SafePal Card vs Tangem Pay
How does SafePal Card compare to Tangem Pay? A side-by-side look at fees, rewards, custody and availability.
Higher score: Tangem Pay · provisional, see how we rate
Quick answer. SafePal Card and Tangem Pay are both crypto cards — here's how they differ. Key differences: network (SafePal Card: Mastercard vs Tangem Pay: Visa); annual fee (SafePal Card: None (zero account creation/management fees) vs Tangem Pay: Basic $0/mo; Plus $29.99/mo (waived with $4,500 monthly spend or $65,000 in Yield Mode); Prestige $999/year). Our provisional scoring rates Tangem Pay higher (8/10 vs 7.4/10), but the best pick depends on your country and how you spend.
| Feature | SafePal Card | Tangem Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 7.4/10 | 8/10 |
| Type | Virtual | Virtual |
| Networks | Mastercard | Visa |
| Rewards | Up to 40% referral commissions on top-up fees from referred accounts (no direct spend cashback stated) | Tiered cashback: Basic 1% (cap $100/mo), Plus 2% (cap $300/mo), Prestige 4% (cap $1,000/mo) |
| Annual fee | None (zero account creation/management fees) | Basic $0/mo; Plus $29.99/mo (waived with $4,500 monthly spend or $65,000 in Yield Mode); Prestige $999/year |
| FX fee | — | — |
| ATM fee | — | Basic 4%, Plus 2%, Prestige 1% |
| KYC | Full | Full |
| Custody | — | Self-custodial |
| Supported coins | USDC as default settlement asset (top-up converts to USDC/fiat) | USDC |
| Availability | Supported regions only (geographic restrictions apply) | Select countries across USA, LATAM, APAC, MEA and Africa |
| Apple / Google Pay | Yes | Yes |
How do the SafePal Card and Tangem Pay differ?
When choosing between the SafePal Card and Tangem Pay, it’s important to consider your priorities in a crypto card. The SafePal Card offers a fee-free experience with a focus on referrals and integration with the SafePal wallet, while Tangem Pay provides a tiered cashback system and a self-custodial model. Both cards support virtual payments and require full KYC, but they differ in their fee structures, rewards, and custody models.
Choose SafePal Card if…
- You want to avoid monthly or annual fees: The SafePal Card has no account creation or management fees, making it a cost-effective option for those who prefer not to pay for card services.
- You are interested in referral rewards: The card offers up to 40% referral commissions on top-up fees from referred accounts, which can be a significant benefit if you plan to refer others.
- You use multiple blockchains: With support for over 40 blockchains, the SafePal Card is ideal for users who need flexibility in their crypto transactions.
- You prefer integration with a self-custody wallet: The card is integrated with the SafePal self-custody wallet, which supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and blockchains.
- You use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay: The SafePal Card supports these popular payment platforms, providing convenience for everyday transactions.
Choose Tangem Pay if…
- You want cashback on your spending: Tangem Pay offers tiered cashback, with up to 4% cashback on the Prestige tier, which can be a great way to earn rewards on your crypto spending.
- You prefer a self-custodial model: Tangem Pay’s self-custodial approach means your assets stay in your own smart contract, providing greater control and security over your funds.
- You need a virtual Visa card for international use: The card is usable at merchants in over 150 countries, making it a versatile option for global travelers.
- You are comfortable with fees for higher tiers: While the Basic tier has no monthly fee, the Plus and Prestige tiers offer more benefits but come with monthly or annual fees.
- You use USDC for transactions: Tangem Pay operates exclusively with USDC, which may be suitable if you primarily use this stablecoin.
Bottom line
Ultimately, the choice between the SafePal Card and Tangem Pay depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a fee-free experience, referral rewards, and integration with a self-custody wallet, the SafePal Card is a strong option. On the other hand, if you prioritize cashback, a self-custodial model, and international usability, Tangem Pay might be the better choice. For more detailed insights, check out our rating criteria.