MetaMask Card

MetaMask Card is a self-custody crypto debit card that enables users to spend cryptocurrency directly from their MetaMask wallet at over 150 million merchants worldwide where Mastercard is accepted. Launched in 2024 through a partnership between Consensys (MetaMask's parent company), Mastercard, and Baanx, the card represents a major step in bridging self-custody crypto wallets with everyday commerce.

Unlike traditional crypto cards that require pre-loading funds to a custodial account, MetaMask Card maintains a true self-custody model where users retain control of their assets until the exact moment of transaction. The card operates on the Linea network (Ethereum Layer 2), enabling fast transactions with minimal gas fees, typically under $0.02 per transaction.

Company Overview

MetaMask is developed by Consensys, the leading blockchain and web3 software company founded by Joseph Lubin in 2014. MetaMask has become one of the world's most popular self-custody wallets with tens of millions of users globally. The wallet supports Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks, enabling users to interact with dApps, swap tokens, and manage their crypto assets.

Card Partners:

• Mastercard: Global payment network providing acceptance at 150+ million merchants
• Baanx: FCA-regulated crypto payments provider (EMI license UK & EU/EEA) that powers the card infrastructure
• CompoSecure: Premium metal card manufacturer for the Metal card edition

Network:

• Linea (Ethereum Layer 2 developed by Consensys)

The MetaMask Card was first announced in March 2024 and launched as a pilot in August 2024 in the EU and UK, with expansion to additional regions including the Americas in 2025.

Products & Services

Virtual Card (Free Tier)

The standard MetaMask Card is a virtual Mastercard that can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless payments.

Features:

• Instant issuance after KYC verification
• Apple Pay and Google Pay integration
• Spend directly from MetaMask wallet
• 1% mUSD cashback on all eligible transactions
• Earn 1 MetaMask Rewards point per $1 spent

Metal Card ($199/year)

A premium chromatic Fox-design metal card manufactured by CompoSecure, offering enhanced rewards and limits.

Features:

• Premium 16g metal card with chromatic Fox design
• Physical card for in-store purchases and ATM withdrawals
• 3% mUSD cashback on first $10,000 spent annually (1% thereafter)
• Free ATM withdrawals up to $1,200/month
• Zero foreign transaction fees
• Higher spending limits
• Exclusive event access and surprise perks
• $99 replacement fee if lost/stolen

Cashback Rewards

MetaMask Card offers cashback paid in mUSD (MetaMask's native stablecoin):

Card Type	Cashback Rate	Cap
Virtual (Free)	1% in mUSD	No cap
Metal ($199/yr)	3% in mUSD	First $10,000/year
Metal (after cap)	1% in mUSD	Unlimited

• Cashback accrues automatically
• Claim requires small gas fee payment
• mUSD can be withdrawn to wallet at any time

MetaMask Rewards Points

Earn 1 point for every $1 USD spent with the card, redeemable through the MetaMask Rewards program.

Fees & Pricing

Card Fees

Fee Type	Virtual Card	Metal Card
Annual Fee	$0	$199
Card Replacement	N/A	$99

Transaction Fees

Fee Type	Rate
Stablecoin (USDC, USDT) - Local Currency	0%
Stablecoin - Foreign Currency	0.5%
DeFi Token (aUSDC)	0% up to $1,200/mo, then 0.5%
Other Crypto (wETH)	0.875%
Network Gas (Linea)	~$0.01-0.02 per transaction

ATM & Cross-Border Fees

Fee Type	Virtual Card	Metal Card
ATM Withdrawal	2%	Free up to $1,200/mo, then 2%
Cross-Border Transaction	1%	0% (fair usage)

Note: ATM operators may charge additional fees.

Limits

Limit Type	Virtual Card	Metal Card
Per Transaction	$10,000	$20,000
Daily Spending	$15,000	$30,000
ATM Per Transaction	$1,000	$1,000
ATM Daily	$1,000	$5,000

Limits may be increased based on usage history.

Supported Tokens & Networks

Network:

• Linea (Ethereum Layer 2) - exclusive

Supported Tokens:

• mUSD (MetaMask USD stablecoin)
• USDC
• USDT
• wETH (Wrapped Ethereum)
• EURe (Euro stablecoin)
• GBPe (British Pound stablecoin)
• aUSDC (Aave interest-bearing USDC)

US Users Limited To:

• mUSD, USDC, aUSDC only

How It Works:

1. Bridge supported tokens to Linea network
2. Set spending limits in MetaMask app (requires gas fee)
3. Add virtual card to Apple Pay/Google Pay
4. Spend anywhere Mastercard is accepted
5. Tokens convert instantly to local fiat at purchase

Geographic Availability

Currently Available:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Canada
• Colombia
• European Union (all member states)
• Mexico
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States (excluding New York and Vermont)

Not Available:

• New York, Vermont (US)
• Sanctioned countries

Expansion:

• Global rollout ongoing throughout 2025

Security & Compliance

Self-Custody Model:

• Users maintain full control of private keys
• Funds remain in wallet until transaction
• No pre-loading or custodial accounts required
• Smart contract authorization for spending limits

Security Features:

• Customizable spending limits
• Two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Hardware wallet compatibility (Ledger, Trezor)
• Instant card freeze in MetaMask app
• Transaction simulation and fraud alerts
• Keys stored wherever user chooses

Regulatory:

• Baanx FCA-regulated (UK)
• EMI licensed (UK & EU/EEA)
• KYC verification required

Target Users

Ideal For:

• MetaMask wallet users (tens of millions globally)
• Self-custody advocates who want spending without custodial accounts
• Ethereum and Linea ecosystem users
• Users earning yield via aUSDC who want to spend without selling
• Frequent travelers benefiting from zero FX fees (Metal card)
• Crypto natives seeking seamless real-world spending
• Those wanting MetaMask Rewards points integration

Not Suitable For:

• Users needing multi-chain support (Linea only)
• Those requiring physical card immediately (Metal card limited)
• Users outside supported regions
• Those needing ATM-heavy usage with Virtual card
• Users preferring exchange-backed cards with broader token support

Pros

• True self-custody model—funds stay in your wallet until purchase
• No pre-loading or custodial accounts required
• Up to 3% mUSD cashback (Metal card)
• Zero conversion fees on stablecoins (local currency)
• Ultra-low gas fees on Linea (~$0.01-0.02)
• MetaMask Rewards points (1 point per $1)
• Apple Pay and Google Pay integration
• 150+ million merchant acceptance worldwide
• Premium metal card with chromatic Fox design
• Hardware wallet compatibility (Ledger, Trezor)
• Backed by Mastercard, Consensys, and Baanx
• Zero FX fees for Metal cardholders
• Interest-bearing aUSDC spending option

Cons

• Limited to Linea network only
• Requires bridging assets to Linea first
• Metal card has $199 annual fee
• US users limited to mUSD, USDC, aUSDC only
• Physical Metal card supply limited
• User reports suggest potential hidden ~1% fee on some transactions
• Virtual card cannot be used for ATM withdrawals
• Spending limits require gas fee to set/change
• Not available in New York or Vermont

Alternatives

• Gnosis Pay: Self-custodial Visa on Gnosis Chain with up to 5% GNO cashback
• Ready (Argent): Self-custody Mastercard with up to 10% STRK cashback on Starknet
• Holyheld: Non-custodial Mastercard supporting 20+ networks
• Crypto.com Card: Exchange-backed with up to 5% CRO cashback
• Coinbase Card: Direct spending from Coinbase balance with crypto rewards