How a Crypto Card Works
Read time 1 min
Quick Answer:
A crypto card lets you spend crypto at regular merchants. When you pay, your crypto balance is converted and the merchant receives local currency, just as with any other card.
The basic idea
Most shops do not accept crypto directly. A crypto card bridges that gap: it works on a card network like any other card, while the funds behind it come from your crypto balance.
What happens when you pay
- You tap or enter your card at checkout as usual.
- The amount is converted from your crypto balance, typically a stablecoin, into the merchant's currency.
- The merchant receives local currency through the card network and never handles crypto.
Who is involved
Crypto cards are issued by licensed card issuers working with card networks. The app you use connects your crypto balance to that card, while the issuer and network handle the payment itself.
Things to check
- Which assets can fund the card, and how top-ups work.
- Where the card can be used and in which countries it is available.
- Which fees apply, as they can vary by service and payment method.
The Tavate card
The Tavate card is issued through our licensed partners and lets you pay in stablecoins at merchants that accept Visa, while the merchant receives local currency. You can order it in the Tavate app.
