What if we told you there’s a way to expand the number of online casinos you can visit by a few hundred, while still sticking to using cryptocurrency? Enter Bitcoin debit cards, a type of debit card where you can preload the crypto of your choice, and then use anywhere debit cards (such as VISA) are accepted.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about them in this quick guide so that you know what they are, how they work, the various pros and cons to expect, and how to pick the best ones.
What are Bitcoin debit cards?
Bitcoin debit cards are physical (or virtual) cards that allow you to spend your crypto funds like you would with any traditional debit card. In short, it converts your Bitcoin into fiat currency (such as USD or Euros), at the point of the transaction.
The beauty of it is that the card can be used to make purchases at any merchant that accepts debit or credit cards, including traditional online casinos. Furthermore, these cards can come with certain perks, making them an even more attractive option.
How do they work?
When you use a Bitcoin debit card to make a purchase, the funds are automatically converted from Bitcoin to fiat. This means that you won’t have to worry about the fluctuating value of Bitcoin affecting the amount of fiat you have available to spend. The conversion is done instantly, so you can make purchases just as quickly as you would with a traditional debit card.
Depending on which crypto debit card you get, you can use it practically anywhere you’d be able to use cards such as Visa and Mastercard. This includes online retailers, physical stores, and even ATMs, but more importantly – regular online casino sites. This instantly expands your options, virtually allowing you to use crypto at any casino in the world. They can also be used at crypto casinos where your favorite coin isn’t accepted, but fiat is.
Some Bitcoin debit cards also offer cashback rewards or other perks, which means you’ve got even more incentive to get and use a card, basically boosting your casino funds.
Before you apply
You’ll need a couple of things before you get started, but if you’re an avid crypto casino player just looking for new options, you’re probably ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cryptocurrency (which you can purchase via a crypto exchange).
- A virtual wallet to hold your crypto in.
With these things, you’re ready to find a Bitcoin debit card that fits your needs, connect your wallet, and fund the card with your cryptocurrency of choice (if supported).
Pros and cons of crypto debit cards
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Use crypto at any traditional online casino | Potential fees |
| Cashback and other rewards | Sometimes requires KYC |
| Mobile app support | Possible regional restrictions |
| Support for multiple cryptocurrencies | Some cards require specific token purchases |
| High security |
How to pick the best BTC debit card
Which type of Bitcoin debit card is right for you is going to depend on your preferences, so we’ve put together a list of factors to consider and things to keep in mind while comparing cards and services.
- Cashback rewards – One of the main perks to look for is cashback rewards, which most crypto debit cards offer. This is especially useful if you’re looking to use your card at online casino sites. Some cards offer up to 8% cashback.
- Fee charges – As you might expect, most BTC debit cards come with some sort of fee, such as transaction fees. There are those with no fees, but the best cards tend to have at least low fees.
- Supported cryptocurrency – It’s worth looking for crypto debit cards that actually support the coins you hold and intend to deposit at an online casino, or whichever other place you’d like to use your cryptocurrency. Some only support a couple, while others have 10+ options.
- Token purchase requirement – There are crypto debit cards that require you to purchase a specific token. In our experience, this isn’t really ideal, and something we generally avoid. Look elsewhere instead.
- Region/country restrictions – You should note in which region or country the Bitcoin debit card can be used before you sign up. For instance, it could be restricted to Europe, the United States, or the United Kingdom (not in the EU).