Cryptocurrencies continue to gain value and accessibility, but they aren’t yet part of everyday spending worldwide. While trading digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) is easier than ever, using them for daily purchases like groceries or gas isn’t common practice. To bridge this gap, companies are developing products, such as debit cards, that combine the familiarity of traditional finance with the innovative features of crypto. Among those is Coinbase, whose Coinbase Card allows eligible users to spend – and earn – crypto wherever Visa is accepted.

For those looking to use crypto outside of web3, Coinbase Card offers a straightforward solution. But before applying, it's important to explore its features and understand the latest eligibility criteria. In this guide, we'll tell you what you need to know.

What is a crypto debit card?

The debit card for Coinbase belongs to the growing category called "crypto debit cards," which function much like standard debit cards but with one key difference: the option to pay with either cash or cryptocurrencies. Unlike traditional bank-linked cards, crypto debit cards connect to a user’s exchange account, enabling them to choose specific cryptocurrencies from their portfolio to spend. When users make a purchase, Coinbase instantly sells the chosen cryptocurrency at the current market rate and converts it into fiat before completing the transaction. The merchant receives the payment in their local currency through Visa’s payment network.

This card type is particularly useful for crypto enthusiasts looking to make everyday purchases with digital assets without the hassle or cost of repeated conversions. Supported by major payment networks like Visa and Mastercard, crypto debit cards can be used at millions of merchants, e-commerce platforms, and ATMs worldwide. Some cards include perks, such as token rewards, free subscriptions, and trading fee discounts. 

What is Coinbase Card?

Coinbase, a multinational centralized cryptocurrency exchange (CEX) based in the United States, offers Coinbase Card as its flagship crypto debit option. Initially launched in Europe in 2019, the card became available to most of the U.S. market in 2020. With Coinbase Card, users can spend crypto from their Coinbase account and withdraw fiat at ATMs. As a Visa debit card, it’s accepted at any merchant that supports Visa payments, with all crypto transactions automatically converted to fiat currency through Visa’s payment network.

What are Coinbase Card's main features? 

Coinbase Card offers the convenience of a Visa debit card with the flexibility to use digital currencies. This allows users to switch between crypto and fiat seamlessly. Noteworthy features include:

• Cash and multi-crypto spending: Coinbase Card lets you use crypto from your Coinbase account to make purchases at Visa-approved merchants. You can also link a bank account for cash withdrawals if you prefer to hold onto your crypto assets.
• In-app card management: The Coinbase app enables users to monitor spending and adjust card preferences on their mobile devices. (Note that this app differs from the decentralized Coinbase Wallet app.)
• Security benefits: Known for its professional crypto custody, Coinbase extends strong security features to its debit card. These include two-factor authentication, PIN management, and instant card freezing to protect account information.
• No account or transfer fees: Coinbase Card has no application or annual fees, and Coinbase charges no transfer fees when using fiat or cryptocurrencies. However, crypto-to-fiat conversions may be subject to spread fees based on Coinbase’s exchange rates. 
• 24/7 customer service: Coinbase provides a dedicated customer care number for assistance. Users can also submit a ticket via Coinbase’s support center for further help.

Does Coinbase Card offer rewards?

Besides making it easier to spend cryptocurrency, Coinbase Card rewards users with crypto on every transaction, too. Whether purchases are made with cash or crypto, cardholders earn a percentage back in a pre-selected cryptocurrency. For example, if the reward rate is currently 2% on Bitcoin, cardholders receive 2% back in BTC based on the fiat value of their purchase (equivalent to $0.02 in BTC per $1 spent).

Typically, Coinbase includes Bitcoin in its reward options along with a rotating selection of altcoins. Past rewards have included Ethereum, Dogecoin (DOGE), and Algorand (ALGO), though users should check Coinbase’s official list for current options. The reward rates for each cryptocurrency can vary, so users should keep an eye on their Coinbase Card account for the latest reward percentages.

Who can apply for Coinbase Card?

Coinbase Card applicants must be verified legal adults with a Coinbase account in an eligible country. Currently, all U.S. states (except Hawaii) qualify, along with these European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. However, availability is subject to change, so check Coinbase’s official support page for the most up-to-date list.

To apply for Coinbase Card, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your Coinbase account on the Coinbase website or mobile app.
2. Navigate to the "Card" section.
3. On the website, click on the “Card” tab in the main navigation bar at the top of the page. In the mobile app, tap the “Card” option in the bottom menu.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to provide the necessary information and submit your application.

Once approved, you'll have immediate access to a virtual version of Coinbase Card through the mobile app. A physical card will be mailed to your registered address within approximately three weeks.

Are there alternatives to Coinbase Card?

For traders interested in a crypto debit card but don’t meet Coinbase Card’s requirements, there are other options with similar features. As with Coinbase Card, be sure to research eligibility requirements and rewards to see how they compare.

• The Crypto.com Visa Card: Issued by the Singapore-based exchange Crypto.com, this Visa prepaid card provides features similar to Coinbase Card, such as easy currency conversion and the ability to load funds with crypto or cash. Unlike Coinbase Card, Crypto.com offers multiple tiers with different account requirements and rewards, including staking bonuses, subscription rebates, and airport lounge access. 
• The Binance Card: Binance’s Visa debit card allows users in select regions to convert cryptocurrencies from their accounts into local fiat currencies. Launched in 2020, this card primarily serves users in Europe and Latin America and provides cashback rewards to eligible cardholders.
• Gemini Credit Card: Gemini offers a crypto credit card, setting it apart from the standard debit options. Available to eligible U.S. users, this Mastercard allows spending on credit with monthly repayment, earning rewards in available cryptocurrencies with each purchase.

CoinTracker integrates with Coinbase and Coinbase Wallet 

If you use a Coinbase trading account or the Coinbase Wallet app, CoinTracker offers seamless support. Our portfolio tracker integrates smoothly with Coinbase – along with hundreds of other crypto exchanges and wallets – to provide a complete view of your trading activity. Plus, CoinTracker simplifies tax season by automatically importing this data into IRS-compliant forms, ready for your CPA or tax service like TurboTax or H&R Block.

Experience all the benefits of CoinTracker's portfolio tracker firsthand by signing up for a free account. 

Disclaimer: This post is informational only and is not intended as tax advice. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.