Coinbase Card vs Uphold Card
How does Coinbase Card compare to Uphold Card? A side-by-side look at fees, rewards, custody and availability.
Higher score: Uphold Card · provisional, see how we rate
Quick answer. Coinbase Card and Uphold Card are both crypto cards — here's how they differ. Key differences: annual fee (Coinbase Card: $0 (no annual fee) vs Uphold Card: $0 (Essential); $99.99 (Elite)). Our provisional scoring rates Uphold Card higher (7.9/10 vs 6.8/10), but the best pick depends on your country and how you spend.
| Feature | Coinbase Card | Uphold Card |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Type | Debit | Debit |
| Networks | Visa | Visa |
| Rewards | Optional crypto rewards on purchases, US card users only, variable reward rate (no fixed rate stated) | Essential: 2% in XRP (up to $120). Elite: 4% back on Cryptocurrency/Metals funding and 3% on Fiat/Stablecoins, paid in XRP (up to $300). |
| Annual fee | $0 (no annual fee) | $0 (Essential); $99.99 (Elite) |
| FX fee | — | 0% (Elite); 1.50% (Essential) |
| ATM fee | — | $0 (Elite); $2.95 (Essential) |
| KYC | Full | 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 | 300+ digital assets (as funding source) |
| Availability | US (all states except Hawaii) | US only; excludes Louisiana, New York and US territories |
| Apple / Google Pay | Yes | Yes |
Coinbase Card vs Uphold Card: How They Differ
When choosing between the Coinbase Card and the Uphold Card, it’s important to consider your priorities. The Coinbase Card is a straightforward, fee-free debit card available to US residents (excluding Hawaii) that allows you to spend your USD and crypto holdings without additional charges. On the other hand, the Uphold Card offers a more feature-rich experience with its two-tiered system, including a free Essential tier and a premium Elite tier, which provides additional benefits like cashback rewards and fee waivers. However, it comes with some restrictions and fees depending on the tier you choose.
Choose Coinbase Card if…
- You want a no-fee card: The Coinbase Card has no annual fee and no fees for spending USD or crypto, making it a cost-effective option for everyday use.
- You prefer simplicity: With no tiers or complex fee structures, the Coinbase Card offers a straightforward way to spend your digital assets.
- You use Apple Pay or Google Pay: The card is compatible with these popular mobile payment systems, allowing for convenient and secure transactions.
- You are a US resident (excluding Hawaii): The card is widely available across most US states, making it accessible to a large audience.
- You want to avoid taxable events: While spending crypto is a taxable event, the Coinbase Card auto-converts crypto to USD at the point of sale, which might simplify your tax reporting.
Choose Uphold Card if…
- You want cashback rewards: The Uphold Card offers up to 4% cashback on the Elite tier, paid in XRP, which can be appealing if you are interested in earning crypto rewards.
- You fund your card with a variety of digital assets: With support for over 300 digital assets, the Uphold Card provides flexibility in how you fund your card.
- You are willing to pay for premium features: The Elite tier, which costs $99.99 annually, offers benefits like 0% foreign exchange fees and $0 ATM fees, which can be valuable if you frequently travel or use ATMs.
- You are a US resident (excluding Louisiana, New York, and US territories): The card is available to a broad range of US residents, though some states are excluded.
- You prefer to earn rewards in crypto: The cashback rewards are paid in XRP, which can be appealing if you are bullish on this cryptocurrency.
Bottom line
Ultimately, the choice between the Coinbase Card and the Uphold Card depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a simple, fee-free experience and are comfortable with auto-converting your crypto to USD, the Coinbase Card is a solid choice. However, if you are interested in earning crypto rewards and are willing to pay for premium features, the Uphold Card’s Elite tier might be more suitable. For more detailed comparisons, check out our rating methodology.