Rewards structure and asset
KAST pays 1.5% to 3% cashback in real USD depending on tier, plus 1% to 2% in KAST Points on paid tiers. Coinbase Card pays a variable rate in a rotating cryptocurrency that you choose in the app. Real-USD rewards are easier to value; rotating crypto can be worth more or less depending on the chosen asset.
Card A — KAST Card
KAST Card is a crypto debit card program that allows users to spend stablecoins anywhere Visa is accepted. Backed by a Series A funding round, KAST positions itself as a bridge between on-chain assets and real-world spending. The card is instantly issued as a virtual card and can be used globally at over 150 million merchants.
Rewards
KAST offers a tiered cashback program in KAST Points:
- Standard Card (Free): 1.5% USD cashback, 2 free cards (virtual or physical)
- Premium Card ($1,000/year): 2% USD cashback + 1% KAST Points, 1 free metal card, Visa Infinite
- Private Card ($10,000/year): 3% USD cashback + 2% KAST Points, 1 free 24k gold-plated card, VIP concierge, Visa Infinite
Cashback appears instantly at the moment a transaction is authorized and is earned in real USD, not points or tokens.
Benefits
- Instant virtual card issuance via Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Deposit via bank transfer, stablecoins, or crypto with instant conversion to USD.
- Tokenized card numbers for security.
- Transparent fees displayed before confirmation.
- 24/7 fraud monitoring and card controls.
- ATM withdrawals worldwide at any Visa-supported ATM.
Important Considerations
KAST is a financial technology company, not a bank, and services are provided by licensed partners. The Premium and Private tiers carry significant annual fees that require high spending to justify. The card’s primary value proposition is for stablecoin holders who want to spend without manual conversion steps. Availability may vary by jurisdiction.
Card B — Coinbase Card
The Coinbase Card is a Visa debit card available to US-based Coinbase customers (excluding Hawaii), issued by Pathward, N.A. It allows users to spend both US dollars and cryptocurrency directly from their Coinbase account. The card is designed as a practical way to use crypto for everyday purchases without needing to manually convert assets before spending.
Rewards
Cardholders earn crypto rewards on every purchase. The reward asset is selected from a rotating list of cryptocurrencies and can be changed at any time through the Coinbase app. Rewards rates are variable and displayed in the app, so users should check current offers before choosing their reward currency.
How It Works
When you spend crypto, Coinbase automatically converts it to US dollars at the time of the transaction. The card can also be used with USD balances, including USD Coin (USDC), which does not trigger a taxable event. There are no spending fees or annual fees, though a spread applies when converting between cryptocurrencies.
Benefits
- No credit check or staking requirement to apply.
- Accepted anywhere Visa debit cards are used.
- 24/7 dedicated phone and email support.
- Easy setup with a virtual card for instant online use.
- Bank account linking and direct deposit options for funding.
Important Considerations
Spending cryptocurrency (other than USDC) involves selling the asset, which is a taxable transaction in the US. Users should track gains and losses for tax reporting. The card has certain merchant restrictions, including securities broker-dealers, gambling services, and cryptocurrency businesses. Coinbase also offers the separate Coinbase One Card, a credit card product that earns Bitcoin rewards.