A crypto card connects cryptocurrency wallets (likely provided by a cryptocurrency exchange) with a payment processing platform, allowing cardholders to make digital and in-person payments. They are no longer a niche innovation. As digital assets move beyond investment, into the mainstream payments, crypto cards are emerging as the new standard, becoming as evident in the crypto space as debit and credit cards are in fiat finance.
The global crypto card market is projected to reach $152.2 billion by 2031, driven by consumer demand, favorable tech and regulatory trends, and cryptocurrency exchange software providers can’t resist the shift. Integrating crypto cards and other payment solutions is now essential for staying relevant in the evolving financial landscape.
Also Read>>> Crypto Cards in Crypto Exchange Software: Types and Benefits
Where Crypto Card Adoption Is Surging: A Global Overview
Crypto cards have been gaining traction across the globe, but in some regions, they’re exploding in terms of adoption. Nearly one in 10 Americans and even higher proportions in Brazil, Portugal, and Slovenia use crypto cards for various online and offline transactions. The following snapshot from crypto.com consumer spending insights shows how customers used their crypto cards.
Developed and developing markets with high crypto adoption rates, such as India, Nigeria, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, UAE, Vietnam, LatAM, Venezuela, Mexico, etc., that lead in crypto adoption, are also ripe for crypto card rollouts. Another recent report from Europe signals Europeans are inclined to digital assets for everyday payments. The European crypto debit card market was valued at $4.5 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach 21.8 billion by 2033, demonstrating a CAGR of 19% during 2026-2033.
“What we’re seeing in Europe is that crypto card users aren’t just experimenting with new tech — they’re showing us what everyday spending might look like in a truly cashless future.”
Alexandr Kerya, VP Product Management at CEX.IO.
And it’s not just Gen Z and millennials driving the revolution, a report also reveals that nearly half of crypto cardholders (45%) are over the age of 35, and 11% are in their 50s and 60s. Nexo also revealed the percentage of users across different age groups. High-net-worth individuals from different age groups are increasingly embracing the convenience that comes with crypto cards.
This widespread adoption underscores that crypto cards are no longer confined to early adopters but are rapidly becoming familiar financial tools in multiple markets.
Why Cryptocurrency Exchange Development Must Integrate Cards to Stay Competitive in 2025
In today’s cryptocurrency exchange software market, offering crypto debit or credit cards is no longer an add-on. It’s becoming a strategic moat, helping exchanges stand out, build loyalty, lock in users, and unlock new revenue streams.
Let’s see how a card is such a powerful competitive advantage:
A. Turning Exchange Into a Daily Financial Tool:
Card-enabled cryptocurrency exchange software development transforms exchanges into more than just a trading infrastructure.
- Users can swipe at any time at their merchant POS/servers while the system seamlessly deducts the amount from their crypto balance.
- This brings Web2 ease to Web3 assets as these solutions let users spend Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoin like cash.
The ultimate advantage? Users stay within your ecosystem to trade, store their digital assets, and now spend, making your platform their all-in-one financial hub.
Also Read>>> The Cost of Ignoring Crypto Voucher Cards
B. Higher Retention and Enhanced Loyalty:
Cryptocurrency exchange software that offers crypto cards has seen up to 40% higher user engagement and retention. Why? Because crypto cards encourage users to:
- Deposit consistently and keep funds on the platform instead of cashing out to a bank
- Interact with your brand daily via real-world spending
- Develop habits that deepen brand loyalty
The more users swipe, the less likely they are to switch platforms for cryptocurrency trading or other activities.
C. Expanding Beyond Traders and Reaching Mainstream Users
Crypto card integration in cryptocurrency exchange development lets trading platforms serve as a gateway for users who are less crypto-savvy. By packing crypto spending into a familiar, trusted, and simple card form, exchanges are more likely to attract traditional customers who are hesitant about complex wallets & systems but still willing to hold and spend crypto. which makes them ideal for onboarding less crypto-native users. By offering mainstream accessibility and instant liquidity, you can make your cryptocurrency exchange software accessible to:
- New users curious about crypto
- Traditional fintech audiences
- Gen Z and Millennials who value everyday utility
This helps unlock the 70% untapped non-crypto natives market, a user base beyond the hardcore traders.
Also Read>>> Crypto Exchange With Debit Card Integration: Cost & Benefits
D. Revenue Generator, Not Just a Perk
Integrating crypto cards not only improves user experience but also significantly boosts the bottom line for crypto exchange software development projects.
- Every card swipe can generate transaction and interchange fees (0.1 to 2.5%). Cryptocurrency exchange software solutions that implemented cards reported annual revenue boosts of 25%-30% from transaction volumes alone.
- Crypto-to-fiat conversions provide spread revenue (0.5% to 1.5%) as exchanges usually convert at a slightly higher rate than the real-time price. When crypto prices are volatile and users spend frequently, cryptocurrency exchange software can reap huge profits from spreads. For instance, if the real BTC/USD rate is 1 BTC = $30,000, the exchange might give the user a rate of 1 BTC = $29,700 when spending, quietly capturing $300 (1%) as a conversion fee.
- Cryptocurrency exchanges can collect one-time issuance fees or shipping fees (if physical) for card programs. Premium card tiers (metal cards, higher cashback tiers) might also come with a hefty price. Cryptocurrency exchange software may also lure customers into engaging more on their trading platforms for a higher-tier card (like Crypto.com does). Other possible revenue streams include annual fees for premium cards, monthly maintenance or subscription fees, additional fees for customizable card designs, or limited-edition cards.
- As the market matures, cryptocurrency exchange software offering cards may also strategically build physical ATMs and keep a cut of cash withdrawal fees and processing fees from crypto cards, along with surcharges for surpassing limits.
- Crypto credit cards, allowing users to borrow against collateral and interest on the loan, become a revenue source for the exchanges. Even debit cards may provide a “spend now, pay later feature, generating financing or interest fees for cryptocurrency exchange software providers.
E. Position Your Exchange as an Innovation Leader
Cryptocurrency exchange software offering a crypto card sends a strong message that the exchange is future-ready. It demonstrates the cryptocurrency exchange’s efforts to bridge the tradFi and DeFi gap, putting them in the league of pioneers like:
- Crypto.com Visa Card
- Binance Card
- Coinbase and Gemini Cards
- Nexo’s Credit Card
Each of these platforms used cards to expand globally, drive loyalty, and stay top of their customers’ minds. Nexo reports that its crypto credit card helped retain over 100,000 BTC and 750,000 ETH on-platform, avoiding unnecessary sell-offs and keeping user assets invested, while driving a 324% increase in weekly transactions.
Not just this, this self-reinforcing moat unlocks opportunities for merchant partnerships. And gradually, exchanges lacking a card might look outdated when spending becomes an expected feature from crypto exchange platform development projects.
Your Exchange Does Trading. What About Spending?
Let’s Add Cards & Crush It. Integrating a crypto card program in cryptocurrency exchange development projects is no longer optional, as it:
- Boosts User Retention
- Attracts New Demographics
- Generates Revenue
- Elevates Brand Stature
For 2025 and beyond, crypto exchange software development without cards risks falling behind.
How Antier Enables Card-Enabled Cryptocurrency Exchange Software Development?
Antier’s white label exchange software comes pre-integrated with APIs for Visa/Mastercard card issuing, real-time crypto-to-fiat conversion, and KYC-compliant user onboarding. We help you launch card-integrated cryptocurrency exchange software with fiat ramps, multi-asset wallets, and modular card infrastructure, so your users can spend crypto like cash, and you unlock new revenue with every swipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. What is a crypto card?
A crypto card connects cryptocurrency wallets with a payment processing platform, allowing users to make digital and in-person payments using their cryptocurrency.
02. How is the global crypto card market expected to grow?
The global crypto card market is projected to reach $152.2 billion by 2031, driven by consumer demand and favorable tech and regulatory trends.
03. Who is using crypto cards, and what are the adoption trends?
Crypto cards are gaining traction globally, with nearly one in 10 Americans and higher proportions in countries like Brazil and Portugal using them, indicating widespread adoption across various age groups.
