What to Know Before Using Crypto Cards in Australia
Every Tap Is a Tax Event
The ATO treats spending crypto as a disposal of an asset, meaning every card purchase triggers a capital gains tax calculation based on your income tax rate.
$10k Personal Use Exemption
Capital gains may be tax-free if you bought the crypto for under $10,000 and spent it quickly on personal items, rather than holding it as an investment.
Bank-Imposed Spending Limits
Major banks like CommBank may hold transfers to crypto exchanges for 24 hours or limit total monthly transfers to $10,000 to prevent scams.
Active ATO Data Matching
The tax office runs a formal data-matching program through 2026, pulling transaction data directly from exchanges to identify users who aren't reporting their spending.
$5k Crypto ATM Cap
AUSTRAC has imposed a strict $5,000 limit on cash deposits and withdrawals at crypto ATMs to combat money laundering.
50% Long-Term Holding Discount
If you hold your crypto for more than 12 months before spending it, you may only have to pay tax on half of the capital gain.
Common Questions About Crypto Cards in Australia
1 Do I have to pay tax every time I buy a coffee with my crypto card?
2 Why is my bank transfer to my crypto card app taking so long?
3 Can I avoid tax by using stablecoins for my daily spending?
4 Does the ATO really know about my crypto card transactions?
5 Is there a limit on how much I can top up my card?
Country-specific information last researched on . Regulations and policies can change — always verify with your card provider and local tax authority.
Top-Rated Cards in Australia
Top-Rated Card Details
Ether.Fi Cash Card
4.6⭐Ether.fi Cash is a non-custodial Visa credit card for DeFi users seeking spending power without selling crypto.
Ready Card
4.6⭐The Ready Metal Card is a premium self-custodial Mastercard debit card for spending crypto while retaining asset control. Crypto stays in your wallet until each payment, ensuring complete financial autonomy.
Kolo Card
4.1⭐Kolo Card is a crypto debit card that lets users spend cryptocurrencies, including memecoins, at merchants worldwide that accept Visa or Mastercard. Designed for crypto enthusiasts, it features automatic real-time crypto-to-fiat conversion for everyday purchases.
PAYY Card
4⭐PAYY Card is a crypto-enabled Visa credit card that lets users spend stablecoins (USDC) directly at merchants while maintaining privacy through zero-knowledge proofs on the Payy Network blockchain. The self-custodial model gives users full control of their funds via the PAYY Wallet app.
Exa Card
4⭐Exa Card is a virtual Visa credit card enabling users to spend crypto without selling assets. It offers self-custody, onchain borrowing, and flexible payment modes.
Rizon Card
3.8⭐Rizon Card is a non-custodial, stablecoin-backed Visa debit card for spending USDC or USDT directly from your own wallet. It converts stablecoins to local currency at purchase, with no custodial deposits or manual off-ramping.
All 50 Cards Available in Australia
Complete list including the top-rated cards above