Uphold Crypto Card vs. Coinbase Card: Which is the Best Choice for Crypto Spending?

Crypto cards are a great tool for crypto holders to use their digital assets to make real-world payments. In this review, we discuss two such cards: the Uphold Crypto card and the Coinbase card. 

Through our Uphold Crypto card vs Coinbase card review, we pick the ideal option for users by discussing their available fees, trading limits, cashback options, security measures, and much more. 

Uphold Crypto Card Review

The Uphold crypto card is a payment debit card for spending your digital assets. The best card for spending crypto, Uphold charges 0% foreign transaction fees and offers low exchange rates when traveling abroad. 

Uphold operates like a standard Mastercard and can be spent anywhere in the world. Notably, It offers multi-currency support, letting users spend in any currency. However, the Uphold Card does charge a 2% fee on crypto transactions and also charges ATM withdrawals within and outside of the United Kingdom. 

One of the best crypto debit cards in 2024, Uphold allows users to access more than 50 cryptocurrencies. Some of the best altcoins including Ethereum (ETH) and Litecoin (LTC) are supported, along with a diverse range of asset classes such as gold and national currencies. 

Through this Uphold debit card review, we have also found that this premium card offers a range of cashback benefits and rewards. Uphold regularly hosts promotions – offering up to 5% cash back on certain GBP purchases, up to a maximum limit of £100 per month. Other benefits include cashback paid out in XRP. 

The Debit Card is designed to work smoothly with the Uphold app, providing an intuitive platform for managing cryptocurrency holdings. This integration simplifies accessing and utilizing various crypto assets for everyday purchases, ensuring a streamlined experience for users.

Moreover, the Uphold card can be added to your mobile wallet and is compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay. After reviewing the Uphold card fees, rewards, benefits, and compatible digital assets, we consider Uphold to be one of the top crypto cards in the market right now. 

Coinbase Card Review

The Coinbase crypto debit card offers straightforward spending options. It allows users to make purchases directly with crypto, which is converted to fiat at the point of sale.

The Coinbase card automatically handles the crypto-to-fiat conversion, simplifying transactions without the need for manual cryptocurrency exchanges. A 2.49% transaction fee applies for most crypto purchases, with no foreign transaction fees, making it appealing for global use. Additionally, free monthly ATM withdrawals up to a limit enhance its accessibility, though additional fees apply after the limit is exceeded.

One of the top crypto payment cards, the Coinbase card supports some of the best cryptos to buy, such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, Litecoin, and many more. Integrated directly with the Coinbase App, the card lets users spend crypto like cash, providing flexibility in using their assets to make daily transactions. 

Furthermore, a popular reason for selecting crypto cards such as Coinbase is the associated cashback or reward programs from which you can benefit. The Coinbase crypto card benefits include a stellar rewards program through which users can earn crypto back on every purchase they make. Up to 4% cashback is provided for selected cryptos, as the reward percentages vary per asset. 

Apart from the Coinbase card cashback and fees, the card also provides seamless integration with the Coinbase platform, allowing users to easily manage their spending, rewards, and investments all in one place. 

Thus, these features lead to wider acceptance of crypto debit cards, leading to a broader acceptance and making them an invaluable asset for everyday spending. 

Uphold Card vs Coinbase Card Compared

Our review will now compare the benefits, features, fees, and use cases of the Uphold crypto card vs the Coinbase card below: 

Fees & Costs

Both the Uphold Crypto and Coinbase cards offer competitive fees and costs. In terms of direct transaction fees, Uphold stands out – charging just 2% per transaction, compared to Coinbase’s 2.49% per transaction. 

A fee structure designed for flexibility and travel – Uphold charges 0% foreign transaction fees, and extremely low exchange rates when traveling abroad. Notably, those interested in issuing the physical Uphold Mastercard must pay a one-time shipping fee of £9.95 and will receive the card within 7-10 working days. 

Coinbase, by comparison, is also a simple and intuitive platform. Users can link their bank accounts or deposit a part of their paycheck on the platform, paying no fees. No credit checks are required to set up the card, and users can start making payments without paying any foreign transaction fees. 

Both the Uphold and Coinbase cards charge no additional setup and annual fees. However, while the Coinbase Card’s ATM withdrawals are free up to a monthly limit, Uphold’s is costlier. Each local (GBP) ATM withdrawal attracts a fee of £2.50, while foreign ATM withdrawals cost £3.50 per transaction. 

Supported Cryptos & Fiat Options

The Coinbase card supports several cryptocurrencies such as ApeCoin, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. The card provides flexibility to spend a variety of digital assets wherever Visa is accepted.

By comparison, the Uphold card stands out as it supports more than 50 digital assets. Users can buy Bitcoin and other top altcoins, such as Ethereum, but also invest in lesser-known assets. On the Uphold crypto card, users can directly convert crypto holdings into fiat currency during transactions. Uphold’s system simplifies crypto-to-fiat transactions at real-time rates, allowing users to leverage both crypto and fiat seamlessly. 

Coinbase also supports multiple fiat currencies for global users, making transactions simple without additional currency exchange steps, broadening the card’s appeal for both crypto-savvy and everyday users. The Coinbase card auto-converts crypto to USD, offering a seamless spending experience without manual conversion steps.

Cashback & Rewards

The Uphold Debit Card offers a straightforward rewards program, allowing users to earn cashback on every purchase. First, users can receive up to 5% cashback on certain GBP purchases, with a maximum monthly earning of $100. 

Secondly, through ongoing promotions, users can receive up to 4% cashback in XRP on certain purchases. This applies to recurring buys of at least $100. The exact cashback rates vary depending on factors such as the transaction amount and location, encouraging a loyalty-based incentive. 

On Coinbase, rewards are issued in popular cryptocurrencies, and users can select which crypto they’d like to receive, adding flexibility for those looking to diversify their holdings. The rewards and payback options make Coinbase an appealing option to both beginner and advanced traders. 

The exact benefits include up to 4% cash back in selected cryptos for transactions. Reward percentages vary per asset. Through this crypto rewards comparison, we give the edge to the Uphold card, as the rewards appeal to crypto users looking to enjoy regular spending benefits. 

Accessibility and Ease of Use

The Uphold Debit Card seamlessly integrates with the Uphold app, offering a user-friendly experience for managing crypto assets. Through the app, users can easily convert cryptocurrencies into fiat currency for spending, providing flexibility for everyday transactions. 

The app also includes features like real-time transaction tracking and customizable notifications, making it easy to monitor spending. Overall, this integration enhances the user experience, empowering individuals to navigate their crypto and fiat holdings efficiently. 

Through the Coinbase card, users can access additional perks such as real-time spending notifications, streamlined tax reporting tools, and customized spending summaries. These features enhance financial tracking and simplify crypto-related expenses, making the Coinbase card a good choice for everyday transactions.

The card’s integration with the Coinbase platform makes it easy to switch between fiat and crypto payments, track transactions, and monitor crypto rewards through the Coinbase app. Due to these features, Coinbase stands out in comparison to Uphold when it comes to accessibility. 

Security & Privacy

Our Uphold vs Coinbase debit card review will now take a closer look at the available security features. The Uphold Debit Card prioritizes security with several robust features designed to protect users. 

It provides real-time spending tracking, allowing cardholders to monitor transactions as they occur. Instant spending notifications keep users informed about their card activity, enhancing awareness and control. For added convenience, the card can be locked instantly in case of loss or theft, offering peace of mind. 

Users can also withdraw crypto as cash from any ATM, further facilitating easy access to funds. Additionally, the card’s virtual option enables users to get started immediately, ensuring they can begin managing their crypto assets without delay.

By comparison, the Coinbase Debit Card also offers a range of security features, such as fraud protection, which helps detect unauthorized transactions and ensures that users are alerted to suspicious activity. Additionally, the card can be locked instantly via the Coinbase app, providing an extra layer of security if it is lost or stolen. 

Users also receive notifications for every transaction, allowing for real-time monitoring of their spending. Coinbase adheres to stringent privacy measures, safeguarding personal information while allowing users to manage their crypto assets securely. 

Overall, Uphold’s user-friendly features, combined with strong security measures, create a safe and efficient payment experience.

Customer Support

The Uphold Debit Card has garnered mixed reviews regarding its customer support and overall user experience. Users appreciate the card’s straightforward interface and ease of use within the Uphold app, which facilitates seamless management of crypto assets. 

However, some customers have reported delays in customer support response times, particularly when dealing with account-related issues. Overall, the Uphold Debit Card offers a solid experience for managing digital currencies, but there is room for improvement in customer service responsiveness.

The Coinbase Debit Card generally receives positive feedback regarding customer support and user experience. Users appreciate the card’s seamless integration with the Coinbase platform, making it easy to manage crypto assets and transactions. The app is user-friendly, offering quick access to account information and transaction history.

However, some reviews indicate that customer service response times can be slow, particularly during peak times or when handling complex issues. While the self-service options and resources are helpful, customers sometimes feel the need for more direct support. 

Overall, while both the Uphold crypto card and Coinbase card user interfaces are appreciated, there are slight concerns regarding response times. 

Pros and Cons of Each Cards

Now that we have evaluated the main features of each card, it is time to analyze the benefits and disadvantages of Uphold and Coinbase crypto cards. 

Who Should Use Which Card? 

Before determining whether to use Coinbase or Uphold for crypto spending, it is important to determine what type of user you are and what benefits you require. 

In the sections below, we discuss two user categories and which card would be ideal depending on your varying needs: 

Reward-Focused Users

Reward-focused users will tend to choose a crypto card that offers premium benefits, such as regular cashback per transaction. While both Coinbase and Uphold offer several rewards, we would pick the Uphold crypto card for this category. 

This is due to Uphold’s stellar rewards program. Users can earn up to 5% cashback on specified GBP purchases—up to £100 per month. Furthermore, Uphold provides up to 4% cashback in XRP for certain purchases as well. 

High Spenders

Interestingly, both the Uphold and Coinbase debit cards offer different benefits to high spenders. For instance, both cards charge no foreign transaction fees – ideal for travelers looking to use crypto for everyday transactions internationally. Moreover, Uphold charges low exchange rates as well. 

However, while ATM withdrawals are free up to a certain limit with the Coinbase card, Uphold charges a fee for all local and international withdrawals. This may make Coinbase Card more ideal. 

Nonetheless, Uphold offers other benefits, such as a daily limit of £10,000 on a single transaction—a maximum of 50 transactions per day. 

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