What is a crypto card?

Cryptocurrency is a virtual currency that uses cryptography to ensure security and avoid double-spending. Cryptocurrencies operate in decentralized networks based on blockchain technology. As a result, cryptocurrencies are considered immune to government interference.

Cryptocurrencies are distributed across an extensive computer network. They exist virtually and cannot be touched like physical banknotes or coins, but at the same time, they are real assets that can be used for tangible investments.

Cryptocurrency makes it possible to ensure fast transfers and exchanges between currencies and to perform these operations with lower operating costs for customers.

Cryptocurrencies exist for investing and buying things, even real estate. At the same time, this kind of currency exists only in the digital world, and you can not put it in your pocket, so several "connectors" between virtual currency and tangible things were invented. For example, crypto exchange points, crypto wallets, and crypto cards allow for the conversion of electronic money into dollars or any other needed currency, or vice versa.

Let us take a closer look at what crypto cards are, how they work, and what advantages they offer crypto card holders.

There are two basic types of crypto cards:

• crypto credit cards;

• crypto debit cards.

A crypto credit card is a relatively new card type that replaces usual cashback collected in the form of points with crypto rewards. Apart from that, a crypto credit card works the same way as a traditional one, and it is based on a credit line approved by the bank or other card issuer, which can be used again after repayment at the end of the billing cycle.

Usually, crypto cards are a product of the collaboration between the card issuer and a crypto broker or crypto exchange, an investment company. Thus, the cards are jointly branded.

Rewards earned using a crypto card are converted into the cryptocurrency supported by the card. The amount of cryptocurrency depends not only on the volume of earned rewards but also on the cryptocurrency's volatile price.

Crypto debit cards work the same way as regular debit cards, with the difference that crypto debit cards allow you to convert cryptocurrency into regular currency valid in the country you store it.

Crypto credit cards cannot be used to spend earned crypto. As we have already mentioned, spending with crypto credit cards is based on a credit limit set by the lender and not on crypto rewards.

Crypto cards have Coinbase accounts and allow to exchange of crypto with reasonable monthly fees and exchange fees.

Crypto debit cards and crypto debit cards perform the function of making cryptocurrencies tradable. Just like you can not see electricity before you plug an electrical device into the socket, once it's plugged in and turned on, you can see it and use it to your advantage.

Crypto cards can be used to buy, transfer and exchange cryptocurrencies for other currencies, goods and services.

One of the features of the crypto card is that it is not a credit card, and you do not have to do a credit check to get it. Instead, the customer uses his own money. In addition, the crypto card issuer offers a flexible service that allows using the funds when and how it is needed.

Various crypto cards, so we'll mention only a few cards:

• Visa Debit Card;

• Coinbase Visa Card;

• Midnight Blue Card;

• Ruby Steel Card;

• Nexo Card;

• Signature Card;

• Binance Visa Card;

• crypto.com visa card, binance visa card, etc.

Crypto card features

• Visa crypto cards are accepted all over where Visa is accepted;

• It is possible to get a card instantly;

• multiple merchants support Visa, and you can pay either in currency or use crypto from your balance.

• crypto cards offer convenient and competitive terms for balance transfers; conversion fees are typically not applied;

• it is possible to enjoy an extensive network of retailers which support crypto Visas

• crypto payments are supported by apple pay;

• debit crypto cards have no late payment fee because the client uses their own money;

• possibility to take advantage of travel rewards;

• digital currency is more independent than the one supported by the national bank;

• it is possible to gain and redeem bitcoin rewards;

• it is possible to spend crypto like regular money;

• it is possible to use such a card for in-store purchases;

• making eligible purchases, earning rewards, and redeeming rewards is easy;

• the card helps to make crypto transactions and earn crypto rewards with your crypto assets;

• There is a possibility to save on withdrawal fees and make online purchases.

How do crypto cards work?

Crypto cards work like regular cards but offer more features, including flexible disposal of liquid assets - a cryptocurrency you own and store in a particular wallet.

A crypto credit card can seem attractive for cardholders interested in electronic currencies and those who want to receive crypto rewards or cashback instead of regular cashback. However, those who wish to receive such progressive crypto rewards must be willing to sacrifice some of their potential bonuses that they could win with a standard rewards credit card, as the standard cashback is higher than the crypto bonus. And in fact, the sacrifice can be double because crypto rewards redemption is based on a very volatile exchange rate, which can temporarily "inflate" your reward earnings. After all, you receive less crypto than if the rate was more favorable.

Crypto debit cards are a great payment method for those who already have crypto on hand and want to use it with merchants; for example, these cards are not based on a credit limit as the cardholder uses their funds.

One can choose which cryptocurrency to buy depending on the type of crypto card. In addition, it is possible to use won rewards to purchase crypto.

Crypto debit cards belong to a payment network, like Visa, MasterCard, etc.

Visa credit cards are many. Their connection with crypto is explained by the fact that cardholders get rewards for purchases with these cards, and the rewards are in crypto.

Buying crypto using the card requires a special crypto exchange service. Usually, such purchases are allowed for debit cards only, and when trying to get it done with a credit card, it may not work. In addition, Crypto exchange usually charges customers approximately 3% or more, depending on their tariffs.

Note: Credit card issuers mostly tend to prohibit transactions aimed at purchasing crypto. Cryptocurrency transactions are often treated as cash transactions and would generate significant fees and compound interest from the transaction date.

Crypto cards available in Canada

Prepaid or debit crypto cards and credit crypto cards are available in Canada.

Visa, MasterCard brand crypto cards. As with a classic Visa or MasterCard, crypto cards differ in the amount of bonuses (rewards), but the names of the categories are different:

• Midnight Blue (no fees and 1% rewards, required CRO deposit is $400-$400 000);

• Ruby Steel;

• Royal Indigo and Jade Green;

• Frosted Rose Gold and Icy White;

• Obsidian.

These cards can be applied for at Metropolitan Commercial Bank.

These cards are usually fee-free for a few months. In addition, they offer other benefits for VIP packages that include travel rewards and free membership to Amazon and some other popular networks.

Crypto cards of this type require registration on Crypto.com, including opening an account for CRO.

The Shakepay Visa card is a crypto debit card. With it, you can earn 1% crypto cashback and spend crypto. This card has no annual service fees and is valid in all provinces of Canada.

The Netcoins prepaid card has a crypto cashback promotion that is three times higher than the regular card: 3% during the first three months of subscription and 1% after that. The maximum cap of the 3% cashback is $100. This card is accepted at all locations where Visa is accepted.

Nexo MasterCard is a crypto credit card that converts 2% cashback into Bitcoin or NEXO tokens and fee ATM withdrawals, no FX and annual fees; it is credit line based and compatible with Google Play and App Store, plus it is accepting in a huge network that consists of millions of points.

One has to choose the best crypto card based on the issuer's reputation and own criteria of rewards and bonuses (no annual fee, % cash back policy, possibility to withdraw cash from ATM, etc.)

Where to get a crypto card in Canada

You have to apply to a bank that issues crypto cards. The applicant needs approval for a physical plastic or virtual card, which can be done quickly. Bank crypto card can be issued by one of the top Canadian Banks:

• Tangerine, the bank established by Scotiabank back in 2014;

• Toronto-Dominion (TD);

• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC);

• Scotiabank;

• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

How to apply for a crypto card in Canada

An application for a crypto card can be made online or offline at the issuer's office or from home. Another option is to use the application provided by the lender.

The applicant has to provide their full name;

to meet "Know your customer' criteria";

Requirements

A crypto card applicant has to:

• be a Canadian citizen or to have temporary registration confirmed;

• provide contact information and a valid contact phone number;

• show proof of being the owner or required amount of bitcoin;

• pass a KYC check;

• be of legal age and to be able to sign legally binding documents.

Pros and cons

Pros

• It is possible to earn cashback rewards, and such rewards can be in the form of crypto as well;

• flexibility to use your crypto for conversion into cash;

• one can earn rewards in crypto;

• it is possible to get cash in a branch or from the ATM;

• no annual fee (but you should still check it out in the tariffs of the card issuer), no transaction fees are promised in most cases;

• some purchases are reimbursable;

• free cash withdrawal within the monthly limit;

• no credit check for getting the card.

Cons

• Cryptocurrencies have extremely high volatility;

• they are often used for criminal purposes;

• mining cryptocurrencies is a highly energy-intensive process;

• tier cards might have low monthly limits for the ATM;

• complex legislation requirements and regulation;

• some spending for getting the bonus is strictly regulated;

• ATM withdrawal limits may be low.

Legal regulation

Cryptocurrencies function and circulate across borders, and there have been multiple disputes over their legal regulation.

As of June 2019, the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) recommends using AML (anti-money laundering) procedures.

Cryptocurrencies issued by the Bank of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mint are legal tender.

Cryptocurrencies and transactions are mainly regulated by provincial securities laws and the Securities Act.

There is a Canadian organization representing securities regulators in Canada - Canadian Securities Administrators.

According to open sources, there are no requirements to declare cryptocurrencies at the border and no related restrictions.

MSBs in Canada must report to FINTRAC transactions over $ 10,000 in a single transaction or cash.

You should check with the card issuer for details on the legal requirements for specific transactions you wish to conduct with your crypto debit card or crypto credit card.