After the 2022 pullback, the field of card-linked token rewards shrank, driven by high-profile collapses and tighter risk rules. In the U.S. market of 2025, select issuers are returning with clearer terms and stricter controls.
The idea is simple: you earn digital assets on everyday spending instead of points or miles. Rewards usually post through an exchange connection and may require a verified account before you can claim them.
Our monthly top picks include the Gemini Credit Card®, Venmo Credit Card (Cash Back to Crypto), and Crypto.com Visa tiers. We note key features like Gemini’s tiered category rates and sign-up bonus, Venmo’s auto-purchase flow with a conversion spread, and Crypto.com’s staking-based rewards.
Watch fees and usability. Many options have $0 annual fee, but conversion spreads and platform dependence affect net value. Check network acceptance, verification steps, and how rewards post before you apply.
For a fuller list of available U.S. options and background, see this guide on cards with crypto rewards.
The market tightened after several high-profile failures, leaving a leaner set of card-linked token offers in 2025. After the 2022 downturn, many programs vanished or pared back redemption paths.
Market reality check: issuers now prioritize clearer terms and transparent reward mechanics. Expect tighter risk controls, explicit monthly category caps, and closer vetting of exchange partners that deliver payouts.
Operational shifts matter. Programs that remain often require a linked account at an exchange or app to receive tokens. That creates platform dependency and makes custody and withdrawal rules a key safety factor.
Key takeaway: study the app and exchange tied to a card, verify custody options, and monitor issuer announcements so you understand evolving fees and reward mechanics over time.
Picking the right rewards program starts with matching the plan to how you spend each month. Look beyond a headline rate and focus on caps, conversion costs, and how easy it is to move rewards off the platform.
Decide among a flat cash back model, category bonuses, or tier systems that require staking or subscriptions. For example, Gemini pays 4% on gas/transit up to $300/month, then 1% after the cap. Venmo offers 3%/2%/1% with an optional monthly auto-purchase conversion.
Compare annual fee versus $0 annual fee alternatives and watch embedded conversion spreads. Transaction fees and ATM limits affect access to cash and add to the real cost of earning rewards.
Confirm whether a card uses Visa or Mastercard and check foreign transaction rules. Also verify if an exchange account is required to receive tokens and whether you can change or withdraw those funds.
Model | Example | When to pick |
---|---|---|
Category bonuses | Gemini — 4% gas/transit | High spending in capped categories |
Flat cash back | Venmo — 3/2/1 split | Simple conversion and flexibility |
Tiered staking | Crypto.com — CRO levels | Committed users who accept lockups |
Below are three prominent U.S. offerings that cover commuting, dining, and staking use cases.
Rates and caps: 4% back on gas/EV charging, transit, taxis, and rideshare up to $300 per month, then 1%.
Also 3% on dining, 2% on groceries, and 1% on other purchases. There is a $0 annual fee and a promotional $200 token bonus after $3,000 spend in 90 days.
Rewards post instantly to BTC or 50+ cryptocurrencies on the Gemini exchange, so you can move tokens out after they post.
The Venmo option uses a 3%/2%/1% category engine with a $0 annual fee.
Its Cash Back to Crypto feature auto-purchases BTC, ETH, LTC, or BCH each month. There is no extra transaction fee, but an embedded conversion spread applies.
CRO-based rewards range from 0% without commitment to higher rates for staking or a subscription. Perks at upper tiers include lounge access and subscription rebates.
Issuer | Top reward | Network | Who it fits |
---|---|---|---|
Gemini Credit Card® | 4% gas/transit (up to $300 per month) | Mastercard | Everyday commuters and food shoppers |
Venmo Credit Card | 3% top category; auto crypto purchase | Visa | App-native users who want simple conversion |
Crypto.com Visa | CRO rewards up to headline rates with staking | Visa | Users willing to stake for higher returns |
This quick editor’s shortlist pairs common monthly spending with three practical reward approaches. Each pick targets a different user profile: no staking, simple app-driven conversion, or higher headline rates for committed participants.
Why it fits: 4% on gas and transit (cap $300 per month, then 1%), 3% dining, 2% groceries, 1% other.
There is a $0 annual fee and instant token posting across 50+ assets on the Gemini exchange. This suits steady spenders who want direct rewards delivery.
Why it fits: 3%/2%/1% cash back with an optional monthly auto-purchase of BTC, ETH, LTC, or BCH via the Venmo app.
The program has no extra transaction fee, though an embedded conversion spread applies. It’s ideal for app-centric users who value simple flows.
Why it fits: CRO rewards rise by tier when users stake or subscribe. $0 annual fee at base tiers; higher levels add lounge access and subscription rebates.
Match your category mix and check the issuer app and linked account controls before you commit.
For a fuller shortlist, see our full shortlist.
Headline percentages tell only part of the story; fees and caps determine what you keep.
Gemini offers 4% on gas and transit up to $300 per month, then 1% after the cap. It also pays 3% dining and 2% groceries.
Venmo uses a 3%/2%/1% split with an auto-purchase flow. An embedded conversion spread applies to the monthly purchase.
Crypto.com gives tiered CRO rates; higher yields require staking or a subscription and bring perks but add ongoing costs.
All three have $0 annual fee base options. Staking or subscription fees for higher Crypto.com rates are a real cost that can erase the upside.
Account for conversion spreads, foreign transaction fees, and ATM limits. Translate the 4% gas cap into dollar value to see your effective blended rate per month.
For broader debit options and a deeper list, see our guide to crypto rewards debit cards.
Several once-prominent offers have vanished or shifted terms, so older lists can mislead applicants. Verify live availability before you apply or chase a sign-up bonus.
Discontinued programs: The BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature ended in 2022 and the Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Visa® closed in 2023. These are no longer available for new applications.
Removed crypto redemption: Brex stopped token payouts as of Aug. 31, 2024, and the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card dropped crypto options in early 2023. That means rewards now post as cash or points in issuer accounts.
Why this happened: market turmoil in 2022 forced issuers and exchanges to cut or reshape reward programs. Risk, regulatory concerns, and platform exposures were key drivers.
Practical tips for users: check terms inside the issuer app or account dashboard each month. If you hold a legacy product, confirm what rewards still accrue and how redemptions now work before making new purchases or transactions.
Item | Status | Action |
---|---|---|
BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature | Discontinued (2022) | Do not apply; monitor secondary markets for account notices |
Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards Visa® | Closed (2023) | Confirm account closure policies and remaining balances |
Brex Card | Removed crypto redemption (Aug. 31, 2024) | Check reward conversion options in the app |
SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card | Removed crypto option (early 2023) | Verify current reward posting method in account |
Prioritize practical perks like wide network acceptance and usable lounge access instead of chasing headline rates. Match a program to the expenses you pay every month to lift real value from rewards.
Pick a widely accepted network such as Visa or Mastercard when you travel. Mid and high Crypto.com visa tiers may include lounge access and subscription rebates, but verify foreign fees before you swipe abroad.
Dining-focused spenders can use Gemini’s 3% dining path or Venmo’s 3% top category to stack value. Grocery purchases credit 2% on Gemini, which posts rewards instantly as digital assets.
Drivers and commuters should maximize Gemini’s 4% on gas, EV charging, and transit up to the $300 monthly cap, then route extra purchases to a secondary option.
Use case | Top fit | Why |
---|---|---|
Travel | Crypto.com visa (mid/high) | Wide acceptance, lounge perks at upper tiers |
Dining & groceries | Gemini | 3% dining, 2% groceries, instant crypto posting |
Gas & transit | Gemini | 4% up to $300 per month on fuel and transit |
Before you apply, small moves to your profile can improve approval odds and long-term value. Focus on clear steps to qualify and on routines that raise real rewards from each purchase.
Check your credit score and any issuer rules before applying. Gemini accepts applications in all 50 states and posts rewards instantly to the chosen tokens, which helps users who value fast deposits.
For Venmo, confirm identity and app permissions so the Cash Back to Crypto toggle works and the monthly auto-purchase posts correctly. Crypto.com approval often ties to staking or subscription choices, so plan that step if you want higher tiers.
Map your monthly spending to where each card pays the most. Use the issuer app to monitor caps, freeze a card if fraud appears, and switch reward tokens when it makes sense.
Issuer | Approval trigger | Reward posting & token options |
---|---|---|
Gemini Credit Card® | Standard issuer checks; open in all 50 states | Instant deposits to chosen cryptocurrencies; many token choices |
Venmo Card | App verification; toggle Cash Back to Crypto feature | Monthly auto-purchase to BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH (conversion spread applies) |
Crypto.com Visa | Approval may depend on staking or subscription level | Rewards paid in CRO to app wallet; staking affects tier benefits |
Focus on a single workable option so rewards actually add up. Pick the gemini credit card® if you want strong category rates, instant deposits, and a $0 annual fee. Choose the venmo credit card for a simple 3/2/1 split and optional monthly auto-conversion to cryptocurrency.
If you accept staking or a subscription, consider Crypto.com Visa tiers for higher headline rates. Track monthly caps, watch fees, and set app alerts so you do not miss postings or overages.
Final step: check your credit score, confirm fee disclosures and transaction terms, then apply when the plan matches your monthly spending and travel needs. Keep one active card and optimize token selection as balances grow.