2022 has proven to be an extremely turbulent year for the cryptocurrency market. The collapse of centralised exchanges like FTX and subsequent investigations has severely undermined user trust in blockchain services as thousands of users have been left without investments and funds. As 2023 approaches, it is becoming clear that the blockchain industry must develop in a new vector that entails greater transparency, accountability, and integration with traditional financial instruments and gateways.
Considering the failure of multiple DeFi services and payment infrastructure platforms, it is imperative that users exercise extreme caution when selecting a crypto-to-fiat service. The following is a list of the most reliable crypto bank card providers for 2023, all which have proven to be both secure and resilient to market shocks.
Binance
Binance is the largest centralised cryptocurrency exchange on the market; it has been successfully operating since 2020. Binance offers its own debit card in both plastic and digital versions. The Binance card sports low monthly fees, no annual support fee, and zero foreign exchange commissions. The card also supports15 cryptocurrencies and claims to be accepted worldwide. Cashback is also available.
Embily
The Embily network has been operating since 2017 in Europe, with plans to expand into the US in early 2023 through a partnership with Visa and MasterCard. The project has a valid European licence, does not entail any native tokens, and is fully self-sustained. Embily also offers its clients a VISA-based debit card that supports Euro payments and cryptocurrency portfolios (with the instant conversion of digital assets to fiat at best market exchange rate). Most importantly, all user assets are stored in Euros as opposed to cryptocurrencies.
The Embily platform features zero fees for annual maintenance and a round-the-clock support service that guarantees instant troubleshooting. The physical card component can be delivered to the holder’s location for a separate fee, which is refunded upon card activation, and can be used for cashing out at ATMs. Embily’s dual support for Euros as well as other cryptocurrencies make it the perfect choice for European holders.
Coinbase
Another large and centralised exchange, Coinbase also offers Visa-backed cryptocurrency debit cards. The card supports more than 230 cryptocurrencies and claims to be accepted worldwide at over 40 thousand online and physical merchant outlets.
One of the highlights of the card is that it is digitally connected directly to a users Coinbase account, which requires passage of the KYC procedure. The card provides unlimited rewards of up to 4% from every purchase and is free, with no annual or monthly fees.
Nexo
The Nexo card is part of a large decentralised ecosystem of services, including lending, a native wallet, and exchange venues. Nexo also allows cardholders to use a line of credit attached directly to their cryptocurrency portfolios, making it easy to repay loans.
The debit card comes with support for VISA and a 0.5% cashback in the BTC feature. No monthly or annual fees are foreseen, making it the ideal option for frugal users. Nexo supports as many as 20 cryptocurrencies, and is regularly updating their list.
Key Takeaways
2023 promises more turbulence in the cryptocurrency industry, meaning that market participants should think carefully whether the services they are currently using stand a chance of surviving the ‘crypto winter’. The FTX incident has shed significant doubt on centralised exchanges as reliable services for storing value, leaving independent projects in a better standing. With the integration of FIAT and digital assets progressing smoothly, the choice is ultimately one of preference and utility when selecting a debit card that supports cryptocurrency payments.
Image by Jan Vašek from Pixabay
