Reward structure
ether.fi Card pays 3% flat on every purchase, capped by tier ($2k to $50k per month). Gemini Credit Card pays 1% base, 2% groceries, 3% dining, and 4% gas/ev/transit (the 4% capped at $300 monthly spend). Category-based cards win for users with concentrated category spend; flat-rate cards win for users with diffuse spend.
Card A — ether.fi Card
The ether.fi Card is a DeFi-native credit card that lets users spend using their crypto balance while earning cashback. It is designed for ether.fi Club members and offers a non-custodial approach where users remain in control of their assets. The card supports both virtual and physical formats and is accepted at over 100 million locations worldwide via Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Rewards
Club members earn up to 3% cashback on card purchases. The exact rate and monthly cap depend on the Club membership tier:
- Core: 3% cashback up to $2,000/month
- Luxe: 3% cashback up to $10,000/month
- Pinnacle: 3% cashback up to $50,000/month
- VIP: unlimited 3% cashback
All tiers earn 3,000 membership points for every $1,000 spent. Additionally, members receive 1% cashback on purchases made by their referrals.
Benefits
- Non-custodial security model where users retain control of their crypto.
- IBAN and SWIFT transfer capabilities for fiat movement.
- Concierge services and airport lounge access.
- Hotel discounts advertised up to 65% for members.
- Purchase protection, extended warranty, auto rental insurance, and baggage coverage.
- Corporate card programs available for crypto-native businesses.
Important Considerations
The card is tied to ether.fi Club membership, which requires holding and staking ETHFI tokens or meeting other membership criteria. The card is not directly affiliated with the ether.fi protocol and is issued subject to separate terms. FX fees are 0% on EUR and USD transactions, but 1% elsewhere. ATM withdrawals carry a 2% fee.
Card B — Gemini Credit Card
The Gemini Credit Card is a Mastercard issued by WebBank that offers crypto rewards on everyday purchases. Applications are currently invite-only via a waitlist, making it a somewhat exclusive product. The card is designed for users who want to earn Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as cashback without dealing with complex staking or subscription requirements.
Rewards
The card offers a tiered reward structure based on spending categories:
- 4% back on gas, EV charging, and transit (up to $300/month, then 1%)
- 3% back on dining
- 2% back on groceries
- 1% back on all other purchases
Rewards are earned in the user’s choice of cryptocurrency and deposited directly into their Gemini account. This makes it one of the better category-based crypto rewards cards available.
Benefits
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- World Mastercard benefits including travel protections and concierge services.
- Rewards are available immediately after a transaction posts.
Important Considerations
The card is currently on a waitlist and requires an invite to apply. Users must have a Gemini account to receive rewards. The 4% category on gas and transit is capped at $300 in monthly spend, after which it drops to 1%. The card is available only in the US. As with all crypto rewards cards, the value of earned rewards fluctuates with the market.