Coinbase Card vs Gemini Credit Card
How does Coinbase Card compare to Gemini Credit Card? A side-by-side look at fees, rewards, custody and availability.
Higher score: Gemini Credit Card · provisional, see how we rate
Quick answer. Coinbase Card and Gemini Credit Card are both crypto cards — here's how they differ. Key differences: network (Coinbase Card: Visa vs Gemini Credit Card: Mastercard). Our provisional scoring rates Gemini Credit Card higher (7.1/10 vs 6.8/10), but the best pick depends on your country and how you spend.
| Feature | Coinbase Card | Gemini Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 6.8/10 | 7.1/10 |
| Type | Debit | Credit |
| Networks | Visa | Mastercard |
| Rewards | Optional crypto rewards on purchases, US card users only, variable reward rate (no fixed rate stated) | Up to 4% crypto back: 4% on gas, EV charging & transit (up to $300/mo, then 1%), 3% dining, 2% groceries, 1% everything else |
| Annual fee | $0 (no annual fee) | $0 (no annual fee) |
| FX fee | — | No foreign transaction fees |
| ATM fee | — | — |
| KYC | Full | — |
| Custody | Custodial | Custodial |
| Supported coins | Spend USD and crypto held on Coinbase (incl. USDC) with no spending fee; crypto auto-converts to USD at point of sale | Rewards in Bitcoin or 50+ cryptos available on Gemini |
| Availability | US (all states except Hawaii) | — |
| Apple / Google Pay | Yes | — |
If you’re choosing between the Coinbase Card and the Gemini Credit Card, your decision will largely depend on your spending habits, location, and preferences for debit versus credit cards. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.
Choose Coinbase Card if…
- You are based in the US: The Coinbase Card is available in all US states except Hawaii, making it a convenient option for residents.
- You prefer a debit card: As a Visa debit card, it allows you to spend USD or crypto directly from your Coinbase account without needing a credit check.
- You want flexibility in spending: You can spend both USD and crypto (including USDC) with no spending fees, and it works with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- You don’t want to worry about foreign transaction fees: While the foreign exchange fee isn’t published, the card is primarily for US users, and there are no spending fees on USD or crypto.
- You prefer a custodial solution: The card is linked to your Coinbase account, which holds your crypto in custody.
Choose Gemini Credit Card if…
- You want crypto rewards: The Gemini Credit Card offers up to 4% crypto back on specific categories like gas, EV charging, and transit, with no foreign transaction fees.
- You prefer a credit card: As a Mastercard credit card, it allows you to make purchases on credit and earn rewards, though it requires a credit check and approval.
- You want a variety of reward options: You can choose to receive rewards in Bitcoin or over 50 other cryptocurrencies available on Gemini.
- You are comfortable with capped rewards: The top 4% rate is capped at $300 per month for gas, EV charging, and transit, after which it drops to 1%.
- You want real-time rewards: The card offers real-time crypto rewards deposited to your Gemini account.
Bottom line
The Coinbase Card is ideal for US residents who prefer a debit card and want the flexibility to spend both USD and crypto without fees. It’s a straightforward option for those already using Coinbase and who don’t want the hassle of a credit application. On the other hand, the Gemini Credit Card is for those who want to earn significant crypto rewards on everyday spending categories and don’t mind the capped rewards on certain categories. It also appeals to those who prefer a credit card and want the flexibility to earn rewards in a variety of cryptocurrencies. For more detailed comparisons, check out our rating criteria.