Coindesk Logo

BitPay Launches Prepaid Crypto Mastercard for US Customers

BitPay Launches Prepaid Crypto Mastercard for US Customers

BitPay Launches Prepaid Crypto Mastercard for US Customers

The new debit card enables U.S. customers to spend their crypto holdings as fiat currency.

The new debit card enables U.S. customers to spend their crypto holdings as fiat currency.

The new debit card enables U.S. customers to spend their crypto holdings as fiat currency.

AccessTimeIconJun 16, 2020, 9:00 AM
Updated May 9, 2023, 3:09 AM
(Valeri Potapova/Shutterstock)
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Blockchain payments provider Bitpay has launched a prepaid debit card enabling U.S. customers to spend their crypto holdings as fiat currency.

Known as BitPay Card and provided through Mastercard, the offering enables U.S. users to spend bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies in stores accepting Mastercard debit cards globally, according to a June 11 announcement.

Claimed as the first in the U.S. market, the service allows "instant reloads" into U.S. dollars, drawing from users' BitPay crypto accounts. It can also be used for online purchases or withdrawing cash from ATMs.

BitPay says it will not take any fee for crypto to fiat conversions, though it doesn't state how much any card transaction fees might be. Users will pay $2.50 to take cash out of an ATM, and 3% on foreign currency exchange, according to its product page.

In much the same way a normal credit or debit card works, the card utilizes an EMV chip for contactless payments as well as providing additional security.

BitPay Card can also function as a virtual card linked to the BitPay app with support for bitcoin, bitcoin cash, ether, XRP and stablecoins such as GUSD, USDC, PAX and BUSD.

A $10,000 daily load and spending limit is applied for the BitPay Card with a $25,000 maximum balance.

The card is now available in the U.S., with the firm's website allowing users across Europe to sign up on a waiting list for presumed later launches to come.

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.