Stablecoin Cards: How They Work and the Top Options

A new type of card has emerged in the world of cryptocurrency and stablecoins: the stablecoin card. These cards allow users to spend dollar-pegged stablecoins such as USDC or USDT for everyday purchases, offering more predictable purchasing power and lower tax friction compared to traditional crypto cards.

There are two main types of stablecoin cards: custodial and self-custodial. Custodial cards store assets with the provider, making them easier to use but also leaving funds vulnerable to freezing or restriction. Self-custodial cards, on the other hand, keep assets in a user's own smart wallet until payment is made.

The best stablecoin cards were ranked using a five-factor weighted scoring model that assessed their impact on real-world user experience. Availability and access, fees and real cost, rewards, security, and integration with wallets or exchanges were all considered factors in the ranking.