Best Bitcoin and Crypto Reward Credit Cards 2024

Crypto credit cards (sometimes called bitcoin credit cards) are the next generation of credit cards. They look and act like typical credit cards: you can generally use them anywhere Visa, Mastercard, or Amex are accepted.

At Bitcoin Market Journal, we’re all about helping you make smart financial decisions using crypto. This goes double with bitcoin credit cards, which come with their own set of opportunities (and risks).

In this guide designed for intelligent crypto investors, we’ll cover:

How Crypto Credit Cards Work | Why Use Bitcoin Credit Cards? | Our Ratings | Tips on Using | Pros and Cons | How to Choose  | FAQs

Our Top Picks for 2024

How Crypto Credit Cards Work

A crypto credit card is a rewards credit card that gives users cryptocurrency as a reward for purchases, instead of cash back or points.

Like a regular card, crypto credit cards are subject to interest if you don’t pay your balance monthly, which impacts your credit record. So if you do get a crypto credit card, pay off your balance monthly.

Annual fees, monthly fees, and charges for ATM withdrawals may also apply.

There are various benefits of crypto credit cards, including:

• Earning rewards in cryptocurrency (like cashback rewards, but in crypto)
• The ease of making purchases with crypto rewards earned for each purchase.
• Using them worldwide, anywhere that accepts Visa and Mastercard.

However, while these cards have benefits, smart investors are advised to spend responsibly, beware of tax obligations, and pay the balance off every month to avoid excessive interest fees.

If you’re paying off your balance each month, it’s a great way to “stack sats,” i.e., earn small amounts of crypto over time. This is a practical way to use our steady-drip investing strategy, buying crypto at regular fixed intervals, regardless of price.

Why Use Bitcoin Credit Cards?

For most investors, the best deal is a credit card that allows you to pay off your monthly balance in dollars, while giving you cashback rewards denominated in bitcoin.

In this way, you get the best of both worlds: it behaves like a regular credit card, but with the added bonus of earning crypto, which has delivered substantial returns over the last three years.

Bitcoin Credit Cards Compared: Our Ratings

We’ve rated and reviewed the best crypto credit cards on the market; read on for our top picks.

Card	Fees	Crypto Supported	Crypto Rewards?	Availability
Gemini	No annual fee. No exchange fees to acquire your crypto rewards. APR: 14.49% – 25.49% variable APR. $10 or 3% for cash advances (whichever is greater). Standard variable APR for cash advances is 27.49%. Fees may result from selling or converting your crypto rewards.	Offers rewards in bitcoin, Ethereum and 50+ other cryptocurrencies (Full list).	Yes: 3% crypto rewards for dining (up to $6k annually then 1%), 2% for groceries,  1% for other purchases, and 4% cash back per dollar spent on gas or EV up to $200 per month in the first year, then 1%	United States residents. Cardholders have full control over their rewards and can trade or hold their rewards.
Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card	APR: 14.99% – 29.99%. No annual fees. 1.5% fee for selling Bitcoins.	Bitcoin	Yes: 1.5% Bitcoin on purchases when the statement is paid. Up to 10% cashback with Upgrade Shopping powered by Dosh.	Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card is not currently available in Hawaii or North Carolina.
Brex Corporate Credit Card	APR-Variable, not disclosed on website, No annual fee	Bitcoin or Ethereum. Redeem earned points for BTC or ETH through partner TravelBank.	7x on rideshare, 4x on Brex travel, 3x on restaurants, 2x on software 1x on remaining.	Available in all 50 states. Business accounts only for C-corps, S-corps, LLCs, or LLPs.
Venmo Credit Card	No annual fee. 3% fee to send money.	Convert your cashback to crypto- Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash.	3% on eligible top spend category, 2% cash back on secondary category, 1% on all other eligible purchases	Not available in Hawaii.

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Gemini Crypto Credit Card

Gemini is a cryptocurrency exchange that also offers a crypto credit card, with rewards deposited directly to your Gemini account.

How to Earn Rewards: The company lets you spend and earn crypto rewards anywhere in the world just as you would with any other credit or debit card. The exchange offers rewards in bitcoin, Ethereum, or 50 other cryptocurrencies, deposited to your Gemini account for trading or HODLing.

The card does not charge any extra fees for purchases or ATM withdrawals (although there are cash advance fees), and offers other features like 24/7 customer support and fraud protection.

Fees: No annual fees. 14.49% – 25.49% variable APR. $10 or 3% (whichever is greater) for cash advances. No ATM withdrawal fees.

Cryptos Supported: Offers rewards in bitcoin and 50+ other currencies. (Full List)

Rewards: 3% crypto rewards for dining (up to $6k annually, then 1%), 2% for groceries, and 1% for everyday purchases. 4% cash back per dollar spent on gas or EV up to $200 per month in the first year, then 1%.

Availability: United States residents only. Cardholders can use the Gemini card anywhere in the world that accepts Mastercard.

Pros:

• Crypto rewards on dining, groceries, and other purchases.
• Rewarded in real-time as you make the purchase.
• No annual or exchange fees.
• Change your crypto reward type at any time.
• Available to U.S. residents of all 50 states.

Cons:

• High cash advance fees
• Rewards are initially held in your Gemini exchange account creating an extra step for those who wish to self-custody.

Our Take: The Gemini credit card is good for United States residents who dine out regularly, want to earn rewards in real-time, and earn crypto rewards for everyday spending. A huge plus is the ability to change your choice of crypto for receiving your rewards.

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Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card

Upgrade’s offering is a credit card that only offers bitcoin as a crypto reward. This is great if you’re interested in bitcoin, but if you want your rewards in another crypto – say, Ethereum – you should consider competitor cards.

How to Earn Rewards: Rewards are earned when you use the credit card to purchase goods or services. The current reward rate is a flat 1.5%, and these bitcoin rewards are subject to a 90-day holding period.

Once you’ve earned your bitcoin rewards, you can let the balance grow and the coins are stored with NYDIG, a bitcoin integrated financial services platform for institutions. When you sell the bitcoin, the proceeds are applied as statement credit.

Fees: None, except bitcoin fees of 1.5% when you sell.

Cryptos Supported: Bitcoin

Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% crypto rewards. Other benefits include baggage insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage.

Availability: Not available in Hawaii and North Carolina.

Pros:

• Lower monthly payments and no annual fees.
• Flexibility. Users can earn crypto rewards at all Visa accepting merchants.
• Fixed rate monthly payments.

Cons:

• You can use the card to buy from retailers and ecommerce stores, but not for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
• 1.5% fee applies if you sell your bitcoin rewards.
• Bitcoin rewards are stored on the NYDIG platform with no choice to transfer them to your crypto wallet.
• You won’t receive rewards until purchases on the card are paid off.

Our Take: The Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Card serves as a good introduction to cryptocurrencies. However, because BTC transfers are not supported, it’s not the best choice for individuals who want to HODL long-term.

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Brex Corporate Credit Card

The Brex corporate credit card is a good choice for business owners since it was designed specifically for corporate usage and spending.

How to Earn Rewards: Cardholders are offered points for purchases intended to have a positive impact on their businesses. Card holders can then redeem their points for either bitcoin or Ethereum via Brex’s partner, TravelBank.

They also offer a Brex exclusive tier that offers cardholders the highest cashback multipliers available. It’s a good choice for business owners who want to streamline their spending and enjoy crypto rewards.

Fees: No annual fee.

Cryptos Supported: Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Rewards: Offers exclusive rewards meant to have business impact using points to buy billboards, offsite and event planning, executive coaching services, and mental health sessions with Spring Health.

Availability: Available in all 50 states. Business must be located in the U.S. and must be a C-corp, S-corp, LLCs, or LLP.

Pros:

• Available to residents of all 50 states.
• Rewards optimized for business owners such as executive coaching services.
• Additional discounts available for multiple business services.

Cons:

• Rewards are only offered in bitcoin and Ethereum.
• Card is solely for business owners.

Our Take: The Brex Corporate Credit Card is a good option for business owners who want to enjoy crypto rewards. The additional discounts on business services are an added bonus.

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Venmo Credit Card

Venmo is a mobile payment service that was founded in 2009. In 2021 they added functionality for users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. Now, they offer a credit card that allows users to convert reward incentives to crypto.

Note that rewards on the Venmo card are not provided in crypto, instead they are cash back rewards that can be used to auto-purchase crypto through Venmo with no transaction fees. You could consider this as another way to steady-drip invest with everyday purchases.

How to Earn Rewards: The card is a good choice for existing Venmo users. It also offers newcomers a light introduction to cryptocurrencies. Card holders can benefit from collecting crypto rewards on purchases before deciding to make larger crypto investments.

Fees: 3% fee to send money.

Cryptos Supported: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash

Rewards: 3% cash back on eligible top spend category, 2% cash back on secondary category, 1% on all other eligible purchases

Availability: Not available in Hawaii.

Pros:

• No transaction fee to purchase crypto with cash back rewards.

Cons:

• Limited cryptocurrency options for rewards.
• Must have a Venmo account in good standing and open for at least 30 days to qualify.

Our Take: This card is a good fit for people who like the convenience of mobile payments but want to dabble in cryptocurrencies in a low-pressure way. Consider this card if you already have a Venmo account and you’ll pay off any credit card purchases monthly.

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Tips on Using Bitcoin Credit Cards

At Bitcoin Market Journal, we’re all about helping you make smart financial decisions using crypto. This goes double with bitcoin credit cards, which come with their own set of cautions.

Read the Fine Print

Problem: Crypto cards have complicated fee structures and lack of consistency between cards. This is because the “bridge” between digital and traditional payment systems (e.g., VISA and crypto) is still being built.

In an ideal world: Do your homework. Some of these cards don’t have the same perks as traditional credit cards. And redeeming your crypto might be more complicated than you like. As sexy as it sounds to earn bitcoin rewards, you may still be better off with a traditional credit card (once a year, you can still use your cash back rewards to buy bitcoin).

Make Sure It’s Really a Credit Card

Problem: Although many companies label their products as “crypto credit cards,” they don’t work the same way as traditional credit cards. Many are really crypto debit cards, where you’re creating a line of credit based on the crypto held in your account.

In an ideal world: Credit card companies should be clear about what is a “crypto credit card” and a “crypto debit card,” and educate investors on the pros and cons of each (as we’re doing here).

Be Sure It’s Available in Your Country

Problem: Because this industry is new, most cards are only available in certain jurisdictions, and all cards have conversion fees if you want to use them internationally. These international fees can be confusing; sometimes it’s cheaper to just pay cash.

In an ideal world: Bitcoin credit card apps and websites should auto-detect your country and just give you clear language on where it can be used and the fees to use it internationally.

Beware of Processing Delays

Problem: Consumers are used to credit cards making instant transactions, but crypto doesn’t work that way. A single crypto transaction can vary from a few minutes to over an hour, or even a few days. This could mean delays in claiming your rewards – such as the 90 day holding period from the Uphold card.

In an ideal world: Bitcoin credit card apps should include clear communication on the transfer process and a constantly-updated “tracking number” (like FedEx tracking) that shows what’s happening.

Beware of Volatility and Fees

Problem: If you’re holding crypto rewards, understand that their value can swing wildly in price from day to day.

In an ideal world: Bitcoin credit cards should have an easy three-swipe “tutorial” that walks you through how digital assets work, clarifying how your holdings may change over time.

Pros and Cons of Bitcoin Credit Cards

Pros	Cons
You can use them worldwide, anywhere that accepts Visa and Mastercard. (Some geographical restrictions may apply.)	Some have limited options for reward use.
Risk-free access for cardholders new to crypto.	High conversion fees are associated with some cards.
Ability to earn rewards in fiat and cryptocurrencies.	Geographical limitations may apply.
Crypto cashback rewards and flexible spending.	The volatility of cryptocurrencies means your crypto rewards may lose value.

How to Choose the Best Crypto Credit Card

A crypto credit card can be an effective way to generate bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as a reward for your everyday spending. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one? Here are some key features to consider when choosing a crypto credit card:

Card Issuer

Generally, a crypto credit card is available from established crypto platforms. That means setting up an account with your preferred provider or finding out what card options are available from any platforms you’re already signed up for.

If you’re new to crypto rewards, research what’s available, and compare and contrast the cards based on your needs.

Reward rate

Your reward rate is how much you’ll get in rewards for each purchase, and these vary from card to card. Sometimes the reward rate may be conditional. For example, with some cards, you must have a qualifying account to earn the highest level of cashback.

Reward rates may come in as a flat or bonus rate when you purchase from a specific niche, while some cards only pay rewards in certain categories.

Fees

As with any other card, charges may apply to your crypto credit card. These may include:

• Monthly fees: Not all cards charge a monthly fee, but it’s something to be aware of.
• Foreign transaction fee: For card withdrawals outside of the US. These can range from  3% to 5%.
• ATM withdrawal fees: These can vary from $2.50 to $3, sometimes more.
• Annual fees: A fee charged once a year for the privilege of having a credit account.

FAQs

What is the difference between a crypto rewards credit card and a crypto rewards debit card?

A: Crypto credit cards allow you to earn rewards in crypto when you make purchases. Crypto debit cards, on the other hand, allow you to make purchases with crypto that you preload onto the card.

What is the best crypto rewards card?

A: In our opinion, the BlockFi Bitcoin Rewards credit card is the best crypto rewards credit card overall, as it offers 2% cashback, 3.5% bitcoin in the first 90 days, and various reward programs.

Are crypto credit cards safe?

A: Crypto credit cards are generally safe to use. However, just like any other debit or credit card, they can be susceptible to fraud and theft. Before signing up for a crypto credit card, research how the company cares for its customers’ funds and what protections it has in place against fraud. Look for companies that are transparent, have third-party insurance, and emphasize security.

How do crypto credit cards work?

A: Crypto credit cards function much like regular credit cards. When you open a crypto credit card, you’ll receive a line of credit that can be used to make purchases online or in stores. However, instead of receiving rewards in fiat, you’ll receive rewards in cryptocurrency.

What are the benefits of using a crypto credit card?

A: Crypto credit cards allow you to earn rewards in crypto, easily make purchases, and withdraw cash from ATMs all over the world.

Are there any risks associated with crypto credit cards?

A: Like normal credit cards, crypto credit cards are also susceptible to fraud and theft. Additionally, because crypto is a volatile asset, the value of your rewards can fluctuate from day to day, more so than if the rewards were in fiat.

Are crypto credit card rewards taxable?

A: No, crypto credit card rewards are not taxable if you spend money to earn them. When you acquire rewards through purchases, these rewards are classified as bonuses or rebates, not taxable income. However, any rewards you earn that aren’t through spending could be considered taxable income. For example, if you receive a $100 gift just for opening an account, that $100 would be considered taxable income. Because crypto tax law is complicated and evolving, we recommend working with a certified public accountant to ensure you’ve reported everything correctly.

What credit score do I need for a crypto credit card?

A: Typically, crypto credit cards are only available to consumers with excellent credit. You’ll usually need a credit score of 670 or higher to qualify for a crypto credit card.

 

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