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Bitcoin Credit Cards Just Went Mainstream (Finally)
July 1, 2025
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The cryptocurrency credit card landscape just got a major shake-up. In what might be the biggest day for crypto rewards since Bitcoin hit mainstream headlines, we're seeing two groundbreaking announcements that signal crypto is officially entering the credit card mainstream.
First, Fold just launched their highly anticipated Fold Bitcoin Credit Card™, offering up to 3.5% back in Bitcoin on every purchase. Then there's Chase's bombshell announcement that they'll become the first major bank to let cardholders transfer Ultimate Rewards points directly to Coinbase for cryptocurrency purchases starting in 2026.
If you've been waiting for crypto rewards to go mainstream, that wait is officially over.
Fold Bitcoin Rewards Credit Card: The New Crypto King?
What Makes Fold Different
The Fold Bitcoin Credit Card™ isn't just another crypto rewards card—it's positioning itself as the most accessible way to earn Bitcoin through everyday spending. Here's what sets it apart:
Earning Structure:
- Unlimited 2% back in Bitcoin instantly on all purchases
- Up to 1.5% additional when you pay your balance using a Fold Checking Account
- Up to 10% back with partner merchants, including Amazon, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, Uber/Uber Eats, Starbucks, DoorDash, and Best Buy
Key Benefits:
- No annual fee
- No spending categories to track
- No minimum balance requirements
- No deposit requirements
- Real Bitcoin rewards (not tokens or points)
How Fold Stacks Up Against the Competition
When compared to the upcoming Coinbase One card (launching Fall 2025), Fold offers some compelling advantages:
Fold Bitcoin Rewards Card:
- Up to 3.5% back in Bitcoin
- No annual fee
- No minimum balance requirements
Coinbase One American Express Card:
- Up to 4% back in Bitcoin
- $49.99 annual fee (Coinbase One subscription required)
- Only 2% back if your average Coinbase balance is under $10,000
- Need $200,000+ average balance for the full 4% rate
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "17705", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Bitcoin Users", "headerHint": "Up to 4% back in Bitcoin"} ]]
For most consumers, Fold's straightforward approach without subscription fees or balance requirements makes it the more accessible option.
Chase's Crypto Game-Changer: Ultimate Rewards Meets Coinbase
In July 2025, JPMorgan Chase announced something unprecedented: starting in 2026, Ultimate Rewards members will be able to transfer points directly to Coinbase for cryptocurrency purchases. This makes Chase the first major bank to offer direct crypto integration with their rewards program.
How Chase's Crypto Integration Will Work
The Process:
- Transfer Ultimate Rewards points directly to your Coinbase wallet
- No need to convert points to cash first
- Access to major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more
- Seamless integration between Chase rewards and crypto investments
Which Chase Cards Will Benefit:
Premium Travel Cards:
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Annual Travel Credit"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "509", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Exceptional Travel Value"} ]]
Everyday Cashback Cards:
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "497", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Cash Back Seekers", "headerHint": "Fantastic Cash Back Card"} ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2883", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "No-Fee Card Seekers", "headerHint" : "No Annual Fee" } ]]
Business Cards:
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1100", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Valuable Rewards" } ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1098", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Business Owners", "headerHint" : "No Fee Credit Card" } ]]
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1099", "isExpanded": "true", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Small Business Owners", "headerHint" : "Maximize Cash Back" } ]]
This integration could revolutionize how millions of Chase cardholders think about their accumulated points, turning everyday rewards into potential cryptocurrency investments.
The Current Crypto Credit Card Landscape
While crypto credit cards have existed for a few years, the market has actually been shrinking. Many early players have exited the space, leaving just a handful of options:
Still Standing: The Survivors
- 4% back on gas (up to $200/month), then 1%
- 3% back on dining
- 2% back on groceries
- 1% on all other purchases
- Supports 50+ cryptocurrencies
- No annual fee
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3365", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Cryptocurrency Users", "headerHint" : "Earn Cryptocurrency" } ]]
Crypto.com Visa Card
- Tiered rewards based on CRO cryptocurrency staking
- Up to 8% back for high-tier users
- Prepaid card structure
Nexo Card (UK/EU only)
- 0.1-2% cashback in BTC or NEXO tokens
Venmo Credit Card (crypto feature)
- 3% in the top category, 2% in the second, 1% elsewhere
- Optional auto-crypto purchase with cashback
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2474", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Cash Back Seekers", "headerHint" : "Twist on Cash Back" } ]]
Why This Matters for Mainstream Adoption
The Fold launch and Chase announcement represent something bigger than just new card options. They signal that cryptocurrency is moving from niche interest to a mainstream financial product. When a company like Chase, with over 50 million cardholders, embraces crypto integration, it removes one of the biggest barriers to cryptocurrency adoption: complexity.
Maximizing Your Crypto Rewards Strategy
Whether you're interested in the Fold card or planning for Chase's crypto integration, here are some strategies to consider:
For Current Crypto Investors
If you're already buying Bitcoin regularly, the Fold card could replace that monthly purchase with automatic earnings through everyday spending. At 2-3.5% back, you're essentially getting a discount on your Bitcoin purchases.
For Crypto-Curious Beginners
These mainstream options remove the intimidation factor. Instead of researching exchanges and setting up wallets, you can ease into crypto through familiar credit card rewards.
For Rewards Maximizers
Consider how crypto rewards fit into your overall strategy. Tools like Kudos can help you optimize across all your cards, ensuring you use the right card for each purchase to maximize rewards—whether that's crypto, cash back, or travel points.
What This Means for the Future
We're witnessing the beginning of a new era where traditional finance and cryptocurrency converge. If these partnerships succeed, expect to see similar announcements from other major banks and card issuers. The days of crypto being a separate, complicated world are ending.
The integration also suggests that cryptocurrency is being viewed less as a speculative investment and more as a legitimate financial infrastructure. When Chase Bank is willing to build direct crypto connectivity, it signals confidence in the technology's long-term viability.
Should You Get the Fold Bitcoin Rewards Card?
The Fold card makes the most sense if you:
- Already invest in Bitcoin regularly
- Want to dollar-cost average into Bitcoin automatically
- Prefer straightforward rewards without complex tiers or fees
- Can use the Fold Checking Account to unlock the full 3.5% rate
If you're only earning the base 2% rate, you might be better served by a traditional 2% cash back card that gives you flexibility to buy crypto (or anything else) with your rewards.
Making the Most of Your Credit Card Strategy
With crypto cards becoming more mainstream, it's more important than ever to have a comprehensive rewards strategy. That's where tools like Kudos come in handy. Our AI-powered browser extension and mobile app automatically ensure you're using the best card for each purchase, whether that's maximizing crypto rewards, cash back, or travel points.
The Bottom Line
The crypto credit card revolution is here, and it's happening faster than most people expected. Fold's Bitcoin Rewards Card offers immediate access to crypto rewards without the complexity of traditional crypto platforms, while Chase's 2026 integration will bring crypto to millions of mainstream cardholders.
Whether you're a crypto veteran or just getting started, these developments make it easier than ever to incorporate cryptocurrency into your rewards strategy. The key is understanding how these new options fit into your overall financial goals and spending patterns.
The future of credit card rewards is looking more digital, more flexible, and more exciting than ever. The only question is: are you ready to be part of it?
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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