The world of cryptocurrency is evolving fast, and with it, the ways we spend digital assets. One of the most seamless bridges between crypto and real-world spending is the Coinbase Card—a Visa-powered debit card that lets you spend your crypto just like traditional money. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Coinbase Card in 2025, from how it works and where it’s accepted, to fees, rewards, security, and whether it’s right for you.
What Is Coinbase?
Coinbase Global Inc. is one of the most trusted and widely used cryptocurrency exchange platforms in the world. Founded in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, the U.S.-based company has grown to serve over 56 million verified users across approximately 100 countries. With more than $223 billion in assets on its platform and a quarterly trading volume exceeding $335 billion, Coinbase stands as a pillar of reliability in the crypto space.
The platform allows users to buy, sell, trade, and store a wide range of cryptocurrencies with ease. It also offers advanced security features such as vault protection, two-factor authentication (2FA), and bank-level AES-256 encryption—making it a top choice for both beginners and experienced investors.
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What Is the Coinbase Card?
Launched in 2020, the Coinbase Card is a Visa debit card that enables users to spend their cryptocurrency holdings instantly at millions of merchants worldwide. Whether you're buying groceries, grabbing coffee, or shopping online, the card converts your crypto to fiat currency in real time—no need to pre-convert or maintain a fiat balance.
Issued by MetaBank® (N.A., Member FDIC) under a license from Visa U.S.A., and powered by Marqueta in the U.S., the card integrates directly with your Coinbase account. For European users, the card is issued by Paysafe Financial Services Limited.
While a virtual card is available within the app, you must first order a physical card to unlock full functionality. This integration makes the Coinbase Card not just a standalone product, but an extension of your existing crypto wallet—offering convenience without compromising on security.
Key Benefits of Using the Coinbase Card
Why choose the Coinbase Card over other crypto debit cards? Here are some standout advantages:
- Instant crypto-to-fiat conversion at point of sale
- No monthly or issuance fees (except in the U.K.)
- Support for 9 major cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, LTC, XRP, and USDC
- Up to 4% cashback in crypto for U.S. customers
- Free ATM withdrawals up to £200/$200 per month
- Real-time spending notifications via mobile app
- Available in the U.S. and over 30 European countries
Who Should Use the Coinbase Card?
The Coinbase Card is ideal for:
- Crypto holders who want real-time spending power
- Frequent shoppers looking to earn crypto rewards
- Travelers needing a globally accepted payment method
- Users already invested in the Coinbase ecosystem
However, if you maintain a highly diversified portfolio beyond supported coins or are sensitive to conversion fees, you may find limitations.
How to Get Started with the Coinbase Card
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Coinbase Card:
- You must have a verified Level 2 Coinbase account
- Your account must be funded with at least £5 or equivalent in supported cryptocurrency
- U.S. residents must live outside of Hawaii
Step 2: Apply for the Card
You can apply via the Coinbase website or through the mobile app:
- Log into your verified account
- Navigate to the "Card" section
- Click “Apply Now” and follow the prompts
There’s no credit check and no application fee, making it accessible to most users.
Step 3: Set Up Your Physical Card
Once approved, your physical card will arrive within 7–10 business days. To activate:
- Open the Coinbase Card app
- Tap “Enable Physical Card”
- Follow on-screen instructions
You can also set your preferred spending currency (e.g., BTC, ETH, USDC) directly in the app.
Step 4: Fund Your Card
Your card pulls funds directly from your Coinbase wallet. Simply ensure your account holds enough balance in any supported cryptocurrency—the system automatically converts it when you make a purchase.
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Features That Make the Coinbase Card Stand Out
Real-Time Conversion & Multi-Currency Support
Every time you swipe or tap, Coinbase instantly converts your chosen cryptocurrency into local fiat. You can switch between supported assets anytime—perfect for optimizing value based on market conditions.
Crypto Rewards Program
U.S. cardholders enjoy generous rewards:
- 4% back in Stellar Lumens (XLM)
- 1% back in Bitcoin (BTC)
You can toggle between reward types in-app, allowing strategic accumulation based on your investment goals.
Mobile App Integration
The dedicated Coinbase Card app (available on iOS and Android) gives you full control:
- View transaction history
- Receive push notifications for every purchase
- Lock or report lost/stolen cards instantly
- Change PINs and manage settings securely
- Access card details via fingerprint authentication—no PIN required
Spending Limits and Withdrawal Caps
| Transaction Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Daily Purchase Limit | £10,000 / €10,000 |
| Monthly Purchase Limit | £20,000 / €20,000 |
| Annual Purchase Limit | £100,000 / €100,000 |
| Daily ATM Withdrawal | £500 / €500 |
Need higher limits? Contact Coinbase support via email to request adjustments.
Fee Structure: What You Need to Know
Purchase Fees
- U.K. residents: 0%
- EEA (excluding U.K.): 0.20%
- Outside EEA: 3%
Conversion Fees
A 2.49% liquidation fee applies when converting non-USDC cryptocurrencies. However, no conversion fee is charged when spending USD Coin (USDC)—making it the most cost-effective option.
ATM Withdrawal Fees
- First £200/$200 per month: Free
- Beyond limit – Domestic: 1%
- Beyond limit – International: 2%
Other Fees
- Issuance fee: None (except £4.95 in the U.K.)
- Monthly fee: $0
- Chargeback fee: £20 ($26.20)
Supported Cryptocurrencies
The Coinbase Card supports:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Ripple (XRP)
- Stellar (XLM)
- Basic Attention Token (BAT)
- Augur (REP)
- 0x (ZRX)
- All ERC-20 tokens (including USDC and DAI)
This broad support ensures flexibility while maintaining ease of use.
Availability by Region
The card is currently available in:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Expansion plans may bring it to more regions in 2025.
Security Measures You Can Trust
Coinbase prioritizes safety with:
- Bank-grade AES-256 encryption
- SSL/TLS encrypted traffic
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Employee access restrictions and background checks
- Offline cold storage for most funds
Additionally, you can freeze your card instantly via the app if lost or compromised.
Customer Support Options
While Coinbase doesn’t offer live chat for card services, support is available via:
- In-app messaging
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone assistance for urgent issues like lost cards
Response times are generally prompt, especially for critical account actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use the virtual card without ordering a physical one?
No. You must order a physical card before accessing virtual card details.
How does the crypto conversion work?
When you make a purchase, Coinbase draws funds from your wallet and converts them to fiat in real time using the current market rate.
Are there any spending restrictions?
Yes—daily, monthly, and annual limits apply. These can be adjusted upon request.
Do I earn rewards on all purchases?
Only U.S. customers earn crypto rewards (up to 4% in XLM or 1% in BTC). Rewards are credited within 1–5 days.
What happens if my card is lost or stolen?
Use the app to lock your card immediately. Coinbase will issue a replacement free of charge within 7–10 days.
Is there a minimum balance requirement?
No minimum deposit is required, but you need at least £5 worth of crypto to activate the card.
Final Verdict: Is the Coinbase Card Worth It?
If you’re looking for a simple, secure way to spend crypto in everyday life, the Coinbase Card remains one of the best options in 2025. Despite relatively high conversion fees compared to some competitors, its seamless integration with the Coinbase ecosystem, strong security protocols, and attractive rewards program make it a compelling choice—especially for U.S.-based users.
While it may not suit those with highly diversified portfolios or ultra-low fee expectations, its user-friendly design and global usability offer unmatched convenience for mainstream adoption.
👉 See how easy it is to turn your crypto into real-world purchasing power.