Kraken Debit Card vs Crypto.com Visa Card
How does Kraken Debit Card compare to Crypto.com Visa Card? A side-by-side look at fees, rewards, custody and availability.
Higher score: Kraken Debit Card · provisional, see how we rate
Quick answer. Kraken Debit Card and Crypto.com Visa Card are both crypto cards — here's how they differ. Key differences: network (Kraken Debit Card: Mastercard (UK/EEA); Visa (US Krak Card) vs Crypto.com Visa Card: Visa); annual fee (Kraken Debit Card: None (no monthly or annual fees) vs Crypto.com Visa Card: Midnight Blue free; Ruby $4.99/mo or $49.90/yr (or $500 CRO stake); Royal Indigo $29.99/mo or $299.90/yr (or $5,000 CRO stake); higher tiers require CRO stake). Our provisional scoring rates Kraken Debit Card higher (8/10 vs 7.3/10), but the best pick depends on your country and how you spend.
| Feature | Kraken Debit Card | Crypto.com Visa Card |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Type | Debit | Prepaid |
| Networks | Mastercard (UK/EEA); Visa (US Krak Card) | Visa |
| Rewards | UK/EEA: tiered cashback 0%-2% by 30-day rolling balance (Starter 0%, Lite 0.5%, Pro 1%, Elite 1.5%, Max 2%), payable in Bitcoin or fiat; US Krak Card: up to 2% cashback, up to 4% boosted on travel via Krak Concierge | Up to 4.5% back in CRO on spending, tiered: Ruby Steel 1.5% (up to $750/mo), Royal Indigo 2.5% (up to $1,500/mo), Rose Gold 3.5% (up to $3,000/mo then 0.5%), Obsidian 4.5% (up to $5,000/mo then 1%); Midnight Blue 0% |
| Annual fee | None (no monthly or annual fees) | Midnight Blue free; Ruby $4.99/mo or $49.90/yr (or $500 CRO stake); Royal Indigo $29.99/mo or $299.90/yr (or $5,000 CRO stake); higher tiers require CRO stake |
| FX fee | No FX markup (passes Mastercard exchange rate without markup); a variable spread applies when spending across assets | 3% on non-USD purchases and ATM withdrawals (Midnight/Ruby/Jade/Indigo); no FX fee (Rose/Icy/Obsidian) |
| ATM fee | No Krak ATM withdrawal fees; third-party ATM operator fees may apply | 2% on amounts above the monthly free ATM limit; free limit $200-$1,000/mo depending on tier |
| KYC | Full | Full |
| Custody | Custodial | Custodial |
| Supported coins | 600+ cash and crypto balances available on Kraken (not all usable for card transactions); cashback in Euros, Pounds or Bitcoin | Rewards paid in CRO |
| Availability | UK and EEA (Mastercard); US Krak Card available in most US states except New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Indiana | — |
| Apple / Google Pay | Yes | — |
Choosing between the Kraken Debit Card and the Crypto.com Visa Card depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both cards offer unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider what matters most to you in a crypto card.
Choose Kraken Debit Card if…
- You want no annual, monthly, or transaction fees: The Kraken Debit Card does not charge any of these fees, making it a cost-effective option for everyday use.
- You prefer a straightforward cashback system: The card offers tiered cashback from 0% to 2% based on your 30-day rolling balance, payable in Bitcoin or fiat currency.
- You value no foreign exchange markup: The Kraken Debit Card passes through the Mastercard exchange rate without any markup, which is beneficial for international transactions.
- You are based in the UK, EEA, or eligible US states: The card is available in these regions, making it a convenient choice if you reside there.
- You prefer not to lock up funds for higher rewards: Unlike some competitors, the Kraken Debit Card does not require staking or locking up funds to access its benefits.
Choose Crypto.com Visa Card if…
- You are interested in higher cashback rates: The Crypto.com Visa Card offers up to 4.5% back in CRO on spending, which is significantly higher than the Kraken Debit Card’s maximum of 2%.
- You are willing to stake CRO for better rewards: Staking CRO unlocks higher tiers with increased cashback and additional benefits, such as no foreign exchange fees on certain tiers.
- You want a prepaid card option: The Crypto.com Visa Card is a prepaid card, which some users may prefer for budgeting or security reasons.
- You are comfortable with a foreign transaction fee on lower tiers: While the higher tiers offer no FX fees, the lower tiers (Midnight Blue, Ruby, and Royal Indigo) charge a 3% fee on non-USD purchases and ATM withdrawals.
- You are willing to pay a monthly or annual fee for lower tiers: The Ruby and Royal Indigo tiers require a subscription fee, which can be offset by staking CRO.
Bottom line
The Kraken Debit Card is an excellent choice for those who prioritize no fees, straightforward rewards, and a simple cashback system. It is particularly appealing to users who do not want to lock up funds for higher rewards and prefer a card with no foreign exchange markup. On the other hand, the Crypto.com Visa Card is ideal for users who are willing to stake CRO to unlock higher cashback rates and additional benefits, such as no foreign exchange fees on certain tiers. It offers more flexibility in terms of rewards but comes with the requirement of staking or paying fees for lower tiers. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your spending habits, geographic location, and willingness to engage with staking or subscription models. For more detailed comparisons, visit our how we rate page.