Coinbase, launched in 2012, is a leading global crypto exchange renowned for its user-friendly platform and innovative solutions. Among its offerings is the Coinbase Visa Debit Card, designed to bridge crypto holdings with everyday spending. This review covers everything you need to know about the card, including fees, rewards, supported cryptocurrencies, and how it stacks up against competitors.
What Is the Coinbase Debit Card?
The Coinbase Card, launched in 2019 in partnership with Visa, allows users to spend crypto directly from their Coinbase accounts. Initially available in Europe, it expanded to the U.S. in 2020. Unlike prepaid crypto cards, it eliminates the need for preloading funds by linking directly to your Coinbase wallet.
Key Features
- Instant crypto-to-fiat conversion at checkout.
- Cashback rewards: 1% in BTC or 4% in XLM (Stellar Lumens).
- Supported in 30+ countries, including the U.S., UK, and EU nations.
- No annual fee, but a one-time issuance fee applies for EU/UK users (£4.95/€4.95).
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Seamless integration with Coinbase accounts.
- High security: AES-256 encryption and Visa’s fraud protection.
- Generous spending limits: Up to €10,000 daily (or $2,500 in the U.S.).
- Wide crypto support: 100+ coins, including BTC, ETH, and USDC.
❌ Cons
- 2.49% liquidation fee for non-USDC transactions.
- Geographic restrictions: Not available in Hawaii or select countries.
How the Coinbase Card Works
Spending Crypto:
- Select a crypto asset in your Coinbase app to fund purchases.
- At checkout, the crypto is instantly converted to fiat (USD/EUR/GBP).
- Cashback is credited to your account within 1–5 days.
Earning Rewards:
- Choose between 1% BTC or 4% XLM cashback per transaction.
- Exclusions: ATM withdrawals and merchant-specific exclusions (e.g., gambling).
Mobile App:
- Manage spending preferences, track rewards, and activate contactless payments (Apple Pay/Google Pay).
Supported Cryptocurrencies
The card supports all 100+ coins listed on Coinbase, including:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- USD Coin (USDC) (No liquidation fee)
- Stellar Lumens (XLM) (4% cashback option)
👉 Compare crypto debit cards for alternative options.
Fee Structure
| Fee Type | U.S. Users | EU/UK Users |
|------------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
| Issuance Fee | Free | £4.95 / €4.95 |
| ATM Withdrawal | 1% over $1,000/day | 1% over €200/month |
| International TXN | 2% | 3% |
| Liquidation Fee | 2.49% (non-USDC) | 2.49% (non-USDC) |
Note: USDC transactions avoid liquidation fees.
Spending and Withdrawal Limits
- U.S.: $2,500 daily spending; $1,000 ATM limit.
- EU/UK: €10,000 daily spending; €500 ATM limit.
How to Apply
- Sign up for a Coinbase account (link).
- Complete KYC verification (ID required).
- Request the card via the "Pay" tab in the app.
- Activate upon arrival (7–10 business days).
Coinbase Card vs. Competitors
| Feature | Coinbase Card | BitPay Card | Crypto.com Card |
|------------------|--------------|-------------|----------------|
| Cashback | 1–4% | 1–2% | 1–8% |
| Fees | 2.49% liquidation | 3% conversion | Varies by tier |
| Supported Coins | 100+ | 7 | 120+ |
👉 Explore more crypto cards for higher rewards.
FAQ
1. Is the Coinbase Card free?
- Yes for U.S. users; EU/UK users pay a £4.95 issuance fee.
2. How are taxes handled?
- Crypto sales at checkout are taxable events. USDC transactions avoid fees.
3. What if my card is lost?
- Freeze it via the app and request a replacement (£4.95/€4.95 fee in EU/UK).
Final Verdict
The Coinbase Card excels in ease of use and integration but falls short on fees compared to rivals like Crypto.com. Ideal for frequent Coinbase users seeking straightforward crypto spending.
Ready to apply? Sign up for Coinbase today!
For alternatives, check our BitPay Card Review or Crypto.com Card Review.