Zeal (card issued by Monavate, via Gnosis Pay) · Debit
Zeal Card review
Zeal is a self-custodial crypto wallet with a Visa debit card (via Gnosis Pay) that spends EUR/USD stablecoins in 150+ countries with no FX fees and up to 4% cashback.
Quick answer. Zeal Card is a debit crypto card on Visa from Zeal (card issued by Monavate, via Gnosis Pay). Rewards: Up to 4% cashback (cashback managed by Gnosis Pay, paid in GNO on Gnosis Chain; requires holding GNO in the Gnosis Pay card Safe). No exchange fees; uses Visa mid-market rate on foreign spend. Funds are self-custodial; it supports EUR and USD stablecoins (EURe for EUR, sDAI for USD). Available in 150+ countries.
Key takeaways
- Network & type: Debit · Visa
- Rewards: Up to 4% cashback (cashback managed by Gnosis Pay, paid in GNO on Gnosis Chain; requires holding GNO in the Gnosis Pay card Safe)
- FX / spend fee: No exchange fees; uses Visa mid-market rate
- Custody: Self-custodial
- Coins: EUR and USD stablecoins (EURe for EUR, sDAI for USD)
- Availability: 150+ countries
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 spend enough for cashback to add up
- You want to keep custody of your funds until you spend
- You pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay
- You spend abroad and want low FX fees
Look elsewhere if…
- You want to avoid identity verification (KYC)
How it compares to the field
Put in context against all 67 crypto cards we track and verify.
Overview
The Zeal Card is a crypto-friendly debit card that operates on the Visa network, making it widely accepted in over 150 countries. Issued by Monavate and facilitated through Gnosis Pay, this card is designed for users who prefer self-custody of their funds, offering a “no banks, no middlemen” approach. This card supports EUR and USD stablecoins, specifically EURe for EUR and sDAI for USD, and operates on the Gnosis Chain. The Zeal Card stands out for its unique features, but it also comes with certain limitations that potential users should be aware of.
How it works
The Zeal Card operates on a self-custodial model, meaning users retain full control of their funds through their own wallets, without relying on traditional banking institutions. This approach aligns with the decentralized ethos of cryptocurrencies, providing users with greater autonomy and privacy. The card supports both physical and virtual forms, and it is compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, offering flexibility for various payment preferences. Security is enhanced through passkey and biometric options, eliminating the need for seed phrases while maintaining robust protection.
One of the key features of the Zeal Card is its cashback program, which offers up to 4% cashback on purchases. However, it’s important to note that this cashback is paid in GNO and requires users to hold GNO in the Gnosis Pay card Safe. Additionally, the card provides a yield on balances, with an estimated APY of around 5-6%. This can be an attractive feature for users looking to earn passive income on their crypto holdings, but it also ties the card’s benefits closely to the performance of GNO and the Gnosis Chain ecosystem.
Fees and value
The Zeal Card offers a competitive fee structure, with no foreign exchange fees and the use of the Visa mid-market rate for international transactions. This can result in significant savings for frequent travelers or those who make purchases in multiple currencies. However, the issuer does not publicly disclose annual, ATM, or top-up fees on their site, which may be a concern for potential users. It’s also worth noting that Gnosis Pay fees may apply, although specific details are not provided.
The card’s self-custodial nature and the requirement for KYC (Know Your Customer) for both the card and bank-transfer services may be a double-edged sword. While it offers greater control and security, it also introduces additional steps and potential privacy concerns for users who prefer anonymity. The KYC process is a standard requirement for many financial services, but it may deter those who prioritize decentralization and privacy above all else.
Who it’s for
The Zeal Card is best suited for users who are deeply integrated into the cryptocurrency ecosystem, particularly those who are comfortable with self-custody and the Gnosis Chain. Its cashback and yield features make it attractive for users who hold GNO and are looking to maximize their returns. However, the card’s limitations, such as the lack of transparency on certain fees and the requirement to hold GNO for cashback, may not appeal to everyone.
For those who prioritize decentralization, control over their funds, and the ability to earn rewards in crypto, the Zeal Card offers a compelling option. However, users should be aware of the risks associated with cryptocurrency volatility and the potential for fees that are not clearly outlined. As with any financial product, it’s crucial to carefully consider your personal financial situation and risk tolerance before deciding if the Zeal Card is the right choice for you.
For more information on how we rate crypto cards, visit our how we rate page. If you’re interested in comparing this card to others, check out our crypto card comparison page.
For a detailed look at other crypto cards, visit our crypto cards category page.
Fees & costs
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual / issuance | — |
| FX / spend fee | No exchange fees; uses Visa mid-market rate |
| ATM withdrawal | — |
| Top-up / load | — |
| Staking / lockup | — |
Pros & cons
Pros
- Self-custodial wallet - user stays in full control of funds ('no banks, no middlemen')
- Up to 4% cashback and yield on balances (variable, ~5-6% APY stated)
- No FX fees abroad, Visa mid-market rate, 150+ countries
- Physical and virtual cards; Apple Pay and Google Pay; passkey/biometric security (no seed phrase)
Cons
- Cashback is paid in GNO and requires holding GNO in the Gnosis Pay card Safe
- KYC required for card and bank-transfer services
- Annual, ATM and top-up fees not stated on the site (Gnosis Pay fees may apply)
Supported crypto
Coins:
Chains:
Our take
The Zeal Card is a self-custodial debit card offering up to 4% cashback in GNO and no FX fees, ideal for crypto-savvy travelers but with some fee uncertainties.