Since the advent of Distributed Ledger Technology (blockchain) and cryptocurrency, there have been massive advancements in the entire crypto sphere and this has led to more adoption of cryptocurrency. Many companies are now integrating cryptocurrencies into their ecosystem, even in online retail shops, you can now buy goods in cryptocurrency. Also, it is now easy to convert cryptocurrency to fiat and vice versa.
If I may ask you this important question, how do you spend or use your cryptocurrency? For some people, they trade crypto for fiat using third party over-the-counter exchange platforms, but do you know that you can spend cryptocurrency directly; just like fiat; with crypto credit cards? Even some ATM machines now accept these debit cards and you can transact online with them too. Here, we will be taking a review of 2 popular crypto debit cards and we will compare their strengths and weaknesses.
1. Wirex Visa Card
This is one of the most popular crypto debit cards, particularly in European countries. Wirex has an absolutely free loading cost - that is; users are not charged for loading funds in the cards and it also gives them the unique freedom of spending their cryptocurrencies the same way they spend their fiat. More so, some major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and Ripple are supported by Wirex. Wirex can be used for online purchases and ATM withdrawals (in fiat) just like your traditional debit card. As a matter of fact, any platform you normally use your traditional bank visa card to transact, Wirex can also be used there.
Another goodness in Wirex is; Wirex has launched a program called "cryptoback" to reward users with 0.5% of the total transaction they make with Wirex debit card. To get the services provided by Wirex, you need to sign up to https://wirexapp.com and place an order for your card. Also, there's a mobile app for Wirex that enables users to load their funds easily to their cards and will also help them to keep track of their crypto wallet. Spending of cryptocurrency has been simplified with Wirex - you can spend your cryptocurrency in realtime.
2. Bitpay Debit Card
The first card we reviewed; Wirex; is majorly for users in Europe, this has excluded users in U.S from enjoying their services. Here, Bitpay has brought crypto debit card to users in U.S too. Just like Wirex, Bitpay can be used for online purchases, paying of bills and for withdrawing fiat through crypto ATM machines across the world - though withdrawing in ATMs attract a fee of $2 for U.S and $3 flat for withdrawals outside U.S. Also, there is a 3% conversion fee for currency conversion while using Bitpay outside U.S.
The strong selling point of Bitpay is the fact that it can be used across all the states in USA and also many European countries and the wider world. To make use of Bitpay, you need to place an order for Bitpay visa card from their website after creating your account. Your account will also be used to load your cryptocurrencies into your card. Apart from the monthly operational and handling charges, individual transactions are completely free. Unlike Wirex that accepts both Bitcoin and some altcoins, transactions in Bitpay are mostly done in Bitcoin.
Here's a tabular comparison between Wirex and Bitpay - including the pros and cons
| Wirex | Bitpay | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of card | Free (promotional offer) | $9.95 |
| Cryptocurrency supported | BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC | BTC |
| Monthly operation/handling charges | $1.50 | $5 |
| Location usage | Europe and few non European countries (none for USA) | USA, Europe and the wider world |
| ATM charges | $2.5 within Europe, $3.5 outside Europe | $2 Within USA, $3 outside USA |
| Mobile App | yes | none |
From this comparison, you can easily pick out the crypto debit card that suits you. Remember this; cryptocurrency has come to stay and this is one of the avenues to make for more adoption of cryptocurrency.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is not meant to serve as financial advice, please do your own research.
