Some credit cards are now offering cryptocurrency as a rewards option, moving beyond traditional cash back, points, or miles. A recent Gallup poll indicates that only 14% of adults in the United States currently own cryptocurrency, with 60% expressing no interest in purchasing it. However, several cryptocurrency companies believe that credit cards providing crypto rewards could shift this dynamic.
These cards function similarly to standard credit cards, with users receiving a credit limit upon approval and incurring interest on unpaid balances. The key distinction lies in the rewards: instead of earning airline miles or cash back, users earn cryptocurrency. For instance, a purchase earning 3% back in bitcoin would convert the dollar value to bitcoin at the current market rate and deposit it into a linked crypto account.
An example illustrates this: a $500 purchase with 3% bitcoin rewards yields $15, which might convert to approximately 0.00014 bitcoin based on October 2025 values. Proponents highlight the potential for reward value growth over time, citing a scenario where $100 in bitcoin rewards at the end of 2024 could increase to about $114 by early October 2025 without additional earnings.
Crypto credit cards are typically issued by banks in partnership with cryptocurrency exchanges like Gemini or Crypto.com. Users often need an account with the exchange, and some cards require membership programs. The specific cryptocurrency earned varies by card, with some offering bitcoin exclusively and others providing a choice of digital assets.
Companies advise researching both the credit card and the associated crypto exchange before applying, focusing on security measures, fees, insurance, and fraud history. Current market options include the Gemini Credit Card, which offers up to 4% back on categories like gas and dining, with no annual fee. The Coinbase One Card is available to members of Coinbase's tiered program, with rewards rates from 2% to 4% based on asset balances.
Other cards, such as the Fold Bitcoin Credit Card, have been announced but remain on waitlists. Some previous offerings, like the BlockFi Rewards Visa Signature Card, were discontinued after company bankruptcies. Crypto debit cards also exist, allowing users to load prepaid cash or convert digital assets for purchases.
These cards may appeal to beginners seeking an entry into crypto investing or experienced investors looking to augment portfolios without additional cash outlays. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk, with rewards potentially losing value as rapidly as they gain it, unlike more stable traditional rewards. Alternatives include using cash-back credit cards to earn flexible rewards that can later be invested in cryptocurrency if desired.