Experts note that the idea of creating plastic cards linked to Bitcoin has arisen since the release of this crypto currency. In 2011-2012, the Bitcoin community was actively discussing this possibility, and in 2015-2016 the projects of crypto-currency cards were already growing at an unprecedented rate. We offer you to get acquainted with the pros and cons of the best of them.

Wirex

This is an international debit card, which appeared in 2015. The advantages of Wirex include the availability of a mobile application, a huge number of currencies (US dollar, euro, pound sterling), no limits on online purchases, site support in 13 languages. The disadvantages include the monthly payment for SMS notifications (1 dollar, euro or pound), the availability of limits when withdrawing cash without identification. The commission for withdrawing cash is $2.5.

CoinsBank

Debit cards give access to CoinsBank accounts. Cards are used to withdraw funds from almost any ATM throughout the world. CoinsBank cards have bonus points to cover expenses, they allow you to buy bitcoins and lightcoins for four popular currencies - GBP, USD, RUB, or EUR. The issuing of this card is completely free. The disadvantages include the commission in the amount of $4 to $5.

CryptoPay

This is a VISA debit card, by which you can pay almost everywhere, as well as withdraw money from an ATM. The pluses include its free delivery around the world. The card can be purchased with the help of three currencies (dollars, euros, pounds), as well as bitcoins. The disadvantages of CryptoPay include cooperation exclusively with the Visa payment system and support only in English.

Xapo

This card has been operating in the cryptocurrency market longer than others, since 2013. The advantages include the availability of its own bitcoin-wallet, a high guarantee of the safety of the client's funds (the company bears full responsibility for the safety of deposits), the continuity of the wallet's work and the use of Russian rubles. The disadvantages include a high cost of a plastic card - $20, commission for the first year of service - $12, as well as mandatory 100% verification with the provision of official data.

Shift

The company cooperates with such popular projects as Coinbase, Dwolla and Visa. It is considered the first US debit card. The card has a mobile application with notification of expenses, it allows you to make free conversion of bitcoins into regular money, its cost does not exceed $10. The obvious shortcomings include the availability of Shift only for the American consumer, as well as significant limits on the receipt of cash for users without verification.

BitPay

This debit card is the youngest but gives a number of advantages. It is most beneficial to users from the US, its cost is below $10. It is possible to withdraw up to $3000 a day, which is the highest amount among other cards. Transfers to dollars occur almost instantly. The drawbacks include the use of only American currency.

SpectroCoin

This card serves as an illustrative example of a single solution including bitcoin-wallet, exchanger, debit cards and transfers. The advantages include a Russified website, work with Visa or MasterCard, the possibility of making a deposit of additional cryptocurrencies (Ethereum, Monero, Zcash and altcoins), no commission for replenishment of account, free delivery and the card is accepted everywhere. No minuses were found.