Article updated on Aug 01, 2024
Why You Can Trust CNET Money
CNET Money’s mission is to help you maximize your financial potential. Our recommendations are based on our editors’ independent research and analysis, and we continuously update our content to reflect current partner offers. How we rate credit cards
Jaclyn is a CNET Money editor who relishes the sweet spot between numbers and words. With responsibility for overseeing CNET's credit card coverage, she writes and edits news, reviews and advice. She has experience covering business, personal finance and economics, and previously managed contracts and investments as a real estate agent. Her tech interests include Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink.
Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.
Edited by
Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.
Article updated on Aug 01, 2024
Written by Jaclyn is a CNET Money editor who relishes the sweet spot between numbers and words. With responsibility for overseeing CNET's credit card coverage, she writes and edits news, reviews and advice. She has experience covering business, personal finance and economics, and previously managed contracts and investments as a real estate agent. Her tech interests include Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink. Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.
Edited by Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
Reviews ethics statementCNET'S PICK
3.0/5
Rating Breakdown 3.0
Welcome Bonus 1.0
Rewards Program 4.0
Value for Money 4.0
Benefits 3.5
Fees and APR 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
6.0/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Rate
1% - 3% Earn 3% on your eligible top spend category; Earn 2% on your second eligible top spend category; Earn 1% on all other eligible purchases and on Venmo person-to-person transactions
1.6/5
Rating Breakdown 1.6
Welcome Bonus 1.0
Rewards Program 2.0
Value for Money 1.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 3.0
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
3.2/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Rate
8% 8% CRO rewards on card spending
2.5/5
Rating Breakdown 2.5
Welcome Bonus 1.0
Rewards Program 4.0
Value for Money 2.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 4.0
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
5/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee Coinbase Card has no annual fee
Rewards Rate
4% back in rewards Earn up to 4% back in rewards whenever you make a purchase
- Venmo Credit Card: Cash-back card that lets you redeem rewards for crypto
- Crypto.com Visa® Card: An expensive debit card option for Crypto.com users
- Coinbase Card: For Coinbase users
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
Reviews ethics statementWhy You Can Trust CNET Money
CNET Money’s mission is to help you maximize your financial potential. Our recommendations are based on our editors’ independent research and analysis, and we continuously update our content to reflect current partner offers. How we rate credit cards
Earning cryptocurrency rewards is a way credit and debit cards can help your money grow. However, it isn’t without risk. Cryptocurrency is known to be volatile, complex and less regulated than stocks and bonds.
Despite the crypto winter that has plagued the market, crypto has been rebounding over the last few months, with Bitcoin, as always, leading the way. BTC is currently over $65k, up from $30k a year ago. There have also been some notable changes in how you can invest in crypto.
Namely, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission this year approved a new group of bitcoin ETFs that allow investors to buy bitcoin as easily as stocks. These trades make it much easier for investors to purchase an otherwise more complex investment vehicle, allowing more people to diversify their portfolios with cryptocurrencies.
Whether you’re interested in a crypto credit card or crypto debit card, just be sure to weigh the risks first. You’ll need at least good credit to be approved for one of these crypto credit card options, but you’ll be able to use them anywhere other credit or debit cards are accepted.
Best crypto credit and debit cards
CNET’S PICK
3.0/5
Rating Breakdown 3.0 Welcome Bonus 1.0 Rewards Program 4.0 Value for Money 4.0 Benefits 3.5 Fees and APR 3.5 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
6.0/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Rewards Rate
1% – 3% Earn 3% on your eligible top spend category; Earn 2% on your second eligible top spend category; Earn 1% on all other eligible purchases and on Venmo person-to-person transactions
Rec. Credit
670 – 850 Good – Excellent Recommended Credit: Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
APR
20.24%, 26.24%, or 29.24% Variable
The Venmo Credit Card is a cash-back rewards card, but you can choose to redeem rewards in crypto -- bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin or bitcoin cash -- at the end of each month.
Unlike some other credit cards, there are no transaction fees for converting rewards to cryptocurrency. Venmo automatically assigns your highest cash-back rate to your highest spending categories.
You’ll earn 3% back on your highest eligible spend category, 2% on the second highest eligible spend category and 1% on all other eligible purchases, so you don’t have to strategize your spending to maximize your rewards.
The major drawback is that you can’t transfer your crypto from Venmo’s custodial platform to an exchange or your own wallet, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
Rating Breakdown 3.0
Welcome Bonus 1.0
Rewards Program 4.0
Value for Money 4.0
Benefits 3.5
Fees and APR 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A Intro Purchase APR
- N/A Regular APR
- 20.24%, 26.24%, or 29.24% Variable Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
Rewards Rates
3%
Earn 3% on your eligible top spend category
2%
Earn 2% on your second eligible top spend category
1%
Earn 1% on all other eligible purchases and on Venmo person-to-person transactions
The Venmo Credit Card is a cash-back rewards card, but you can choose to redeem rewards in crypto -- bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin or bitcoin cash -- at the end of each month.
Unlike some other credit cards, there are no transaction fees for converting rewards to cryptocurrency. Venmo automatically assigns your highest cash-back rate to your highest spending categories.
You’ll earn 3% back on your highest eligible spend category, 2% on the second highest eligible spend category and 1% on all other eligible purchases, so you don’t have to strategize your spending to maximize your rewards.
The major drawback is that you can’t transfer your crypto from Venmo’s custodial platform to an exchange or your own wallet, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
Rating Breakdown 3.0
Welcome Bonus 1.0
Rewards Program 4.0
Value for Money 4.0
Benefits 3.5
Fees and APR 3.5
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A Intro Purchase APR
- N/A Regular APR
- 20.24%, 26.24%, or 29.24% Variable Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
Rewards Rates
3%
Earn 3% on your eligible top spend category
2%
Earn 2% on your second eligible top spend category
1%
Earn 1% on all other eligible purchases and on Venmo person-to-person transactions
2.5/5
Rating Breakdown 2.5 Welcome Bonus 1.0 Rewards Program 4.0 Value for Money 2.0 Benefits 2.0 Fees and APR 4.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
5/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Annual Fee
Coinbase Card has no annual fee
Rewards Rate
4% back in rewards Earn up to 4% back in rewards whenever you make a purchase
Rec. Credit
No Credit History Recommended Credit: Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
The Coinbase Card lets you earn and spend crypto. It’s a debit card, so you can add funds from a linked debit account or with direct deposit. You can choose to fund your purchases with cash or with cryptocurrencies in your Coinbase wallet.
Like the Crypto.com option, since this is also a debit card, you’re on the hook for taxes with each swipe.
Rating Breakdown 2.5
Welcome Bonus 1.0
Rewards Program 4.0
Value for Money 2.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 4.0
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A Intro Purchase APR
- N/A Regular APR
- N/A Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
Rewards Rates
4% back in rewards
Earn up to 4% back in rewards whenever you make a purchase
The Coinbase Card lets you earn and spend crypto. It’s a debit card, so you can add funds from a linked debit account or with direct deposit. You can choose to fund your purchases with cash or with cryptocurrencies in your Coinbase wallet.
Like the Crypto.com option, since this is also a debit card, you’re on the hook for taxes with each swipe.
Rating Breakdown 2.5
Welcome Bonus 1.0
Rewards Program 4.0
Value for Money 2.0
Benefits 2.0
Fees and APR 4.0
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A Intro Purchase APR
- N/A Regular APR
- N/A Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
Rewards Rates
4% back in rewards
Earn up to 4% back in rewards whenever you make a purchase
Earn instant crypto rewards
Gemini Credit Card®
2.2/5
Rating Breakdown 2.2 Welcome Bonus 1.0 Rewards Program 3.0 Value for Money 2.0 Benefits 3.0 Fees and APR 3.0 How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
4.4/10
CNET rates credit cards by comparing their offers to those of their categorical competitors. Each card is individually evaluated through a formula which reflects the standards and expectations of the contemporary market. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Rewards Rate
1% – 3% 3% back on dining (up to $6,000 in annual spend, then 1%); 2% back on groceries.; 1% back on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit
N/A Recommended Credit: Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
APR
13.24% – 24.24% Variable
The Gemini Credit Card will instantly deposit your rewards into your Gemini wallet as soon as you swipe. You’ll earn crypto for making everyday purchases at the grocery store or your favorite restaurant, which will be converted into the coin of your choice, whether it’s bitcoin, ethereum or any of the other coins available on Gemini.
Rating Breakdown 2.2
Welcome Bonus 1.0
Rewards Program 3.0
Value for Money 2.0
Benefits 3.0
Fees and APR 3.0
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A Intro Purchase APR
- N/A Regular APR
- 13.24% – 24.24% Variable Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
Rewards Rates
3%
3% back on dining (up to $6,000 in annual spend, then 1%)
1%
1% back on all other purchases.
The Gemini Credit Card will instantly deposit your rewards into your Gemini wallet as soon as you swipe. You’ll earn crypto for making everyday purchases at the grocery store or your favorite restaurant, which will be converted into the coin of your choice, whether it’s bitcoin, ethereum or any of the other coins available on Gemini.
Rating Breakdown 2.2
Welcome Bonus 1.0
Rewards Program 3.0
Value for Money 2.0
Benefits 3.0
Fees and APR 3.0
How We Rate Rewards / Travel Cards
We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards
Card Details
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A Intro Purchase APR
- N/A Regular APR
- 13.24% – 24.24% Variable Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
Rewards Rates
3%
3% back on dining (up to $6,000 in annual spend, then 1%)
1%
1% back on all other purchases.
What is a crypto card?
If you want to earn rewards as cryptocurrency or use your crypto to make purchases at checkout, you might consider a crypto card.
There are two types: crypto credit cards, which earn rewards as bitcoin, ethereum and other cryptocurrencies, instead of traditional credit card rewards, and crypto debit cards, which let you buy items with crypto.
Pros and cons of crypto cards
Pros
High reward depending on the market
Some crypto includes additional utility compared with standard credit card rewards
Cons
Volatility in crypto market
High risk
Unregulated market could cause security concerns
Few options to choose from
How to choose a crypto card
The most important things to consider is the type of cryptocurrency the card works with, how much ownership you have over the coins you earn and transaction fees associated with changing rewards into crypto.
Some credit cards, like the Crypto.com credit card, also have high requirements for getting the most from the card. Other cards, like the Venmo Card, won’t let you transfer your crypto to your own wallet and instead will be held in a custodial wallet, meaning you won’t have full control over it.
Alternatives to crypto cards
You could always invest in crypto yourself, without using a third-party credit card to facilitate it for you. It takes more legwork and research on your part, but you’ll be unfettered by any restrictions imposed on you by crypto credit or debit cards.
You’ll need your own crypto wallet, but you’ll have full control over which coins you’d like to invest into and what you’d like to use them for, whether you’re looking to HODL (that’s “hold on for dear life”) or want to invest in quick plays.
How to apply for a crypto card
Applying for a crypto card is similar to applying for any credit card.
- Choose the card that offers the types of cryptocurrency you’d like to invest and use. Make sure its security and privacy features allow you to use your coins as you’d want to.
- Apply securely on the issuer’s site. Like any credit card, you’ll need to supply your name, address, Social Security number, income and rent/mortgage payments, among other things.
- Use your new card responsibly. That means never missing a payment and not overspending for the sake of earning more rewards.
FAQs
While legislation is still being hammered out, it is important to track your cryptocurrency buy-in prices so you can report any capital gains you may owe taxes on. If and when you sell your cryptocurrency holdings, you may be required to report capital gains and losses to the IRS. Major tax software platforms are building out support for reporting crypto on your taxes, or you can consult with a tax professional to determine your specific needs.
Cryptocurrencies are widely considered high-risk and volatile assets, so the value of your rewards balance may fluctuate significantly over time with no guarantees. Accounts where cryptocurrencies are held aren’t insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation like banks, and some have ongoing legal challenges. Legislation is still evolving and has not yet been solidified surrounding cryptocurrencies, so there is inherent risk in the unknown.
There are some crypto debit cards on the market, including the Crypto.com Visa Card and the Coinbase Card (above), as well as the Robinhood Cash Card and the Binance Visa Card. All of these cards allow you to spend your crypto at public merchants and earn crypto rewards on your expenditure.
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card.
For cash-back credit cards, for example, key factors include the annual fee, the “welcome bonus” and the cash-back rate (or rates, if they differ by spending category). For rewards and miles cards, we calculate and weigh the net monetary value of a card’s respective perks. And with balance transfer credit cards, we analyze specs such as the duration of the introductory 0% APR period and the balance transfer fee, while acknowledging secondary factors such as the standard APR and the length of time you have to make a balance transfer after you open the account.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
Written by
Jaclyn DeJohn
Editor
Jaclyn is a CNET Money editor who relishes the sweet spot between numbers and words. With responsibility for overseeing CNET's credit card coverage, she writes and edits news, reviews and advice. She has experience covering business, personal finance and economics, and previously managed contracts and investments as a real estate agent. Her tech interests include Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink.
Written by
Evan Zimmer
Staff Writer
Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.