: Zebec Cards are fully compatible with both Apple Pay and Google Pay, allowing for contactless payments at terminals that support these mobile wallets. This integration is available across all tiers (Silver, Carbon, Black).

Security Infrastructure: Zebec has implemented an AI-driven security and compliance engine called Zebec AI (ZAI) that monitors transactions in real-time, flags suspicious activity, and ensures regulatory compliance.

Developer Integration: Zebec offers a Silver Card SDK (for EVM & Bittensor) that allows developers to integrate Zebec Card functionality into their own applications. This includes features for quoting, recipient fields, and environment configuration.

Conversion Mechanics: When a card is used, the crypto is converted to fiat in real-time at the point of sale. For stablecoins, the conversion is 1:1 with no markup. The transaction is then processed through the Mastercard network like any standard card payment.

Card Management Portal: Users manage their Zebec Cards via a web portal (app.card.zebec.io) or mobile interface. A unified Zebec Pay Super-App has been on the roadmap, aiming to integrate payroll, cards, and treasury functions.

User Experience

The Zebec Card user experience combines elements of traditional card management with crypto-specific features:

Onboarding Process: Users can sign up for a Zebec Card through the web portal with minimal information required (especially for U.S. users). The process is designed to be quick, with virtual cards issued almost immediately upon approval.

Card Management: Users manage their cards through a web dashboard (app.card.zebec.io) or mobile interface. A dedicated native mobile app has been on the roadmap but may not be fully deployed yet.

Loading Funds: To load the card, users connect their crypto wallets and select which assets to convert for spending. The non-custodial approach means users retain control of their crypto until they choose to load the card.

Spending Experience: Once loaded, the card functions like any standard Mastercard. Users can add the virtual card to Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless payments or use the card details for online purchases.

User Feedback:

• Many users praise the quick setup process and ease of use
• The Apple Pay integration receives positive feedback for convenience
• Users appreciate the absence of fees when spending
• Some users report issues with the card issuer's support services
• Complaints include limitations on merchant categories and the virtual-only nature of the cards

Merchant Category Restrictions: A notable limitation is that Zebec Cards cannot be used for certain types of transactions. Specifically, users cannot use the card for:

• Crypto purchases
• Money transfers (Venmo, PayPal, etc.)
• Gambling or betting
• Gift cards or other cash equivalents

These restrictions are enforced through merchant category codes and are likely due to compliance requirements from the card issuer.

Best Suited For

• Crypto-First Individuals who receive income or hold significant assets in cryptocurrency and want to spend directly without converting to bank accounts first

• Privacy-Conscious Users who prefer minimal KYC requirements and transactions that aren't directly linked to their identity

• Multi-Chain Crypto Holders who maintain assets across different blockchains and want a unified spending solution for all their holdings

• Global Travelers who benefit from Mastercard's worldwide acceptance and Zebec's lack of foreign transaction fees

• Crypto Project Enthusiasts who appreciate receiving weekly airdrops of new tokens rather than traditional cashback rewards

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Minimal or Zero Fees for most transactions, with 1:1 conversion for stablecoins and no markup

• Non-Custodial Approach allows users to retain control of their crypto until the moment of spending

• Multi-Chain Support across 15+ blockchains provides flexibility for users with diverse crypto holdings

• Minimal KYC Requirements (especially for U.S. users) offer greater privacy compared to many alternatives

• Weekly Crypto Airdrops provide a unique reward structure that can potentially exceed traditional cashback value

Cons

• Merchant Category Restrictions prevent using the card for financial services, crypto purchases, and other monetary applications

• Primarily Virtual Cards may be inconvenient for users who prefer physical cards or need to use them at terminals that don't accept contactless payments

• Transaction Limits on the Carbon tier ($1,000 per transaction) can be restrictive for larger purchases

• Customer Support Issues have been reported with the card issuing partner (MyPaymentVault/North Lane)

• No Traditional Banking Features like IBANs, SWIFT transfers, or interest-bearing accounts

Conclusion

Zebec Card represents a compelling option in the crypto card market, particularly for users who prioritize privacy, multi-chain support, and minimal fees. Its non-custodial approach differentiates it from many competitors, allowing users to maintain control of their crypto until the moment of spending.

The three-tier structure (Silver, Carbon, and Black) provides options for different user needs, from everyday spending to essentially unlimited transactions for power users. The lack of staking requirements for accessing higher tiers also makes Zebec more accessible than some competing cards that demand large token stakes.

The unique rewards system, which distributes weekly crypto airdrops instead of traditional cashback, offers potentially higher value but with more variability. Recent airdrops have averaged $35-$100 per week per user according to Zebec, which could significantly outperform standard percentage-based cashback if token values appreciate.

However, Zebec Card does have notable limitations. The virtual-only nature of the cards (at least currently), merchant category restrictions, and reported customer support issues may deter some users. Additionally, the $1,000 per transaction limit on the Carbon tier could be restrictive for larger purchases.

Overall, Zebec Card is best suited for crypto-native users who want to spend directly from their multi-chain holdings with minimal friction and fees. Its privacy-focused approach and unique rewards structure make it particularly attractive to those who value these features over traditional banking integration or physical card availability.

Additional Information

White-Label Program

Zebec runs a white-label card program for projects and communities through @ZebecCards. This B2B offering allows other crypto projects to offer branded cards to their communities, expanding Zebec's reach through partnerships.

Integration with Zebec's Payroll System

Zebec is known for its real-time payroll streaming capabilities. Users could potentially stream part of their salary directly to the Zebec Card, creating a seamless experience for those who both earn and spend in crypto. This integration between Zebec's payroll and card products provides a comprehensive solution for crypto-native individuals.

Tax Implications

Spending crypto via Zebec Card is a taxable event in many jurisdictions, as it essentially involves selling crypto for fiat at the point of sale. Users should track capital gains for each transaction for tax reporting purposes. Zebec doesn't currently provide integrated tax tools, so this responsibility falls to the user.

Ecosystem Buybacks

Zebec DAO has mentioned ZBCN buybacks partially connected to card revenues. While this token-level economic activity is not a direct cardholder benefit, it may affect the broader Zebec ecosystem and potentially the value of any ZBCN tokens received through airdrops.

Developer SDK

Zebec offers a Silver Card SDK for EVM & Bittensor that allows developers to integrate card functionality into their own applications. This includes features for quoting, recipient fields, and environment configuration, enabling third-party developers to build on top of Zebec's card infrastructure.