belo · Prepaid
Belo Card review
belo's local prepaid Mastercard for Argentina lets users spend pesos or crypto with no issuance or maintenance cost and earn crypto cashback.
Quick answer. Belo Card is a prepaid crypto card on Mastercard from belo. Rewards: Cashback in crypto, credited randomly per transaction (per belo help-center terms). Annual/issuance $0 (issuance, maintenance and shipping all $0). Funds are custodial; it supports Argentine pesos and cryptocurrencies (help center references pesos and crypto balances). Available in Argentina.
Key takeaways
- Network & type: Prepaid · Mastercard
- Rewards: Cashback in crypto, credited randomly per transaction (per belo help-center terms)
- Annual fee: $0 (issuance, maintenance and shipping all $0)
- Custody: Custodial
- Coins: Argentine pesos and cryptocurrencies (help center references pesos and crypto balances)
- Availability: Argentina
Our rating, explained
Every card is scored on the same six factors — the weighting shows how much each counts toward the overall (provisional) score. How we rate →
Who it's for
Choose it if…
- You want no annual or monthly fee
- You pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay
Look elsewhere if…
- You want to avoid identity verification (KYC)
- You insist on holding your own keys (this card is custodial)
How it compares to the field
Put in context against all 67 crypto cards we track and verify.
Overview
The Belo Card is a prepaid Mastercard designed specifically for the Argentine market, offering users the flexibility to manage their finances using both Argentine pesos and cryptocurrencies. Issued by Belo, this card stands out for its zero issuance, maintenance, and shipping fees, making it an accessible option for those looking to dip their toes into the world of crypto-linked payments. However, it is important to note that the Belo Card is currently available only to residents of Argentina who can provide a local address and valid Argentine ID, as part of the full KYC (Know Your Customer) process required for card issuance.
How it works
Using the Belo Card is straightforward. Users can top up their card with either Argentine pesos or cryptocurrencies, and they have the flexibility to choose the order in which their balances are deducted for transactions. This feature provides users with greater control over their spending and allows them to strategically manage their crypto and fiat holdings. The card is also compatible with Google Pay, enabling contactless payments and enhancing convenience for users who prefer digital wallet transactions.
One of the unique features of the Belo Card is its crypto cashback rewards. Users earn cashback in cryptocurrency for their transactions, although the exact timing and amount of the cashback are determined randomly per transaction, as per Belo’s help center terms. This adds an element of unpredictability to the rewards, which may appeal to users who are comfortable with the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies.
Fees and value
While the Belo Card boasts zero fees for issuance, maintenance, and shipping, there are some costs to be aware of. ATM withdrawals incur a fee of 3% or a minimum of 0.50 USDT, which is a consideration for users who plan to use the card for cash withdrawals frequently. Additionally, international transactions come with a minimum charge of 0.30 USDT, and there is a surcharge of 0.40 USDT for digital goods purchases. These fees are relatively modest but can add up, especially for users who engage in a high volume of international or digital transactions.
It’s also worth noting that the Belo Card operates in a custodial manner, meaning that the company holds the user’s funds. While this is a common practice for prepaid cards, it does mean that users must trust Belo to secure their assets. The card’s compatibility with Google Pay and its support for both fiat and crypto balances provide significant value, but users should weigh these benefits against the card’s limitations and the inherent risks associated with cryptocurrency volatility.
Who it’s for
The Belo Card is an ideal choice for Argentine residents who are interested in integrating cryptocurrencies into their daily spending habits. Its zero fees for basic services make it an attractive option for those who are new to crypto and want to experiment without incurring additional costs. The card’s compatibility with Google Pay and its support for ATM withdrawals across Argentina add to its appeal, providing users with a versatile payment solution.
However, the Belo Card may not be suitable for users who require international transaction capabilities or who frequently make digital goods purchases, due to the associated fees. Additionally, the card’s dependency on a full KYC process and its custodial nature may be a concern for users who prioritize privacy and control over their funds.
Conclusion
The Belo Card offers a compelling mix of features for Argentine users looking to blend traditional and crypto finance. Its zero basic fees, crypto cashback, and Google Pay compatibility are significant advantages. However, users should be mindful of the card’s limitations, including its geographic restrictions and the fees associated with certain types of transactions.
Fees & costs
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual / issuance | $0 (issuance, maintenance and shipping all $0) |
| FX / spend fee | — |
| ATM withdrawal | 3% or 0.50 USDT minimum |
| Top-up / load | — |
| Staking / lockup | — |
Pros & cons
Pros
- Free to obtain and maintain ($0 issuance/maintenance/shipping)
- Pay in pesos or crypto and choose deduction order of balances
- Google Pay compatible; ATM withdrawals across Argentina
- Crypto cashback for Argentine users
Cons
- Local prepaid card restricted to Argentina (Argentine ID and local address required)
- ATM withdrawals cost 3% or 0.50 USDT minimum
- International transaction minimum charge (0.30 USDT) and digital-goods surcharge (0.40 USDT) apply
Supported crypto
Coins:
Our take
The Belo Card is a free, versatile prepaid card for Argentine crypto users, offering cashback and ATM access with some fees to consider.