Kraken Debit Card vs Coinbase Card
How does Kraken Debit Card compare to Coinbase Card? A side-by-side look at fees, rewards, custody and availability.
Higher score: Kraken Debit Card · provisional, see how we rate
Quick answer. Kraken Debit Card and Coinbase Card are both crypto cards — here's how they differ. Key differences: network (Kraken Debit Card: Mastercard (UK/EEA); Visa (US Krak Card) vs Coinbase Card: Visa); annual fee (Kraken Debit Card: None (no monthly or annual fees) vs Coinbase Card: $0 (no annual fee)). Our provisional scoring rates Kraken Debit Card higher (8/10 vs 6.8/10), but the best pick depends on your country and how you spend.
| Feature | Kraken Debit Card | Coinbase Card |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8/10 | 6.8/10 |
| Type | Debit | Debit |
| Networks | Mastercard (UK/EEA); Visa (US Krak Card) | Visa |
| Rewards | UK/EEA: tiered cashback 0%-2% by 30-day rolling balance (Starter 0%, Lite 0.5%, Pro 1%, Elite 1.5%, Max 2%), payable in Bitcoin or fiat; US Krak Card: up to 2% cashback, up to 4% boosted on travel via Krak Concierge | Optional crypto rewards on purchases, US card users only, variable reward rate (no fixed rate stated) |
| Annual fee | None (no monthly or annual fees) | $0 (no annual fee) |
| FX fee | No FX markup (passes Mastercard exchange rate without markup); a variable spread applies when spending across assets | — |
| ATM fee | No Krak ATM withdrawal fees; third-party ATM operator fees may apply | — |
| KYC | Full | Full |
| Custody | Custodial | Custodial |
| Supported coins | 600+ cash and crypto balances available on Kraken (not all usable for card transactions); cashback in Euros, Pounds or Bitcoin | Spend USD and crypto held on Coinbase (incl. USDC) with no spending fee; crypto auto-converts to USD at point of sale |
| Availability | UK and EEA (Mastercard); US Krak Card available in most US states except New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Indiana | US (all states except Hawaii) |
| Apple / Google Pay | Yes | Yes |
When choosing between the Kraken Debit Card and the Coinbase Card, your decision will largely depend on your geographic location, desired rewards structure, and specific usage preferences. Both cards offer unique benefits but cater to different user needs.
Choose Kraken Debit Card if…
- You are based in the UK or EEA, as the Kraken Debit Card offers broader international availability compared to the Coinbase Card.
- You prefer a tiered cashback system, with rates up to 2% in Bitcoin or fiat, as the Kraken Debit Card provides a structured rewards program based on your 30-day rolling balance.
- You want the flexibility to earn cashback on travel, with the potential for up to 4% boosted rewards via Krak Concierge for US cardholders.
- You appreciate the transparency of no FX markup, as the Kraken Debit Card passes through the Mastercard exchange rate without additional fees.
- You are comfortable with full KYC requirements and already have a verified Kraken account.
Choose Coinbase Card if…
- You reside in the US (excluding Hawaii), as the Coinbase Card is currently only available in the United States.
- You prefer a card that allows you to spend both USD and crypto held on Coinbase with no spending fees, providing seamless integration with your existing Coinbase account.
- You value the convenience of using Apple Pay and Google Pay, as the Coinbase Card is compatible with these popular payment platforms.
- You are interested in optional crypto rewards, even though they are variable and only available to US users.
- You want a card that does not require a credit check for application, making it more accessible for those concerned about credit impact.
Bottom line
The Kraken Debit Card and the Coinbase Card each offer distinct advantages tailored to different user profiles. If you are in the UK or EEA and prioritize a structured cashback program with no FX markup, the Kraken Debit Card is likely the better choice. However, if you are based in the US and prefer a card that integrates seamlessly with your Coinbase account and supports multiple payment platforms, the Coinbase Card might be more suitable. For more detailed comparisons, visit our ratings page.