Crypto Card Solutions Research

Comprehensive analysis of cryptocurrency card issuance, white-label providers, and payment infrastructure

30+
Card Providers Analyzed
€50K-10M
Setup Costs Range
3-18
Months to Launch
150+
Countries Coverage

Card Program Types Comparison

WL

White Label Solution

Use existing provider's license and infrastructure

Advantages

  • Fast launch (3-6 months)
  • Low initial investment
  • No license required
  • Compliance handled

Limitations

  • Higher transaction fees
  • Limited customization
  • Dependency on provider
  • Profit margin constraints
BIN

BIN Sponsorship

Partner with licensed bank for card issuance

Advantages

  • Your own BIN range
  • Better economics
  • More control
  • Brand ownership

Limitations

  • Higher setup costs
  • Longer timeline (6-12m)
  • Complex negotiations
  • Compliance burden
LIC

Own EMI/Bank License

Full control with your own financial license

Advantages

  • Complete control
  • Best economics
  • Direct scheme member
  • No dependencies

Limitations

  • €350K+ capital required
  • 12-18 months process
  • Heavy regulation
  • Operational complexity

White Label & Infrastructure Providers

Provider Card Networks Regions Card Types Min Volume Setup Time Key Features Pricing Model
Railsr (ex-Railsbank) VisaMastercard UK, EU, APAC Virtual, Physical, Prepaid 1,000 cards 3-4 months BaaS platform, APIs, Ledger Platform fee + per card
Solaris Bank VisaMastercard EU (30 countries) Debit, Credit, Corporate 5,000 cards 4-6 months Full banking license, IBAN Revenue share model
Marqeta VisaMastercard US, EU, UK, APAC All types 10,000 cards 6-8 months Modern APIs, Real-time auth Volume-based pricing
Checkout.com Visa EU, UK Virtual, Physical 500 cards 2-3 months Crypto-native, Fast setup Transaction %
Wyre (Bolt) Visa US, EU Prepaid 1,000 cards 3-4 months Crypto on/off ramp Fixed + variable
PayrNet Mastercard UK, EU Prepaid, Corporate 2,000 cards 4-5 months FCA regulated, Safeguarding Monthly + per card
Intergiro VisaMastercard EU, UK All types 5,000 cards 5-6 months Banking-as-a-Service Revenue share
Modulr Mastercard UK, EU Prepaid, Virtual 1,000 cards 3-4 months API-first, Automation Pay-as-you-go

Essential Card Program Features

↔

Instant Crypto Conversion

Real-time conversion from crypto to fiat at point of sale with competitive rates

◎

Global Acceptance

Works at 90M+ merchants worldwide and ATMs in 150+ countries

▣

Mobile Integration

Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay support for contactless payments

◈

Security Features

3DS authentication, instant freeze/unfreeze, transaction limits

◉

Rewards Program

Cashback in crypto, staking rewards, tier-based benefits

⟡

Instant Issuance

Virtual cards issued instantly, physical cards within 7-14 days

Card Program Economics

Revenue Streams

  • Interchange Fees 0.2% - 2.0%
  • FX Conversion Markup 1.0% - 3.0%
  • ATM Withdrawal Fees €2 - €5
  • Monthly/Annual Fees €0 - €15
  • Card Issuance/Replacement €5 - €25

Cost Structure

  • Card Manufacturing €3 - €8
  • Scheme Fees (Visa/MC) 0.05% - 0.15%
  • Processing Fees €0.15 - €0.30
  • KYC/Compliance €5 - €15/user
  • Platform/License Fees €5K - €50K/month

Profitability Metrics

  • Break-even Cards 5,000 - 10,000
  • Avg Revenue/Card/Month €8 - €25
  • Gross Margin 40% - 60%
  • Customer Acquisition Cost €20 - €100
  • Payback Period 6 - 18 months

Regional License Requirements

EU

European Union - EMI License

License Type: Electronic Money Institution (EMI) or Payment Institution
Capital Required: €350,000 minimum for EMI, €125,000 for PI
Timeline: 6-12 months
Key Benefits: Passporting across 27 EU countries, direct scheme membership possible
Best Jurisdictions: Lithuania (fastest), Malta (crypto-friendly), Luxembourg (prestige)
UK

United Kingdom - FCA License

License Type: EMI or API (Authorized Payment Institution)
Capital Required: £350,000 for EMI, variable for API
Timeline: 9-15 months
Key Requirements: UK presence, FCA registration, strong AML/compliance
UAE

UAE - Payment Service Provider

License Options: CBD Payment Service Provider or partnership with local bank
Capital Required: AED 2-10 million depending on activities
Timeline: 6-9 months
Alternative: Partner with FAB, ADCB, or Emirates NBD for BIN sponsorship
KSA

Saudi Arabia - SAMA License

License Type: Payment Service Provider License from SAMA
Requirements: Local entity, Saudi ownership requirements, strict compliance
Alternative: Partner with STC Pay or other licensed providers
SGP

Singapore - MAS License

License Type: Major Payment Institution License
Capital Required: SGD 250,000 minimum
Restrictions: Limited retail crypto services, focus on institutional
HK

Hong Kong - SVF License

License Type: Stored Value Facility (SVF) License from HKMA
Capital Required: HKD 25 million
Timeline: 12-18 months
USA

United States - State-by-State

Requirements: Money Transmitter Licenses in each state + MSB registration
Capital/Bonds: $1-10 million in surety bonds across states
Alternative: Partner with Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Evolve Bank, or similar

Typical Implementation Timeline

1

Strategy & Partner Selection

Define card program goals, select white-label provider or BIN sponsor, negotiate terms

4-6 weeks
2

Legal & Compliance Setup

Entity formation, license application (if needed), AML/KYC procedures, terms of service

8-12 weeks
3

Technical Integration

API integration, crypto conversion setup, mobile app development, security implementation

10-16 weeks
4

Testing & Certification

Scheme certification (Visa/Mastercard), UAT testing, security audits, beta program

6-8 weeks
5

Launch & Scale

Soft launch, marketing campaign, customer onboarding, continuous optimization

Ongoing

Successful Crypto Card Programs

Company Card Network Coverage Unique Features Rewards Fees
Crypto.com Visa 40+ countries Metal cards, Airport lounge access Up to 8% cashback Free - $400/month
Binance Card Visa EU, UK 0% fees, Auto-conversion Up to 8% BNB cashback Free
Coinbase Card Visa US, UK, EU Spend any crypto, Instant conversion Up to 4% crypto rewards Free
Nexo Card Mastercard EU, UK Credit line, No monthly payments 2% cashback Free
Wirex VisaMastercard 130+ countries Multi-currency, Interbank rates Up to 2% WXT cashback Free - €9.99/month
BitPay Mastercard US only Prepaid card, Bill pay 1.5% cashback $9.95 issuance