Coinbase Card vs Fold Card
How does Coinbase Card compare to Fold Card? A side-by-side look at fees, rewards, custody and availability.
Higher score: Coinbase Card · provisional, see how we rate
Quick answer. Coinbase Card and Fold Card are both crypto cards — here's how they differ. Key differences: annual fee (Coinbase Card: $0 (no annual fee) vs Fold Card: $0 (Fold Bitcoin Credit Card has no annual fee; other fees may apply)). Our provisional scoring rates Coinbase Card higher (6.8/10 vs 6.7/10), but the best pick depends on your country and how you spend.
| Feature | Coinbase Card | Fold Card |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 6.8/10 | 6.7/10 |
| Type | Debit | Prepaid / Credit |
| Networks | Visa | Visa |
| Rewards | Optional crypto rewards on purchases, US card users only, variable reward rate (no fixed rate stated) | Bitcoin rewards: credit card earns 1.5% back in bitcoin on eligible net purchases with no cap; up to 4% possible with bonuses (e.g. DCA setup, bitcoin statement payment). Debit card also earns bitcoin rewards (rate not detailed). |
| Annual fee | $0 (no annual fee) | $0 (Fold Bitcoin Credit Card has no annual fee; other fees may apply) |
| FX fee | — | — |
| ATM fee | — | $0 added for Fold+ subscribers (standard fees may apply) |
| 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 | Bitcoin |
| Availability | US (all states except Hawaii) | — |
| Apple / Google Pay | Yes | — |
When choosing between the Coinbase Card and the Fold Card, the decision largely depends on your specific needs and preferences regarding rewards, fees, and usability. Both cards offer unique advantages, but they cater to different types of users.
Choose Coinbase Card if…
- You are a US resident (excluding Hawaii) and want a debit card that allows you to spend both USD and cryptocurrency held on Coinbase without any spending fees.
- You prefer a card with no annual fee and no application fee or credit check.
- You value the flexibility of using Apple Pay and Google Pay with wide acceptance at over 40 million Visa merchants.
- You are comfortable with the potential tax implications of spending cryptocurrency, as the card auto-converts crypto to USD at the point of sale.
- You are interested in optional crypto rewards, even though the rate is variable and only available to US users.
Choose Fold Card if…
- You are looking for a card that offers bitcoin rewards on your purchases, with a flat 1.5% back on eligible net purchases and the potential to earn up to 4% with bonuses.
- You are comfortable with rewards being paid in bitcoin only, rather than a range of cryptocurrencies or fiat currency.
- You are a Fold+ subscriber, as this offers additional benefits such as zero added fees on ATM withdrawals and zero fees for buying bitcoin.
- You are willing to use a custodial service for your bitcoin holdings, understanding that they are not FDIC insured.
- You are comfortable with the lack of information on foreign transaction fees, KYC requirements, and support for Apple/Google Pay.
Bottom line
The Coinbase Card is an excellent choice for US residents who want a fee-free way to spend both USD and cryptocurrency, with the option for crypto rewards. It offers wide acceptance and integration with popular digital wallets. On the other hand, the Fold Card is ideal for those who prioritize earning bitcoin rewards on their purchases and are willing to commit to a custodial service. The choice between these two cards ultimately depends on whether you prefer a flexible spending solution with optional rewards or a card that focuses on earning bitcoin. For more detailed insights on how we rate crypto cards, visit our rating methodology page.