Using a crypto card feels just like using any other card – you tap, it goes through, and you’re done. But each payment comes with a few small fees that help process and convert your crypto. They’re normal, but it’s important to understand them so you’re not caught off guard. Here’s what you need to know before spending with your crypto card.
Network Fees (Gas Fees)
Any time you move crypto to your card, the blockchain charges a network fee. This isn’t from your card provider – it’s paid to the network to process your transaction.
- On busy networks like Ethereum, fees can spike.
- On low-fee networks like Solana or Polygon, it’s usually just cents.
How to keep this low:
- Pick a cheaper network when you can
- Send funds at quieter times of day
Crypto card providers like KAST help because they support several networks, letting you choose the one that makes sense at that time of the day.
Conversion Spreads
Each time you use a crypto card, your crypto gets exchanged for the currency the store accepts. The exchange rate applied at checkout is close to the market rate, but not identical. That small difference is the conversion spread, which helps pay for the real-time conversion happening behind the scenes.
These spreads typically fall between 1–2%, and you’ll usually see them reflected in the rate you receive rather than as an extra charge.
Why it matters:
Because the spread is built into the conversion, it can change the total cost of your purchase without you realizing it. Being aware of it helps you get a clearer picture of what you’re actually paying.
FX and Cross-Border Fees
If you use your crypto card in a country with a different currency, you’ll typically see a foreign exchange (FX) fee. This fee covers the cost of converting your spending into the currency the merchant accepts.
Some providers make this more expensive by converting your crypto to one currency first – often USD – and then converting it again into the currency you’re paying in. Each conversion adds its own cost, even if you don’t notice it happening.
Newer platforms, however, are moving away from that. KAST, for example, uses a simple flat FX rate** and converts directly into the currency of the purchase in one step. It keeps things predictable and makes it clear what you’re actually paying when you spend abroad.
DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion)
When you’re traveling and ready to pay, the card machine might ask if you want to pay in USD instead of the country’s local currency. That’s Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), and it’s usually a bad deal.
If you pick USD, the merchant’s payment processor picks the exchange rate. Those rates are often marked up – sometimes by 6–16% – which means you’re paying more than you need to.
Here’s a simple example: Your dinner costs €100.
|
Option |
What Happens |
Markup / Fee |
Approx. Final Cost |
|
Pay in USD (via DCC) |
Terminal converts your €100 bill to USD |
16% markup |
$116 |
|
Pay in EUR (local currency) |
Card handles conversion directly |
2% (KAST card’s flat FX fee) |
$102 |
You save $14 just by choosing the local currency.
How to avoid it:
Always select local currency when prompted. It’s almost always the cheaper and fairer option.
ATM and Withdrawal Fees
Your crypto card works nearly everywhere, but situations still come up where you need cash — and that’s when ATM and withdrawal fees show up.
When you take out money from an ATM, you’re usually paying for two things:
- The ATM operator’s fee, set by the machine.
- Your card provider’s withdrawal fee, if they charge one.
This is standard across all cards, not just crypto. Depending on where you’re traveling or which ATM you use, fees are usually a flat charge or a small percentage of what you withdraw.
For example, a $100 withdrawal might include $2–3 in ATM fees, plus your provider’s fee.
Tip: If you can, skip the ATM and pay with your card. Cash withdrawals cost more because of the extra network fees involved.
Other Fees (Maintenance, Inactivity, and More)
Along with the usual spending and conversion fees, some crypto card providers also charge a few small extra fees. They don’t come up often, but it’s helpful to know they’re there.
You might see:
- Inactivity fees: if you don’t use your card for a while.
- Card replacement fees: if your card gets lost or needs to be reissued.
- Maintenance or subscription fees: usually tied to premium perks or better rewards.
- Shipping or fast-delivery fees: for getting a new card quickly.
These aren’t unique to crypto – traditional banks charge similar fees too. The good news is that many newer crypto card providers now keep these charges low or remove them completely.
Bottom line: Before signing up, take a quick look at the fee list. It’s the easiest way to avoid small, unexpected charges later.
How Rewards Can Help Balance Out Your Costs
Crypto cards come with small fees, but many offer rewards that help make up for them. If you use your card often, those rewards can offset a good portion of what you pay.
For example, KAST offers up to 10% back in KAST Points on eligible purchases. So even though you’re paying a small network or conversion fee, you’re also earning value with every tap.
Simple Tips to Keep Your Fees Lower
A few easy habits can help you get more out of your card:
- Stick with stablecoins to avoid price fluctuations.
- Top up in bigger amounts rather than sending lots of small transactions.
- Use low-fee networks when funding your card.
- Keep track of your rewards – they add up quickly.
Once you know these basics, spending with a crypto card easily becomes a part of your life .
Before You Spend Again
Fees are part of using any payment card, but knowing what they are helps you avoid surprises. A good crypto card keeps things predictable, with clear rates and rewards that genuinely help you save.
That’s the goal of platforms like KAST – giving you a simple, reliable way to spend your crypto day to day. Want to try it? Sign up with KAST and see how smooth crypto spending can be.
