Crypto card glossary
Plain-English definitions of the most common crypto card terms. If you've ever been confused by "BIN sponsor" or "settlement currency", start here.
Custodial card
A card where the issuer holds your funds. You transfer crypto to a balance the provider controls, and the card spends from that balance. Most exchange-issued cards (Coinbase, Crypto.com, Bybit, KAST) are custodial.
Self-custodial card
A card where the funds remain in your own wallet. The card draws on your wallet only when a transaction is authorised. The issuer never holds your assets, so they cannot freeze or lose them. Examples: Gnosis Pay, Bleap, MetaMask Card, EtherFi Cash.
FX markup
An extra fee charged on transactions in a currency other than the card's settlement currency. Most cards charge 1-3%; some (Wirex, Gnosis Pay, KAST in some configs) charge 0%.
Settlement currency
The fiat or stablecoin the card converts your purchases into at the point of sale. Many crypto cards settle in USD, USDC, or EUR; some support multi-currency settlement.
Cashback in token vs cashback in stablecoin
Many crypto cards pay cashback in their own platform token (CRO, NEXO, BNB, KAST points). The rate looks attractive in marketing but the realised value depends on the token's price stability. Cashback in USDC or fiat is more predictable.
Staking tier
Many cards offer higher cashback or premium features only if you stake (lock up) a quantity of the issuer's token. The higher the stake, the higher the perks. The economics depend on the token holding its value over the staking period.
Top-up fee
A fee charged when you load fiat or crypto onto your card balance. Often hidden — a card with 'no monthly fee' may still charge 1-3% on every top-up.
Headline cashback
The advertised cashback rate, usually the maximum achievable at the highest tier under specific conditions. Often higher than what most users actually earn.
Realistic cashback
Our estimate of what a typical user actually earns over time, accounting for tier requirements, token volatility, and monthly caps.
Issuance fee
A one-time fee for the physical or virtual card. Many crypto cards waive this for virtual cards but charge for physical cards or premium designs.
KYC (Know Your Customer)
The identity verification process required to issue a card. Required for all regulated crypto cards. The level of KYC affects spending limits.
BIN sponsor
The licensed bank or e-money issuer that legally issues the card on behalf of the crypto company. The crypto brand handles the user experience; the BIN sponsor handles the regulatory compliance.
Missing a term? See our methodology page for how we decide what to include.