After the crypto winter, banks still promote crypto-linked cards. In 2025, rewards, fees and trust shape consumer interest and caution.
· After the crypto winter, banks and fintechs continue to promote crypto-linked cards, but are customers using them in the same way?
· Rewards, fees and trust all shape how customers feel in 2025.
· This blog examines the positives, pitfalls and cautious attitudes toward crypto cards today.
In 2021 and 2022, crypto-linked credit cards surged in popularity. Banks and fintechs promised cashback in Bitcoin or other tokens, with rewards that could grow in value. Customers enjoyed the excitement of earning crypto while spending anywhere Visa or Mastercard was accepted.
Then came the crypto winter, when prices collapsed, exchanges failed and confidence plummeted. By 2025, the market has partially recovered, but nowhere near the peak of hype. By 2025, the market has partially recovered, but nowhere near the peak of hype. Consumers are far more cautious with their money, asking if crypto-linked cards are still worth it?
The initial appeal of crypto cards
· Crypto rewards – Instead of cashback, customers earned tokens that could increase in value.
· Ease of use – Cards worked like traditional credit cards, with instant conversion into local currency.
· Future appeal – Rewards felt like a gateway into the future of money.
· When prices rose, rewards felt lucrative, but when the market turned, so did sentiment.
Post-crypto winter reality
The landscape has shifted from hype to scrutiny. Today’s offerings highlight safety, transparency and optionality. Many providers now allow customers to choose between crypto or cash rewards, emphasising fraud protection and stability over speculative gains.
Who still uses crypto cards in 2025?
Who still uses crypto cards?
· Crypto believers – Existing investors see cards as another way to accumulate tokens.
· Reward seekers – Some value higher reward rates, even if later converted into cash.
· Frequent travellers – Certain crypto cards offer competitive FX rates and no foreign transaction fees, making them attractive abroad.
Why some have stopped
Others have walked away, for reasons including:
· Rewards losing value overnight
· High conversion fees reducing benefits
· Additional tax reporting complexity on crypto transactions
A maturing market
Crypto-linked credit cards are no longer the "next big thing” but they have not disappeared. By 2025, they occupy a middle ground. For some, they remain a smart way to earn in assets they believe in; for others, they are too risky and complicated.
The difference is customers now ask harder questions before signing up, a sign that the market and users are maturing. For side-by-side comparisons and authentic customer reviews of crypto and traditional cards, visit BankQuality.