BitPay Card
MastercardhybridKYC: required
No rating
The BitPay Card is a prepaid Mastercard debit card for U.S. residents to convert cryptocurrency into USD for everyday spending. BitPay has paused new applications during a banking partner transition; a waitlist is available for updates.
Apply
Slug: bitpay-card
Our Verdict
Crypto income earners who receive payments in cryptocurrency, active crypto traders who need quick access for spending, U.S. residents who need a USD spending solution for their crypto, and frequent spenders who want to use crypto assets without exchange-to-bank delays.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No issuance fees for both virtual and physical cards
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Instant conversion of crypto to spendable USD
- FDIC insurance on USD balances up to $250,000 (when requirements met)
- No staking requirements - equal benefits for all users
- Wide crypto support (approximately 15 cryptocurrencies)
- Immediate virtual card access with Apple Pay/Google Pay integration
- Targeted cashback up to 15% through Cardlytics partnership
Cons
- New applications currently paused during banking partner transition
- No published timeline for program relaunch
- U.S. residents only, not available internationally
- No universal cashback on all purchases
- 3% currency conversion fee on international purchases
- $5 monthly inactivity fee after 90 days of no usage
- Each conversion creates a taxable event requiring record-keeping
- Prepaid card limitations for hotel holds and car rentals
Supported chains
BaseBitcoinEthereumSolana
Supported cryptos
BTCDAIDOGEETHLTCSHIBUSDCXRP
Fees
Monthly: $0
Issuance: $0
Purchase Transaction: $0 domestic
Key Features
- Instant conversion of 15+ cryptocurrencies to USD for spending
- Virtual card available immediately, compatible with Apple Pay/Google Pay
- Physical card ships within 7-10 business days
- No issuance fees for both virtual and physical cards
- No monthly maintenance fees or domestic transaction fees
- FDIC insurance on USD balances up to $250,000
- No staking requirements or tiered restrictions
- Targeted merchant cashback up to 15% through Cardlytics partners
Limitations
- New applications currently paused during banking partner transition
- No published timeline for program relaunch
- U.S. residents only, not available internationally
- No universal cashback on all purchases - rewards are merchant-specific
- 3% currency conversion fee on international purchases
- $5 monthly inactivity fee after 90 days of no usage
- Each crypto conversion creates a taxable event requiring record-keeping
- Prepaid card limitations for hotel holds and car rentals
Risks
- CounterpartyBanking partner transition - previous issuer Metropolitan Commercial Bank exited cryptocurrency businessMetropolitan Commercial Bank decided to exit the cryptocurrency business in January 2023. Previous program ended June 15, 2023.
- CounterpartyHistory of card program discontinuations due to banking partner changesOriginal BitPay Card (Visa) discontinued in 2018 when issuer Wave Crest lost Visa network access. This is the second time BitPay has had to discontinue its card program due to banking partner changes.
- CounterpartyIf provider disappears, unspent USD on card may be lostOnce loaded, user no longer holds private keys to funds. If provider disappears, unspent USD on card may be lost.
- RegulatoryEach cryptocurrency conversion is a taxable eventEach time cryptocurrency is converted to USD to load the BitPay Card, it constitutes a taxable event in the U.S.
Rewards & Cashback
Notes: Targeted merchant cashback through Cardlytics partnership. No universal cashback on all purchases - rewards are merchant-specific. Automatic application when shopping at participating merchants. $10 referral bonus for referring new users who activate and load cards.
Reward Token: USD
Cashback Rate: Up to 15% at select participating retailers
Eligibility Requirements: No staking requirements - equal benefits for all users
Spending Limits
Notes: Maximum card balance: $25,000. Daily load limit: $10,000.
Atm Daily: $2,000 per withdrawal (max 3 withdrawals/$6,000 total)
Atm Monthly: $25,000
Daily Spending: $10,000
Top-Up Methods
Cryptocurrency conversion via BitPay appDirect Coinbase account linking
Max Amount: $10,000 daily load limit
Processing Time: Funds appear as USD on card balance within seconds after blockchain confirmation
Security Features
Features: Two-factor authentication (2FA) for account login,PIN code for ATM and debit transactions,EMV chip card for secure in-person transactions,Contactless payment capability,Ability to instantly lock card via app if lost or stolen,Transaction monitoring for fraud prevention,Uses Onfido for document and facial verification
Insurance: USD funds on card were FDIC-insured up to $250,000 through Metropolitan Commercial Bank (for the previous program). FDIC pass-through coverage applied when requirements were met and the card was registered with verified identity. No explicit private insurance on crypto before conversion.
Mobile Wallet Support
Apple PayGoogle PayiOSAndroidWindows 10macOSLinux
Best For
Crypto income earners who receive payments in cryptocurrency, active crypto traders who need quick access for spending, U.S. residents who need a USD spending solution for their crypto, and frequent spenders who want to use crypto assets without exchange-to-bank delays.
Custody Model
hybridUsers control crypto until loading the card. At load, crypto is converted to USD and held by the card issuer. Once loaded, user no longer holds private keys to funds.
Risk: If provider disappears, unspent USD on card may be lost; unconverted crypto remains user-controlled.
Card Issuer & Compliance
Issuer Name: Previous issuer: Metropolitan Commercial Bank (Member FDIC). BitPay is transitioning to a new banking partner (not yet disclosed).
Kyc Required: true
Issuer License: Regulated Money Services Business (MSB) status. Licensed in required states for virtual currency business. BitLicense from New York State Department of Financial Services.
Platform Licenses: Money Services Business (MSB),BitLicense from New York State Department of Financial Services,State licenses for virtual currency business
Availability
U.S. residents only (all 50 states). The card functioned identically in all U.S. jurisdictions with no regional variations in features, fees, or benefits.
Card Tiers
BitPay Prepaid Mastercard
PhysicalStandard plastic with EMV chip and contactless tap
U.S. resident, 18+ years old, KYC verification
Fees
Issuance: $0 (free for both virtual and physical)
Monthly: $0
MastercardApple PayGoogle Pay
Cashback: Up to 15% at participating merchants
Virtual card available immediately upon approvalPhysical card ships within 7-10 business daysSeparate virtual and physical card numbersWorldwide Mastercard acceptanceFDIC insurance on USD balances up to $250,000
Merchant Restrictions
Illegal transactions- Cannot be used for illegal transactions
Some merchants- Some merchants may decline prepaid cards for certain purchases
Recurring subscriptions- May not work for recurring subscriptions that verify card funds
Roadmap & Updates
Expansion: No specific timeline for relaunch has been published
Planned Features:
- Relaunch of improved card program following transition to new banking partner
- Specific enhancements have not been detailed
Recent Updates:
- BitPay Wallet downloads surpassed 12.4 million globally
- Support for 22 new cryptocurrencies added to the platform
- Achieved WalletConnect Certification in 2025
- Added support for Solana-based tokens in 2025
Conclusion
The BitPay Card stood out as a reliable and straightforward solution for U.S. cryptocurrency holders looking to spend their digital assets in everyday life. Its main strengths lay in its zero domestic fees, immediate conversion capabilities, and seamless integration with the BitPay ecosystem. While the previous program ended in June 2023 following Metropolitan Commercial Bank's exit from the cryptocurrency business, BitPay has positioned this as a transition period rather than a permanent discontinuation. The company is working with a new banking partner to relaunch an improved card program, though no specific timeline has been published. The card's reliability, FDIC insurance on USD balances, and established position in the market made it a cornerstone option for U.S. crypto spenders seeking practical utility from their digital assets during its operational period.
Card launched: Originally 2016 (as Visa); relaunched 2020 (as Mas
Related cards
Ether.Fi Cash Card
4.5
VisahybridKYC Required
Details of Ether.Fi Cash Card crypto card including cashback rewards, fees, staking requirements, and review. Compare with other cryptocurrency cards.
Networks
BaseEthereumGnosisScroll
Ready Card
4.5
Mastercardself-custodialKYC Required
Details of Ready Card crypto card including cashback rewards, fees, staking requirements, and review. Compare with other cryptocurrency cards.
Networks
BaseBitcoinEthereum
Crypto.com Card
4.0
Visa + MastercardcustodialKYC Required
Details of Crypto.com Card crypto card including cashback rewards, fees, staking requirements, and review. Compare with other cryptocurrency cards.
Gemini Credit Card
4.0
MastercardcustodialKYC Required
Details of Gemini Credit Card crypto card including cashback rewards, fees, staking requirements, and review. Compare with other cryptocurrency cards.
Networks
BitcoinEthereumSolana