Metamask Card

MetaMask Card Debit Review: Fees, Rewards & Availability

Basic Information

The MetaMask Card is a self-custodial debit card that enables direct cryptocurrency spending from MetaMask wallets. The card maintains user control of funds until the moment of purchase, converting designated tokens to local fiat currency at point of sale.

The MetaMask Card solves crypto's "last-mile" problem by enabling users to spend cryptocurrency directly from their MetaMask wallet for everyday purchases. It converts designated tokens to local fiat currency at the moment of purchase, maintaining a true self-custody model where funds remain under user control until the transaction occurs.

Rewards and Benefits

Cashback Structure

MetaMask Card offers competitive cashback rewards paid in mUSD (MetaMask USD stablecoin):

• Free Virtual Card: 1% back in mUSD on eligible transactions
• Metal Card: 3% mUSD back on first $10,000 spent annually, then 1% cashback
• Reward Redemption: Rewards accrue automatically; users can claim them under Card → Rewards → Claim (requires paying gas)
• Cash-out Option: Rewards (mUSD) can be withdrawn back to the wallet from Card → Withdraw at any time
• Legacy Credits: Any unclaimed USDC cashback from the previous system is reflected in a "Credits" balance

MetaMask Rewards Points

• Earning Rate: 1 point per $1 spent on MetaMask Card transactions
• Integration: Points contribute to the broader MetaMask ecosystem rewards program

Additional Benefits

• Self-custody model: Funds remain in user's control until purchase
• On-chain tracking: All transactions recorded on blockchain
• Yield earning: Ability to earn interest on idle funds using interest-bearing tokens (aUSDC, amUSD, aBasUSDC)
• Metal tier exclusives: Zero foreign transaction fees (subject to fair usage), waived ATM fees up to $1,200/month
• No staking requirements: Rewards available without token staking

Fees and Limits

MetaMask Card has a structured fee system that varies by tier and transaction type:

Spending and ATM Limits

Users can set their own lower spending limits through the app for additional control.

Card Tiers and Options

Both card tiers offer worldwide Mastercard acceptance and maintain the self-custody model that distinguishes the MetaMask Card from other crypto cards.

Top-Up Methods

The MetaMask Mastercard Debit Card operates on an on-demand, self-custody model and does not require pre-loading or traditional top-ups. Users simply connect their MetaMask wallet (with supported tokens like USDC, USDT, wETH, or aUSDC bridged to the Linea network), and crypto is converted to local fiat currency automatically at the moment of purchase. Funds remain in the user's self-custody wallet until the instant a transaction is made, so there is no need to transfer assets to the card provider or pre-fund a card balance. The conversion uses the Mastercard exchange rate with only Linea network gas fees (typically ~$0.02), but users should note reports of a hidden ~1% on-chain transaction fee in addition to gas. All spending is managed in real time through the MetaMask mobile app, with instant access to funds and no waiting periods, minimum, or maximum top-up restrictions other than the daily spend cap of $10,000 (or €8,750).

Self-Custody True Self-Custody

Users hold full control over their crypto assets in their own MetaMask wallet up until the exact moment a purchase is made with the card. No funds are transferred to the card issuer or any third party in advance; instead, the transaction prompts a real-time conversion from the user’s wallet via a smart contract on the Linea network. This arrangement gives users complete authority over their private keys and ensures they, not the card provider, are responsible for wallet security. If MetaMask or the card program ceased operations, users would still have access to their assets since the funds never leave their personal wallet except at the point of transaction. The model offers strong self-custody but does require bridging assets to the Linea network and limits token selection, which could be inconvenient for some. While this setup maximizes user control, practical factors like network gas fees and regional restrictions are worth keeping in mind.

Supported Currencies and Conversion

MetaMask Card supports multiple networks and an expanded range of cryptocurrencies:

Supported Networks and Cryptocurrencies

Linea Network:

• mUSD, USDC, USDT, wETH, EURe (EUR stablecoin), GBPe (GBP stablecoin), aUSDC (interest-bearing USDC), amUSD (interest-bearing mUSD)

Solana Network:

• USDC, USDT

Base Network:

• USDC, USDT, aBasUSDC (interest-bearing USDC on Base)

Important Notes

• Users must hold funds on one of the supported networks (no longer limited to Linea only)
• For interest-bearing tokens like aUSDC, users should obtain the network-specific version (e.g., aLINUSDC on Linea) rather than bridging from other networks

Supported Fiat Currencies

• Local fiat currencies in all supported regions (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.)

Conversion Process

• Real-time conversion from crypto to local fiat at point of sale
• Users can set token spending preference in the app
• Conversion uses Mastercard exchange rate
• Settlement occurs in real-time

Geographic Availability

MetaMask Card availability is currently limited to specific regions, with the US early access pilot having closed pending a broader summer launch.

Europe

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Americas

Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico

Current Status

• United States: Early access pilot closed; upcoming general launch planned for summer
• Other regions: Can join waitlist for future expansion

The card was initially launched as a limited pilot in the EU, with expansion to include select countries in the Americas. MetaMask indicates plans for further global expansion, including the upcoming US launch.

Compliance and Security

Regulatory Framework

• Issued by Monavate Ltd. (FCA-authorized electronic money institution, FRN 901097)
• Program managed by Baanx (Crypto Life)
• Complies with regional financial regulations in supported territories
• Note: Exodus announced acquisition of Baanx and Monavate's parent company in late 2025

Identity Verification

• All users must complete KYC through the MetaMask app
• No credit check is performed (confirmed by Baanx/Monavate)

Security Features

• True self-custody model with funds remaining in user's wallet until transaction
• MetaMask wallet security protections
• Instant card freeze/unfreeze via app
• Multi-network blockchain security (Linea/Ethereum, Solana, Base)
• Crypto-to-fiat processing runs on PCI-DSS-Level-1 stack operated by Mastercard/Baanx

Technical Details

Integration Architecture

The card utilizes the MetaMask Delegation Toolkit, an ERC-4337-style abstraction that creates a smart-contract "spender" address with delegated allowance. This technical approach enables the self-custody model while maintaining compatibility with traditional payment networks.

Transaction Processing

1. User initiates purchase at Mastercard merchant (online or in-store)
2. System identifies required amount in local currency
3. Smart contract converts designated crypto from user's MetaMask wallet
4. Merchant receives payment in local currency
5. Transaction details recorded on respective blockchain

Network Requirements

• Requires assets to be on supported networks: Linea, Solana, or Base
• Users must bridge assets from other networks to use with the card
• Multi-network support reduces bridging requirements compared to Linea-only model

User Experience

The MetaMask Card is managed entirely through a dedicated "Card" tab in the MetaMask mobile app, which provides:

• Real-time transaction tracking
• Spending limit management
• Card freeze/unfreeze controls
• Reward claiming and management
• Token spending preference settings
• ATM withdrawal functionality

User feedback has been mixed:

• Positive: Easy setup, quick KYC process, seamless integration with Apple/Google Pay, ATM access
• Negative: Geographic restrictions, annual fee for Metal tier, cross-border fees on Free tier

Common user experiences include:

• Structured fee system now provides clarity on transaction costs
• Multi-network support reduces bridging friction
• ATM functionality adds practical utility for cash needs

Best Suited For

• Existing MetaMask Users who maintain crypto assets in MetaMask wallet
• Self-Custody Advocates who want control of funds until spending
• Multi-Network Crypto Holders with assets on Linea, Solana, or Base
• International Spenders who benefit from Metal tier's zero foreign transaction fees

Pros and Cons

Pros

• True self-custody model preserves fund control until transaction
• Multi-network support (Linea, Solana, Base) reduces bridging needs
• ATM withdrawal functionality with competitive limits
• MetaMask Rewards points earning on all spending
• Zero foreign transaction fees on Metal tier

Cons

• Limited geographic availability with US launch pending
• Metal tier requires $199 annual subscription fee
• Cross-border fees on Free tier (1%)
• One card limit per user
• Stablecoin currency mismatch fees (0.5%)

Conclusion

MetaMask Card represents a significant innovation in crypto payments by offering true self-custody spending capabilities across multiple blockchain networks. The expanded network support and addition of ATM functionality address key limitations from the initial launch.

The structured fee system provides transparency, though Metal tier users benefit significantly from zero foreign transaction fees and waived ATM fees. The addition of mUSD cashback and MetaMask Rewards points creates a comprehensive rewards ecosystem.

Key considerations include geographic restrictions, with US users awaiting the summer launch, and the Metal tier's annual fee. The multi-network approach and ATM access position this as a more complete crypto spending solution than many alternatives.

For crypto-native individuals who value self-custody and use supported networks, the card offers compelling functionality for both everyday spending and cash access while maintaining control of digital assets.

Additional Information

Technical Implementation

The MetaMask Card's self-custody model is made possible through smart contract technology that only transfers funds at the moment of transaction. The expansion to multiple networks (Linea, Solana, Base) provides users with more flexibility in asset management while maintaining the core self-custody principle.

Future Developments

MetaMask has indicated several upcoming developments:

• US market launch planned for summer
• Continued geographic expansion to additional regions
• Potential support for additional tokens and networks
• Enhanced Metal Card benefits and exclusive perks

The acquisition of Baanx and Monavate's parent company by Exodus may influence future development direction, though immediate card operations remain unchanged. Early users report improved transaction reliability and the addition of ATM functionality has been well-received for practical cash access needs.