The most exciting innovation to emerge from the DeFi movement is the creation of cryptocurrency debit cards linked to DeFi platforms. These debit cards allow cryptocurrency holders to seamlessly spend their digital assets in everyday transactions, providing a major step toward mainstream adoption.
Defi debit cards work
A DeFi debit card is directly connected to a cryptocurrency wallet, which is in turn linked to a DeFi platform like Compound, Aave, or MakerDAO. When you purchase with a DeFi debit card, the crypto platform will automatically provide a crypto-backed loan using your wallet assets as collateral. This loan is instantly converted to fiat currency so the merchant receives a normal dollar or euro payment.
For the user, this process happens seamlessly in the background. All they need to do is top up their card, and they spend their crypto balance anywhere major credit cards are accepted. The crypto collateral remains safely in the DeFi platform, while only the fiat amount required for the transaction is loaned out. The popular DeFi debit cards currently available include Coinbase Card, Crypto.com Visa Card, Monolith, and Swipe. Many more platforms are rolling out debit card services to meet growing demand.
Advantages of traditional banking
DeFi debit cards offer several compelling advantages that make them a better option than traditional banking and payment methods for cryptocurrency users.
- Access – DeFi debit cards grant easy access to spending crypto holdings without having to withdraw and cash out those assets. Users spend conveniently while continuing to benefit from crypto appreciation.
- Yields – Assets collateralizing DeFi debit cards continue earning yield through lending or liquidity pools while deployed for payments. This unique feature effectively pays users to spend.
- Universality – DeFi debit cards are accepted anywhere major credit cards are taken, providing unlimited spending power. Purchases be made in-store, online, at ATMs, and anywhere VISA or MasterCard are accepted. what is token presale? Token presales help projects raise initial capital to fund development and marketing efforts.
- Security – There is no need to link sensitive bank account information. If a DeFi card is lost or stolen, assets remain secure on the platform. This prevents identity theft or compromised accounts.
- Ownership – Users maintain full custody and control of their cryptocurrency. At no point do they surrender ownership to a third party like a bank? This on-chain clarity is a key tenet of decentralized finance.
- Lower Fees – DeFi platforms have low or no fees for lending collateral. And debit card transaction fees are notably reduced or eliminated compared to legacy financial networks.
DeFi cards are transforming payments
- Mainstreaming crypto – DeFi cards represent a major bridge between decentralized digital assets and real-world spending. It helps bring cryptocurrencies into the mainstream economy.
- Encouraging spending – The ability to spend crypto so easily encourages more utilization of the coin than mere HODLing and speculation. It drives adoption, transaction volumes, and network effects.
- Bringing new users – The simplified spending process makes cryptocurrencies more appealing to new users who don’t have to learn complex wallet functions right away.
- Expanding access – Because KYC requirements are minimal, DeFi cards expand access to more unbanked and underbanked populations.
