Cypher Card
Cypher Card is a non-custodial prepaid Visa card enabling users to spend crypto assets as fiat at over 40 million merchants worldwide. Designed for individuals and businesses, it supports conversion from 500+ tokens across 25+ blockchains while maintaining user control over crypto until each transaction. The card operates globally in 160+ countries (including the US) and integrates with Apple Pay and Google Pay for added convenience. Cypher’s non-custodial model and multi-chain compatibility appeal to crypto holders seeking flexibility, though real-time cash-back rewards are not yet available.
- Type: Visa prepaid (physical & virtual)
- Key Feature: Non-custodial crypto-to-fiat conversion—users retain control until spend
- Availability: 160+ countries; works with 500+ tokens on 25+ chains
- Standout Benefit: Broadest multi-chain support and true non-custodial spending
- Biggest Downside: No cashback rewards at launch; moderate daily limits ($4,000 spend, $500 ATM)
Card Tiers
Detailed Summary
Cypher Card Visa Prepaid: Non-Custodial Multi-Chain Crypto Spending Solution
Quick Summary
Key Features
- Non-custodial approach - users maintain control of crypto until point of spending
- Supports 500+ tokens across 25+ blockchains
- Available in 160+ countries including the United States
- Integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Virtual and physical card options (plastic or metal)
Main Advantages
- No staking requirements for card access
- Extensive cryptocurrency support across multiple blockchains
- Premium tier offers travel benefits and reduced conversion fees
- Broad global availability compared to competitors
- Simple and user-friendly mobile app experience
Notable Limitations
- No cashback rewards program (planned for late 2024)
- 1% conversion fee for most cryptocurrencies (0.5% for USDC)
- $4,000 daily spending limit by default
- $50 fee for physical card on Standard tier
- 1.5% foreign exchange fee on non-USD transactions
Table of Contents
Basic Information
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Name | Cypher Card |
| Card Network | Visa (primary) with possible Mastercard variants in some regions |
| Card Type | Prepaid debit card |
| Card Issuer | CypherD Wallet Inc. with banking partners |
| Launch Date | 2023 |
| Company Background | Y Combinator-backed fintech founded in 2021 |
| Card Format Options | Virtual and physical (plastic for Standard, metal for Premium) |
| Mobile Wallet Integrations | Apple Pay and Google Pay supported |
| Merchant Acceptance | Accepted at 40+ million merchants worldwide |
Rewards and Benefits
Currently, Cypher Card does not offer a direct cashback program, though one is planned for introduction in late 2024. Unlike many crypto cards, there are no native token staking requirements to access the card or its features.
The card does feature a Cypher Reward Points system, which is being developed for future redemptions. Users can earn 50 bonus points through the active referral program.
Premium Travel Benefits
Premium tier cardholders receive significant travel-related benefits:
- Travel portal with 110% price guarantee on hotels, car rentals, and cruises
- ViaCarte Concierge service (24/7 personal assistant)
- ViaReserve Elite Travel offering discounted rates
- SmartDelay feature providing potential airport lounge access during delays
- Travel reward credits for bookings made through the portal
- Travel Executive service with emergency assistance benefits
Referral Program
Cypher Card offers an active referral program that rewards users with "Cypher Reward Points" (50 points bonus mentioned). These points will presumably be usable in the future rewards system being developed.
Fees and Limits
| Fee Type | Standard Tier | Premium Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Free | $199 per year |
| Virtual Card Fee | Free | Free |
| Physical Card Fee | $50 shipping fee | Free metal card (shipping fees may apply) |
| Transaction Fees (USD) | No fee | No fee |
| Non-USD Transactions | 1.5% Cypher FX fee + 1% network fee | 1.5% Cypher FX fee + 1% network fee |
| USDC Conversion Fee | 0.5% | 0% (Free) |
| Other Crypto Conversion Fee | 1% | 0.5% |
| ATM Withdrawal Fee | 1% (minimum $3) + ATM operator fees | 1% (minimum $3) + ATM operator fees |
| International ATM Fee | Additional 1.5% FX fee | Additional 1.5% FX fee |
| Limit Type | Standard Tier | Premium Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Spending Limit | $4,000 | $4,000 (higher limits possible with security deposits) |
| Daily ATM Withdrawal Limit | $500 | $500 (higher limits possible with security deposits) |
| Transaction Frequency Limits | No explicit limits mentioned | No explicit limits mentioned |
Card Tiers and Options
| Feature | Standard Tier | Premium Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | Free | $199 per year |
| Card Material | Virtual by default, optional plastic | Virtual and free metal card |
| Delivery | Virtual instant, physical shipped | Virtual instant, metal shipped automatically |
| USDC Conversion Fee | 0.5% | 0% (Free) |
| Other Crypto Conversion | 1% | 0.5% |
| Insurance | Standard protections | $300 fraud protection insurance |
| Family Benefits | None mentioned | Up to 3 additional cards for family members |
| Travel Benefits | None | Travel rewards portal with discounts, 24/7 concierge service |
| Spending Limits | $4,000 daily | $4,000 daily (higher limits possible) |
| ATM Limits | $500 daily | $500 daily (higher limits possible) |
Both tiers share core functionality including the non-custodial approach, Apple Pay and Google Pay integration, and access to the same cryptocurrencies and global merchant network.
Top-Up Methods
Cypher Card uses a non-custodial top-up model, meaning users keep control of their crypto assets until conversion is needed for spending. To add funds, users connect their external wallet (or use the Cypher app's self-custody wallet) and manually convert any of 500+ supported cryptocurrencies from 25+ blockchains to USD within the Cypher app. This conversion must be completed in advance of spending (pre-loading required), with crypto transferred only temporarily to Cypher for instant USD conversion. The process incurs a 1% conversion fee for most cryptocurrencies (0.5% for USDC, 0% for USDC on Premium tier), and funds are typically available immediately after blockchain confirmation with no explicit minimum top-up amount, but a default $4,000 daily spending limit. All top-ups require moving assets out of self-custody during the conversion, and USD is the only card spending currency, so users must convert crypto before loading their card balance.
Self-Custody Hybrid Custody
Cypher Card is structured so that users retain control of their crypto assets in their own wallets until they choose to convert funds for card spending. When users want to make a purchase, they manually initiate a conversion from their crypto to USD within the Cypher mobile app—at this point, the selected amount is moved out of the user's wallet and held by Cypher as a USD balance, which loads the prepaid card. This means users enjoy self-custody up until the conversion step, after which the fiat balance on the card is securely held by the provider. While this setup minimizes custodial risk before conversion, users should be aware that any funds held as USD on the card become subject to the platform's security and business continuity. If Cypher ceased operations unexpectedly, only the unconverted crypto in personal wallets would remain fully accessible, while USD balances could be at risk. This model offers a strong balance of control and convenience with the limitation that full self-custody ends once funds are loaded to the card.
Supported Currencies and Conversion
Cypher Card boasts extensive cryptocurrency support, with 500+ tokens across 25+ blockchains including:
- Ethereum and EVM chains (ETH, USDC, USDT, DAI, BNB, MATIC)
- Cosmos ecosystem (ATOM and related tokens)
- Solana (SOL and SPL tokens)
- Tron (TRX and TRC-20 tokens including USDT-Tron)
- Many others across multiple ecosystems
For fiat currencies, USD serves as the primary settlement currency. The card can be used in local currencies worldwide, with automatic conversion from USD at the point of sale subject to the foreign exchange fees noted earlier.
The conversion process requires users to manually convert crypto to USD in the app before spending. This conversion is processed instantly in most cases, pending blockchain confirmation. All crypto is converted to USD before spending, maintaining the non-custodial approach until the point of conversion.
Geographic Availability
Cypher Card is available in over 160 countries including the United States, Canada, most European nations, India, and many Asian, African, and Latin American countries.
Approximately 30-40 countries are restricted, including:
- Sanctioned jurisdictions (North Korea, Iran, Syria, Cuba, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan)
- Russia, China, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and certain African/Middle Eastern nations
While the card functions the same globally, local acceptance may vary. Some users report needing to adjust settings for specific countries. The service is limited to residents of supported countries and requires compliance with local regulations.
Compliance and Security
Security features of the Cypher Card include:
- Standard KYC required for all users (government-issued ID, possibly selfie and proof of address)
- PIN protection for transactions
- 3-D Secure for online purchases
- Two-factor authentication
- "Lockdown Mode" to instantly freeze the card
The company appears to be registered as a Money Service Business (MSB) with FinCEN in the US and partners with licensed financial entities globally. It follows strict AML/KYC protocols and complies with OFAC sanctions.
The Premium tier offers $300 fraud protection insurance, while standard card network zero-liability policies apply to all cards. The non-custodial model for crypto reduces security risks, as users maintain control of assets until conversion.
Technical Details
Cypher Card employs a non-custodial approach that sets it apart from many competitors. Users connect their own wallet (or use Cypher app's integrated wallet with user-controlled private keys) to load the card. Until conversion to fiat, crypto stays in the user's personal wallet under their control.
This reduces custody risk significantly—if Cypher's platform were compromised, users' crypto wallets wouldn't automatically be affected since funds aren't held in a Cypher custodial account. The time crypto spends in Cypher's custody is minimal, essentially just during the conversion process.
The conversion process occurs within the app, with users initiating the conversion from crypto to USD before spending. Funds must be pre-loaded onto the card, and conversion is processed in real-time once blockchain confirmation is received.
User Experience
Cypher offers a dedicated "Cypher Wallet" app available for iOS and Android with generally positive user feedback. The app has received praise for its clean interface and functionality, with an 8.8/10 rating for customer support.
Support channels include:
- In-app chat
- Email support (support@cypherhq.io)
- Discord and Telegram communities
User feedback indicates variable support response times (from 18 minutes to 17 hours) and occasional minor app bugs. Some users express a desire for cashback rewards, which are planned for late 2024.
The app is confirmed to support English, though other languages are not explicitly mentioned. No specific merchant category restrictions are mentioned.
Best Suited For
- Crypto privacy advocates who value maintaining control of their assets until the point of spending
- Multi-chain cryptocurrency enthusiasts who hold diverse token portfolios across different blockchains
- International travelers who benefit from global acceptance and Premium tier travel benefits
- Digital nomads and remote workers receiving payment in various cryptocurrencies
- Business users who need crypto-based expense management and multiple cards for team members
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Non-custodial approach gives users maximum control over their crypto assets
- Exceptional multi-chain support across 25+ blockchains and 500+ tokens
- Broad global availability in 160+ countries including the United States
- No staking requirements unlike many competitor cards
- Premium tier offers valuable travel benefits and lower conversion fees
Cons
- No cashback rewards program currently (planned for late 2024)
- Physical card costs $50 on the Standard tier
- Relatively conservative default spending limits ($4,000 daily)
- 1.5% foreign exchange fee on non-USD transactions
- Premium tier benefits require $199 annual fee
Conclusion
Cypher Card stands out in the crypto card market primarily through its non-custodial architecture and extensive multi-chain support. By allowing users to maintain control of their assets until the point of spending, it addresses a key concern for security-conscious crypto holders while still providing the convenience of everyday spending.
The card's support for 500+ tokens across 25+ blockchains makes it one of the most flexible options available, particularly for users who hold diverse cryptocurrency portfolios. Its broad global availability across 160+ countries further enhances its appeal for international users and travelers.
However, the absence of a cashback program (at least until late 2024) puts it at a disadvantage compared to competitors offering immediate spending incentives. The Standard tier's physical card fee and the Premium tier's annual cost may also deter some potential users.
Overall, Cypher Card is best suited for crypto users who prioritize asset control, multi-chain support, and global accessibility over immediate rewards. As the planned cashback program rolls out, it may become an even more compelling option in the increasingly competitive crypto card market.
Additional Information
Telegram Integration
Cypher offers a unique "banking on Telegram" feature with a bot that allows certain banking functions through chat. Using Cypher's Telegram bot, users can check balances and potentially load cards or receive support, creating a novel convenience benefit for those who prefer chat interfaces.
Business Card Features
For business users, Cypher's integration extends to accounting software with an accountant login feature that likely allows read-only access for bookkeeping. The business offering includes features for company spending with tools like multiple cards, expense tracking, and specialized management controls, making the product appealing to startups and crypto companies managing contractor payments and expenses.
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