Do you need a bitcoin credit card? What you can gain (and lose) by earning bitcoin rewards on spending
Beyond cash back, points, and miles, some rewards credit cards can now help you tap into a new rewards currency: crypto.
According to a recent Gallup poll, just 14% of adults in the U.S. own cryptocurrency — and 60% say they’re not interested in ever buying it. But some crypto companies believe that crypto rewards credit cards could change that.
While these cards may make bitcoin and other digital assets more accessible, they can also be risky. Here’s what to know before you opt in.
What is a crypto credit card?
A bitcoin or crypto credit card generally works just like any other credit card. When you apply and get approved, you’ll be assigned a credit limit, and you can use your card to make purchases. If you don’t pay your total balance by your card’s monthly due date, you’ll start to accrue interest at your assigned APR.
The difference is the types of rewards you’ll earn. Instead of earning airline miles, rewards points, or cash back on your spending, you’ll earn crypto. The percentage back you earn on each purchase — such as 3% back on gas or 2% back at restaurants — is converted from U.S. dollars to bitcoin or another cryptocurrency at the current market value. You can then access your rewards through your connected crypto account.
For example, say you make a $500 purchase that earns 3% bitcoin rewards. You’ll earn $15 in U.S. dollars on that purchase. With a bitcoin credit card, your $15 may be converted at the current bitcoin value (about 0.00014 bitcoin in October 2025) and deposited in your crypto account.
The biggest benefit of crypto rewards is the potential for growth over time. Let’s say you had a total bitcoin rewards balance worth $100 USD at the end of 2024. By early October 2025, the value of those same rewards would have increased to about $114 — even if you didn’t earn any additional rewards over that time.
What else to know about crypto credit cards
Crypto credit cards are typically issued by a bank in partnership with a cryptocurrency exchange, such as Gemini or Crypto.com. If you don’t already have a crypto account with the exchange for the card you choose, you’ll need to open one. Some crypto rewards cards may also require you to join a membership program.
The card and crypto exchange you choose can also affect exactly which crypto rewards you can earn. Some cards earn bitcoin rewards, while others may earn a different cryptocurrency or allow you to choose which crypto you want.
It’s important to research not only the credit card but also the crypto company associated with any card before you apply. Look for details about the exchange’s security measures, fees, insurance, available cryptocurrencies, accessibility, and any instances of scams or fraud.
Crypto credit card options
Here’s a closer look at crypto credit cards on the market today:
Gemini Credit Card®
The Gemini Credit Card lets you earn bitcoin (or over 50 other cryptocurrencies) on the purchases you make. You’ll get 4% back on gas, EV, and transit purchases (on up to $300 spent per month, then 1%); 3% back on dining; 2% back on groceries; and 1% on everything else. As you spend, your rewards will be converted from their U.S. dollar amounts to the current market value of your chosen cryptocurrency and deposited into your Gemini account. This card has no annual fee and otherwise functions like a standard credit card, with a steep ongoing APR that you’ll incur on any balances you carry.
Coinbase One Card
Coinbase’s new bitcoin credit card is only available to members of Coinbase One, a tiered monthly membership program. Though there is no credit card annual fee, Coinbase One membership prices range from $4.99 per month to $299.99 per month. If you have the basic membership, you must be on an annual plan ($49.99 per year) to get the card.
With the Coinbase One Card, the rewards you earn aren’t based on specific spending categories but on your asset balance with Coinbase. You can earn 2%, 2.5%, 3%, or 4% in bitcoin back, depending on your balance. Bitcoin rewards you earn will get converted from the U.S. dollar value at the current price on Coinbase and deposited into your digital asset wallet with the platform.
Evolving crypto credit card options
Some crypto credit cards have been announced but are currently waitlist-only (at time of publishing), like the Fold Bitcoin Credit Card™, launching from Fold alongside Visa and Stripe.
Other options have entered the market over the last few years only to later shutter, such as the BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card, which was discontinued after the company filed for bankruptcy in 2022.
Some crypto companies also offer crypto debit cards, which can earn crypto rewards but may allow you to load your card with prepaid cash or convert your assets from your digital wallet to cash for purchases.
Do you need a crypto credit card?
Crypto credit cards can be simple to use if you’re already familiar with rewards credit cards. If you’re looking for an entry point into crypto investing as a beginner, they could make a good option. Crypto cards may also be useful for seasoned crypto investors looking to beef up their portfolios without investing extra cash directly.
Crypto is a risky investment, though. The value of traditional points and miles may fluctuate slightly, and cash back can lose some value to inflation; however, they don’t exhibit the same volatility as the crypto market. You should be prepared for the rewards you earn to lose value just as quickly as they can gain value.
It’s also important to remember that you don’t need a crypto rewards credit card to get started with cryptocurrency. You can even still use credit card rewards.
If you have a regular cash-back credit card, you’ll have a lot more flexibility for how you use your rewards. After you redeem the cash back, you can always choose to invest your earnings in bitcoin or another cryptocurrency — without making that your only redemption option. Then, if you need to adjust your strategy and use the rewards toward expenses or your credit card statement, you can.
Cash-back credit cards
Here are more details about some of our favorite cash-back credit cards you can use to earn rewards for investing in crypto, paying off your card balance, or paying down another expense.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
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Annual fee$0
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Welcome offerLimited-time offer: Earn $300 in welcome bonuses. Enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year, plus, earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months
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Introductory APR0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then variable 19.24% - 29.24% APR
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Purchase APR19.24% - 29.24% variable
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Rewards rate
- 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
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Benefits
- Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- No foreign transaction fees
Why we like it: The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card earns a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make, plus a boosted 5% cash back when you book hotels, vacation rentals, or rental cars through Capital One Travel. There’s no annual fee, and you can redeem rewards as a statement credit to your account, get a check mailed to you, buy gift cards, or use them as payment when you spend with PayPal or Amazon.com. Your rewards don’t expire, and you can redeem them in any amount.
Read our full review of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
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Annual fee$0
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Welcome offerEarn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
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Introductory APR0% intro APR on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening for the first 15 billing cycles, after which the standard APR applies
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Purchase APR18.24% - 28.24 variable
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Rewards rate1.5% cash back on all purchases
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BenefitsBank of America Preferred Rewards® members can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase
Why we like it: Bank of America’s Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card earns an unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase for the first year, then 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make. It has no annual fee and an introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers. If you have an eligible Bank of America or Merrill account balance and qualify for Preferred Rewards, you can even increase your cash back by 25%-75%. Redeem cash back in any amount for statement credits toward your account, a deposit into a Bank of America bank account, or as payment with PayPal or Amazon.com purchases.
Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to the Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
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