ZEN Card

ZEN Card Mastercard Debit Review: Fees, Rewards & Availability

Basic Information

ZEN Card is a Mastercard World Debit card and multi-currency digital account offered by ZEN.COM, a Lithuanian-licensed Electronic Money Institution founded in 2020. The service positions itself as an upgrade to traditional banking cards rather than a replacement, addressing poor foreign exchange rates, limited rewards, and inadequate purchase protections offered by conventional banks.

The platform combines 28 fiat currencies in a single account with instant currency exchange, 13 supported cryptocurrencies for seamless conversion, and a comprehensive rewards ecosystem. ZEN operates under EU EMI licensing (Bank of Lithuania), UK FCA authorization, and holds a Major Payment Institution license from Singapore's MAS.

Rewards and Benefits

Instant Cashback Program

ZEN Card offers instant cashback at 800+ online stores and select physical retailers with typical rates ranging from 2-10% depending on the merchant. Notable partners include Adidas, Nike, Decathlon, Carrefour, Lidl, AliExpress, Samsung, Lego, and Sephora.

Cashback Structure:

• Free Plan: 50% of advertised cashback rate
• Gold/Platinum/Pro: 100% of advertised rate
• Crediting: Instant—cashback credited to EUR balance immediately after purchase completion
• Format: Cash (EUR), not points—can be spent or withdrawn immediately

Weekend cashback boosts frequently offer up to +15% extra, and exclusive voucher codes are regularly provided through the app.

Reward Zone: Shards and Stones

The gamified Reward Zone awards "Shards" on all spending (1 Shard per €3.30 spent) which can be crafted into valuable "Stones" worth €2-€1,000:

Stone Categories:

• Fortune Stones: €30–€1,000 value; refund any past transaction
• Support Stones: €5–€15; reimburse charity/environmental purchases
• Joy Stones: €2–€7; refund everyday treats
• Passion Stones: €5–€30; refund entertainment subscriptions
• Utility Stones: €15–€50; cover bills and fuel
• Deal Stones: Multiply cashback by 2x–5x

Collection Limits:

• Free/Gold/Platinum: Capped at 100 Shards (must craft into Stones to continue earning)
• Pro: Unlimited Shard collection

Pro users report earning approximately €320 annually from the Reward Zone system through normal spending patterns.

Extended Warranty

ZEN Card automatically extends manufacturer warranties on electronics purchases:

• Gold: +1 year coverage up to €1,500 value
• Platinum: +1 year coverage up to €5,000 value
• Pro: +2 years coverage up to €5,000 value
• Free: Not included

Coverage applies when the full purchase is made with ZEN Card, with no registration required. Claims are processed through insurance underwriters if devices fail after manufacturer warranty expires but within ZEN's extended period.

ZEN Care Purchase Protection

ZEN Care provides protection for problematic online purchases, offering instant refunds while ZEN handles merchant disputes:

• Free: 1 claim per year; ZEN retains 10% of refunded amount
• Gold/Platinum/Pro: Unlimited claims with no fees withheld

This service covers non-delivery, damaged items, services not provided, and fraudulent charges, providing faster resolution than traditional chargeback processes.

Fees and Limits

ZEN Card fees include monthly subscription costs, transaction fees, and currency conversion charges that vary significantly by plan tier. The fee structure is designed to reward higher-tier users with substantial savings on international transactions and crypto conversions.

Spending and Withdrawal Limits

Daily Purchase Limits (User-Adjustable):

• Standard: €10,000/day (EUR), 30,000 PLN/day, £10,000/day (GBP)
• Maximum: €30,000/day (EUR), 120,000 PLN/day, £30,000/day (GBP)

Daily ATM Withdrawal Limits (User-Adjustable):

• Standard: €2,000/day (EUR), 2,000 PLN/day, £2,000/day (GBP)
• Maximum: €30,000/day (EUR), 120,000 PLN/day, £30,000/day (GBP)

Special Restrictions: Ukrainian clients subject to €2,000/day total transaction limit due to regulatory constraints.

Additional Fees

• SEPA Transfers: Free
• SWIFT Transfers: ~0.1% + €5 (varies by destination)
• Card Top-Up (External Card): Up to 4.5% (Free plan), often promotional rates for higher tiers
• ATM Balance Inquiry: €1.00 (avoidable by using app)
• Chargeback/Manual Operations: €25 for unusual operations

Card Tiers and Options

Pro Plan Exclusive Features:

• ZEN Pro Card: Premium design with full rewards and 2-year warranty
• ZEN Travel Cards: Country-specific cards for 21 countries recognized as domestic (ideal for avoiding foreign ATM fees)
• Unlimited Shard Collection: No cap on Reward Zone participation
• 2-Month Free Trial: New customers automatically enrolled

Important Note: Travel Cards do not earn Reward Zone Shards and have only 1-year warranty coverage, intended primarily for ATM withdrawals and local service access.

Top-Up Methods

• Pre-load required (account balance must be funded before card spending)
• Supports 28 fiat currencies and 13 cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, USDT, USDC, etc.)
• Top-up via bank transfer (SEPA/SWIFT), debit/credit card, or instant crypto conversion in the app

Self-Custody Custodial

• Platform (ZEN.com) holds all fiat funds in user accounts; users have no control over private keys
• Users interact via app, but balances are managed by ZEN as Electronic Money Institution
• Crypto is not held by ZEN; only fiat after instant crypto-to-fiat conversion
• If provider ceases operations, access to funds depends on regulatory safeguarding, but users have no self-custody

Supported Currencies and Conversion

Fiat Currencies (28 Total)

ZEN Card supports 28 fiat currencies in a single multi-currency account: EUR, GBP, USD, PLN, AED, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, CZK, DKK, HKD, HUF, ILS, JPY, KES, MXN, NOK, NZD, QAR, RON, SAR, SEK, SGD, THB, TRY, UGX, ZAR.

Cryptocurrencies (13 Digital Assets)

Supported for Conversion: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ripple (XRP), Tron (TRX), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), DAI, Avalanche (AVAX).

Important: ZEN does not provide cryptocurrency wallets or hold crypto balances. All crypto transactions are processed via integrated external exchange providers, with ZEN acting as a fiat on/off ramp rather than a crypto custody solution.

Conversion Process

Real-Time Conversion: Automatic conversion occurs when spending in currencies not held in account using "cascading currency conversion" that attempts sequential conversion from available balances.

Rate Transparency: Conversion rates displayed in-app before transaction confirmation, with real-time interbank rates plus plan-specific markups.

Manual Exchange: In-app currency exchanges between any supported currencies with competitive rates and instant execution.

Geographic Availability

ZEN Card is available to residents of 60+ countries across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, with physical card delivery to 50+ destinations.

Europe

European Economic Area (31 countries): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Additional European Countries: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Kosovo, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, San Marino, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom (currently restricted for new sign-ups), Åland Islands

Americas

Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, United States of America

Asia-Pacific

Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand

Middle East & Africa

Israel, South Africa, United Arab Emirates

Restricted Countries

Card Usage Blocked: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Cuba, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, and occupied Ukrainian territories (Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia regions).

Regional Service Variations

United Kingdom: New customer onboarding paused pending local operations launch under FCA license. UK service expected to resume with local GBP IBANs and Faster Payments access.

Poland: Local PLN account numbers provided with Express ELIXIR transfers and Planet Cash ATM network for cash deposits.

Ukraine: Stricter transaction limits (€2,000/day) due to regulatory constraints.

Compliance and Security

Regulatory Framework

ZEN operates under comprehensive regulatory oversight with multiple licenses:

• EU EMI License: LB000457 from Bank of Lithuania (May 2018)
• UK FCA Authorization: Firm ref. 900889 (August 2024)
• Singapore MAS License: Major Payment Institution (2024)
• Mastercard Principal Membership: Direct card issuance authority with "Digital First" certification

Fund Security

Safeguarding: Client funds segregated from ZEN's operational funds and held in safeguarding accounts at reputable EU credit institutions or invested in low-risk government bonds with trustee oversight per EMI regulations.

Important Limitation: Not covered by government deposit guarantee schemes (no €100k EU Deposit Guarantee) because ZEN is an EMI, not a bank.

Card Protection: Mastercard zero-liability protection applies for unauthorized transactions when reported promptly.

Identity Verification

Full KYC Required: All users must complete verification before account activation using:

• Government-issued ID (passport universally accepted)
• Live selfie or video for liveness verification
• Additional proof of address may be requested

Processing: Typically automated within minutes to hours via partner verification systems, with some cases requiring manual review.

Security Features

App Security: Secure login with biometric/PIN options, two-factor authentication for sensitive actions, 3-D Secure for online purchases, and device binding.

Card Controls: Instant freeze/unfreeze, user-adjustable limits, PIN change via app, virtual card creation for secure payments, and location-based fraud detection.

Data Protection: HTTPS/TLS encryption, GDPR compliance, secure document storage, and EMV chip cards with contactless NFC.

Technical Details

Banking Infrastructure

IBAN Accounts: Every user receives a dedicated Lithuanian IBAN in their name for SEPA and SWIFT transfers.

Payment Rails:

• SEPA Instant and standard transfers
• SWIFT international wires to 80+ countries
• Local payment schemes (Express ELIXIR for Poland, Faster Payments for UK when available)
• Internal ZEN-to-ZEN transfers (instant and free)

Account Structure: Single multi-currency account holding all 28 currencies simultaneously with separate balance management per currency.

Card Technology

Physical Card: Standard plastic Mastercard with EMV chip, contactless NFC, and PIN support. No metal card options available.

Virtual Cards: Instant issuance in-app with ability to create multiple cards for different purposes. Disposable virtual cards available for secure one-time payments.

Mobile Wallet Integration: One-click addition to Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay, and Xiaomi Pay with no fees.

Crypto Integration

Non-Custodial Model: ZEN does not hold cryptocurrency but facilitates instant conversion via integrated external providers.

Conversion Process: Multiple provider quotes shown in-app with user selection of best rate before confirmation. Blockchain network fees passed through at actual cost.

Settlement: Instant fiat settlement in account with blockchain confirmation times for crypto receipt/sending.

User Experience

Mobile Application

Platforms: Available on iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), and Huawei AppGallery with modern dark theme and orange brand accents.

Core Features:

• Multi-currency account overview and instant exchange
• Card management with real-time controls
• Reward Zone dashboard with gamified elements
• Transaction history with categorization
• Payment initiation (SEPA/SWIFT/local transfers)
• Crypto conversion interface
• In-app chat support with push notifications for 3-D Secure

Language Support: 12+ languages including English, Polish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Greek, Hungarian, Romanian, and Ukrainian.

Customer Support

Available Channels:

• In-app chat (24/7, multilingual)
• Email: [email protected]
• Help Center: ask.zen.com

No Phone Support Available

User Feedback on Support: Mixed reviews with common complaints of slow response times (hours to next-day) and scripted responses. Some users report "awful, slow and unpleasant" support experiences, while others find it helpful for basic queries.

Common User Experiences

Positive Feedback:

• Instant cashback and Stones rewards highly valued
• Extended warranty appreciated for electronics purchases
• Competitive FX rates for international spending
• Modern app interface and ease of use
• Fast virtual card issuance and transfers

Common Complaints:

• Customer support quality and response times
• Occasional account verification issues
• Card delivery delays for distant locations
• Auto-enrollment in Pro plan trial seen as deceptive
• Limited traditional banking features

Best Suited For

• E-commerce enthusiasts who regularly shop at partner merchants and can leverage instant cashback on existing spending habits
• Electronics buyers purchasing smartphones, laptops, or appliances who value extended warranty protection that can save hundreds on claims
• International travelers and digital nomads needing multi-currency accounts with true interbank FX rates and local card options
• Crypto users seeking a compliant fiat on/off ramp with integrated conversion and immediate card spending capability

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Instant cashback at 800+ merchants with documented €320+ annual user earnings
• Industry-leading extended warranty adding 1-2 years to electronics purchases
• Zero foreign exchange fees on Platinum/Pro plans with true interbank rates
• Comprehensive rewards ecosystem with valuable refund coupons up to €1,000
• Multi-currency and crypto integration in single platform

Cons

• Customer support frequently criticized as slow and unresponsive
• No deposit insurance (EMI safeguarding instead of government guarantee)
• No interest paid on balances or traditional banking products
• Auto-enrollment in Pro trial that charges unless manually downgraded
• UK new customer onboarding currently paused

Conclusion

ZEN Card stands out as a sophisticated fintech solution that successfully gamifies spending rewards while providing genuine financial value through extended warranties and fee-free international transactions. The platform's regulatory compliance across EU, UK, and Singapore jurisdictions, combined with Mastercard principal membership, provides legitimacy often lacking in crypto-card competitors.

For users matching the ideal profile with moderate-to-heavy spending patterns (€500+/month), ZEN Card's rewards substantially exceed fees. The extended warranty alone can justify the Pro plan cost with a single electronics claim, while documented user experiences show €320+ annual earnings from normal spending through the combined cashback and Stones rewards system. When factoring in 0% foreign exchange fees and €800/month free ATM withdrawals internationally, ZEN becomes exceptionally cost-effective for travelers compared to traditional bank cards.

However, ZEN's positioning as a complementary financial tool rather than primary bank replacement is critical to understand. Significant limitations include no deposit insurance, no interest on balances, and most critically, inconsistent customer support quality that multiple users describe as "slow and unpleasant." The service excels as a secondary spending card for maximizing returns on purchases you'd make anyway, particularly for online shopping and international use, but cannot fully replace traditional banking relationships due to EMI structural limitations.

Additional Information

ZEN Travel Cards

Available for Pro plan users in 21 countries: Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.

Travel Cards have local BINs for these countries, are recognized as domestic to avoid foreign ATM surcharges, but do not earn Reward Zone Shards and have limited 1-year warranty coverage.

Account Management

Inactivity Policy: No inactivity fees; accounts inactive for 12+ months may be closed with remaining balance returned via bank transfer.

Data Portability: Users can request data export under GDPR; transaction statements available for download in CSV/PDF formats.

Account Closure: Can close account anytime via support with no closure fee.

Regulatory Complaint Channels

EU Customers: Bank of Lithuania, European Banking Authority
UK Customers: UK Financial Ombudsman Service (once under full FCA oversight)
Singapore Customers: Monetary Authority of Singapore

Process requires attempting resolution with ZEN support first before escalating to regulators.

Business Accounts

ZEN offers separate business accounts with features including multi-currency IBANs, higher transaction limits, employee cards with individual controls, bulk transfers, API access, and payment gateway services for online stores. Business pricing structure differs from personal accounts.