Kolo

Kolo is a hybrid crypto wallet and debit card platform that enables users to spend cryptocurrency at millions of merchants worldwide. Launched in 2022, Kolo started as a Telegram mini-app and has grown to serve over 9 million users globally. The platform offers both Visa and Mastercard options, supporting automatic real-time crypto-to-fiat conversion at the point of sale without requiring manual pre-loading.

What sets Kolo apart is its unique "Memepay" feature that allows direct spending of memecoins like PEPE, along with support for seven blockchain networks and AI-powered exchange rate optimization. The platform targets crypto enthusiasts in emerging markets, digital nomads, and users seeking a seamless bridge between digital assets and everyday spending.

Company Overview

Kolo was founded in 2022 under Hardline Holdings Limited. The company operates with KOLO Tech LTD headquartered in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), with a development team of 100+ people (primarily Ukrainian) with over 10 years of fintech experience. CEO Pavel Luchkovskyi leads the company's mission to "put digital assets into every pocket."

Key Milestones:

• 2022: Founded as Hardline Holdings Limited
• 2024: Launched Telegram mini-app wallet
• Q1 2025: Crypto card launch
• Q2 2025: Expansion to Europe, Asia, and Africa
• Q4 2025: Native iOS/Android apps and non-custodial wallet support planned

The platform is MiCA-compliant and meets EU Travel Rule requirements. KYC verification is powered by Sumsub, and all transactions undergo real-time AML screening.

Products & Services

Crypto Debit Card

Kolo offers both Visa Platinum and Mastercard options, available as virtual cards with physical cards planned. The card connects directly to users' crypto balances and converts automatically at purchase.

Card Features:

• Virtual card available immediately after KYC (1-minute process)
• Physical card coming soon
• 10 USDC initial deposit (fully spendable, not a fee)
• Visa Platinum benefits (airport lounge access, hotel upgrades, travel insurance)
• Apple Pay and Google Pay integration
• Works anywhere Visa/Mastercard is accepted

Card Tiers:

Tier	Conversion Fee	Daily Limit	Monthly Limit	Annual Limit
Standard	Up to 1%	€10,000	€25,000	€250,000
Premium	Reduced	€25,000	€50,000	€500,000
VIP	0%	€50,000	€100,000	€1,000,000

Hybrid Wallet

Kolo offers a hybrid wallet supporting both custodial and self-custodial options across seven blockchain networks:

Supported Networks:

• Ethereum
• BNB Smart Chain
• Tron
• Solana
• Base
• Arbitrum
• SUI

Wallet Features:

• Store, swap, and spend crypto in one place
• AI-powered exchange rate optimization
• Built-in DeFi management
• Fiat on-ramp and off-ramp
• Non-custodial support coming Q4 2025

SEPA Bank Transfers

Send cryptocurrency directly to traditional bank accounts:

• Convert crypto to EUR and send via SEPA
• Compatible with Revolut, Wise, N26, and any SEPA bank
• No need for centralized exchange as intermediary
• Personal IBAN, SWIFT, and bank transfers planned for Q1 2025

Multi-Platform Access

• Telegram Mini-App (primary platform)
• Web interface (kolo.xyz)
• iOS app (available now)
• Android app (available now)
• Full native mobile apps coming Q4 2025

Fees & Pricing

Card Fees

Fee Type	Amount
Card Issuance	10 USDC (spendable)
Monthly Fee	€0
Annual Fee	€0
Inactivity Fee	€0

Transaction Fees

Fee Type	Amount
Conversion (USDT, USDC, EURC)	0% markup
Conversion (Other Crypto)	Up to 1%
Crypto-to-Fiat (at purchase)	~0.32% total cost
Top-up Fee	€0
ATM Withdrawal	Standard network fees

Off-Ramp Fees

Fee Type	Amount
SEPA Transfer	1% + network/banking costs
Conversion for Off-Ramp	1% flat fee

Limits

Limit Type	Standard	Premium	VIP
Daily Spending	€10,000	€25,000	€50,000
Monthly Spending	€25,000	€50,000	€100,000
Annual Spending	€250,000	€500,000	€1,000,000
Single Transaction	€5,000	€10,000	€15,000

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Kolo supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies with automatic conversion:

Major Coins:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• Litecoin (LTC)
• Solana (SOL)

Stablecoins:

• USDT (Tether)
• USDC
• EURC

Altcoins & Memecoins:

• DOGE
• PEPE
• TRX (Tron)
• ARB (Arbitrum)
• And many more

Unique Feature: Memepay allows direct spending of memecoins without manual conversion.

Geographic Availability

Currently Available (Beta - Card Issuance):

• 30 EEA countries
• Ukraine

App & Wallet Available:

• 170+ countries worldwide

Planned Expansion (Q2 2025):

• Europe (expanded)
• Asia
• Africa
• Australia

Not Available:

• United States
• Sanctioned countries

Security & Compliance

Regulatory Compliance:

• MiCA-ready and EU compliant
• Travel Rule aligned
• Real-time AML screening on all transactions
• Registered in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Security Features:

• Sumsub-powered KYC verification
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
• Biometric authentication (Face ID, fingerprint)
• Real-time fraud detection (Fraud Shield)
• Instant card freeze in-app

Wallet Security:

• Hybrid model: custodial and self-custodial options
• Non-custodial support coming Q4 2025

Target Users

Ideal For:

• Crypto enthusiasts in emerging markets
• Digital nomads needing global payment solutions
• Memecoin holders wanting practical utility
• Telegram users seeking integrated financial services
• International travelers benefiting from global acceptance
• Users avoiding P2P trading risks and bank compliance issues
• DeFi users managing assets across multiple chains

Not Suitable For:

• US residents (not available)
• Users needing physical card immediately (coming soon)
• Those requiring fully non-custodial setup (Q4 2025)
• Users outside beta regions seeking card issuance

Pros

• Zero markup on stablecoin conversions (USDT, USDC, EURC)
• Lowest crypto-to-fiat conversion cost (~0.32%)
• Automatic conversion at point of sale (no pre-loading needed)
• Highest daily spending limit in market (€50,000 VIP)
• Memepay feature for spending memecoins directly
• Support for 7 blockchain networks
• AI-powered best exchange rates
• MiCA-compliant with real-time AML screening
• No monthly fees or inactivity fees
• Visa Platinum benefits included
• Apple Pay and Google Pay integration
• SEPA transfers directly from crypto
• 9+ million users ecosystem
• Excellent customer service (9.1/10 rating)

Cons

• Physical card not yet available (coming soon)
• Card issuance limited to EEA + Ukraine during beta
• US users excluded
• Native mobile apps still in development (Q4 2025)
• Currently operates primarily via Telegram mini-app
• Non-custodial wallet support coming later in 2025
• New platform with limited track record vs. established competitors

Alternatives

• Holyheld: Non-custodial Mastercard with 1% USDC cashback, 20+ networks
• Bybit Card: Exchange-backed with up to 10% VIP rewards
• Crypto.com Card: Up to 5% CRO cashback with staking tiers
• Ready (Argent): Self-custody with up to 10% STRK cashback
• Gnosis Pay: Self-custodial Visa with up to 5% GNO cashback