Now that we could have a crypto debit card to pay for everyday goods and services with cryptocurrency, we can move aside Airpoints and Flybuys. And you can even get rewarded with ‘crypto-back’ for doing so!

Yes, that’s earning cryptocurrencies as you spend. Not long ago, people were still wondering how to use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum in real life. Most cryptocurrency holders were frequently obliged to move their crypto assets into their New Zealand (NZ) bank account before they could spend it.

This practice, however, was not without faults – by the time you cash out your cryptocurrency to spend, the exchange rate may have already changed. The option of having a crypto debit card minimises this problem.

What is a crypto debit card?

Crypto debit cards are prepaid cards that can be loaded up with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum and can be used on the day to day – just like you would with your NZ debit bank card. A debit card means that you do not get a bill at the end of each month like a credit card.

What are some examples of crypto debit cards in New Zealand?

We’ve had a discussion with the Easy Crypto team about crypto debit cards, and what constitutes a feature set that would suit your lifestyle best.

In case you haven’t read it yet: Read our thoughts about using cryptocurrency in our daily lives.

We’ve pulled out four cryptocurrency debit cards that are available in New Zealand:

Wirex – cheap and easy for Kiwis access
Crypto.com – sleek metal card and a range of reward options
Crypterium – higher limits for the big spenders!

Let’s dive straight into it!

Wirex Cryptocurrency Card

Wirex is a multi-currency crypto wallet and card, and its debit card is one of the most popular choices on the market.

Its pastel-green debit card supports the conversion of several major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Its popularity is mostly due to two reasons: it is cheap and available in many countries. It charges no issuance fee, and lucky for Kiwis, we don’t have account maintenance or card maintenance fees either.

Wirex’s standard card delivery to New Zealand is also free. Wirex has a native built-in utility token (WXT) and depending on whether you hold their token, you can receive up to 8% with their Cryptoback rewards programme.

When you load it up in fiat currency (NZD) you do not pay a fee, but a 1% fee when you load your card up in cryptocurrencies.

Transactions in-store and online have no fees, and ATM withdrawals are free. The best part about Wirex, you have the option to load stablecoins onto them – yes, no worries about the volatility!

Crypto.com Cryptocurrency Card

Alright, I must admit I’m really into the aesthetics of the debit cards offered by Crypto.com. Did I mention that it’s made up on composite metal?

They provide a five-tier option with their cards, yes that’s five different cards you can choose from – each having a different colour.

The tiered option depends on the number of CRO coins you hold; each tier has its own reward levels with some even offering you a rebate on your online streaming subscriptions.

Although there are no issuance, maintenance, or transaction fees, you are required to hold CRO coins to get these cards.

Cardholders have the option to “stake” their CRO coins for 6 months, meaning locking up your CRO coins as a crypto asset for 6 months to help secure the blockchain network. In return, you are rewarded with CRO tokens.

Their free monthly withdrawal limit is up to about $1000 USD. A point to note is that cardholders can only currently pre-load major fiat currencies (e.g. USD, GDP, AUD) onto their debit card – this means you can’t load NZD onto your crypto.com card, but you can still load it up with cryptocurrency.

Crypterium Cryptocurrency Card

While the previous three cards use the Visa payment system, the Crypterium card offers the UnionPay payment system for Kiwis. It too supports major currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

They charge an issuance fee of about $16 USD for the delivery, with a monthly fee of about $4 USD.

There is a load fee of 2% of the deposit amount, but Crypterium also has a much larger limit for their card and do not have an ATM limit. Maybe this card is for the big spenders?

Alan’s Tried and Tested Review: ✔️

A person is using Wirex cryptocurrency card to buy food and beverages — *Alan made his first purchase using his Wirex card in Malaysia! ????*

Spoilt with options? Not knowing which one to choose? Well, to offer you an honest review, I’ve caught up with the tech brains of Easy Crypto, Alan, to see what he has to say. Alan currently uses Wirex, Crypto.com and Ten X, and is awaiting his Crypterium card to arrive.

For most cards, it took between 3-5 days for them to arrive, and that’s even during the covid-lockdown! Crypterium, however, is experiencing a bit of a delay and a slight issue on card issuance to New Zealand.

Based on Alan’s first-hand experience of using Wirex, Crypto.com and Ten X, we’ve put together a personal review comparing the card’s ease of deposit; ease of purchase and app’s usability (i.e. how easy it is to navigate).

Please remember that this is

Card	Ease of deposit	Ease of purchase	App’s usability
Wirex Get your card here	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ There are stable coins options!	⭐⭐⭐⭐ There are times when online purchases do not go through as the merchant does not accept the card. This happened when purchasing on Amazon.	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Crypto.com Get your card here	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐ Unlike the other cards, and most New Zealand bank cards, this card uses a 6-digits PIN. Some retail merchants will require you to sign the receipt. However, if there’s a Paywave option then you’re all good.	⭐⭐ The app is confusing – not the easiest to navigate.

Each card has its pros and cons, and depending on your lifestyle, some may better cater to you than others. Asking around our Easy Crypto team, the Wirex card is hands down the most popular option. What do you think?

Without a doubt, the options to spend your crypto assets are growing. Cryptocurrency is reconstructing our financial world with the offering of transaction speed, privacy, cost, and convenience, and a debit card is that helpful ‘bridge’ between the old and new world.

The example of crypto debit cards that are available in New Zealand (NZ) and also other countries

More people are turning to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum as both a fruitful investment opportunity and a fast, secure, and reliable payment method.

Cryptocurrency debit card options make the process of spending your digital assets much easier. After all, no one wants to jump through hoops to exchange their cryptocurrency just to buy coffee or lunch.

Further reading: Discover all things crypto by exploring at Easy Crypto.