Coinbase One Card: Earn Up to 4% Bitcoin Back on Every Purchase (2025 Review)

How the Bitcoin Rewards System Works

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Here's where the Coinbase One Card gets interesting. Unlike traditional cashback cards with a fixed percentage, your rewards rate scales based on how much cryptocurrency you hold on Coinbase.

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Rewards Tiers:

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• 2% Bitcoin back: Everyone starts here (no minimum holdings required)

• 2.5% Bitcoin back: Reached with moderate holdings

• 3% Bitcoin back: Requires substantial holdings

• 4% Bitcoin back: Maximum tier for high-volume holders

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The rate is based on the value of assets you hold with Coinbase, and you can count any asset—including USDC stablecoin or even USD cash balances—toward your tier. Coinbase hasn't publicly disclosed the exact thresholds for each tier yet, but reports suggest early users have added over $200 million to the platform to boost their rewards.

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What Counts Toward Eligible Purchases?

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Most everyday purchases earn rewards, but standard exclusions apply: cash-equivalent transactions and gambling or betting transactions do not earn Bitcoin back. Coinbase reserves the right to deny or claw back rewards for ineligible spending.

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Tax Implications

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One major advantage: Bitcoin rewards earned on purchases with your Coinbase One Card will not be reflected in 1099 tax forms generated by Coinbase. However, if you sell your Bitcoin rewards later, taxes may apply on any capital gains.

The Math: Is It Worth It? (ROI Calculations)

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Let's run the numbers to see exactly how much you could earn with the Coinbase One Card compared to traditional cashback cards.

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Scenario 1: Moderate Spender (2% Tier)

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• Monthly spending: $3,000

• Annual spending: $36,000

• Bitcoin earned at 2%: $720 per year

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Break-even analysis:

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• Coinbase One Basic subscription: $49.99/year

• Net benefit: $720 - $49.99 = $670.01 profit

• Break-even point: After spending just $2,500

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Scenario 2: High Spender (3% Tier)

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• Monthly spending: $5,000

• Annual spending: $60,000

• Bitcoin earned at 3%: $1,800 per year

• Net benefit after subscription: $1,750.01 profit

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Scenario 3: Maximum Rewards (4% Tier)

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• Monthly spending: $5,000

• Annual spending: $60,000

• Bitcoin earned at 4%: $2,400 per year

• Net benefit after subscription: $2,350.01 profit

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Comparison: Traditional 2% Cash Back Card

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• Same $36,000 in annual spending

• Typical 2% card with $0 annual fee: $720 cash back

• Coinbase Card at 2% tier: $720 in Bitcoin - $49.99 = $670.01

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The difference? With a traditional card, you get $49.99 more in actual dollar value. But with the Coinbase card, you're betting that your Bitcoin rewards will appreciate over time—potentially offering significantly higher returns if BTC increases in value.

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The Bitcoin Appreciation Factor

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If Bitcoin appreciates 50% between the time you earn rewards and when you check your balance, your $720 in rewards becomes worth $1,080. Early card users have already spent more than $100 million, with average monthly spending of $3,000, showing strong adoption among Bitcoin enthusiasts.

Coinbase One Membership: What You're Really Paying For

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To access the Coinbase One Card, you need an active Coinbase One subscription. But the card isn't the only benefit you get.

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Coinbase One Basic ($49.99/year or $4.99/month)

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• Coinbase One Card access

• 0% trading fees on Coinbase (excluding Advanced)

• Boosted USDC rewards

• Access to standard American Express perks, including exclusive offers and Amex Experiences

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Coinbase One Standard ($29.99/month)

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• Everything in Basic

• Higher staking rewards

• Advanced trading fee discount

• Transaction credits on Base network

• Priority customer support

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Is the Subscription Worth It?

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You break even if:

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• You spend at least $2,500 annually on the card (at 2% tier)

• You make regular crypto trades that would incur fees

• You stake cryptocurrency and benefit from boosted rewards

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You're better off without it if:

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• You rarely use Coinbase for trading

• You spend less than $200/month on credit cards

• You prefer immediate cash liquidity over Bitcoin accumulation

• You already have high-earning cards without annual subscriptions

How It Compares to Other Crypto Credit Cards

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The Coinbase One Card isn't the only crypto-rewards card on the market. Here's how it stacks up against the competition.

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On October 20, 2025, Gemini announced The Gemini Credit Card® Solana Edition of The Gemini Credit Card® with category bonuses up to 4% back in SOL on gas, EV charging and rideshare, 3% on dining, and 2% on groceries.

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Winner for:

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• Bitcoin maximalists: Coinbase One Card

• Crypto diversification: Gemini Credit Card

• No subscription preference: Gemini Credit Card

• Highest flat-rate BTC rewards: Coinbase One Card (if you reach 3-4% tier)

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Coinbase One Card vs. Crypto.com Visa

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Crypto.com launched a U.S. Visa Signature credit card in 2025 with Bread Financial, offering headline earn rates up to 5% back in CRO cryptocurrency. However, like Coinbase's card, the best rates are tied to ecosystem participation—in this case, staking CRO tokens.

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Winner for:

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• Simplicity and Bitcoin focus: Coinbase One Card

• Maximum rewards potential: Crypto.com (but requires CRO staking)

• Broader merchant acceptance: Both (Visa and Amex are widely accepted)

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3365", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Cryptocurrency Users", "headerHint" : "Earn Cryptocurrency" } ]]

Who Should Apply? (Decision Support)

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✅ This Card is Perfect for You If:

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You're a Bitcoin believer: If you're bullish on Bitcoin's long-term prospects and want to automatically accumulate BTC through everyday spending, this card turns every purchase into an investment in your conviction.

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You're already a Coinbase user: If you actively trade on Coinbase or hold substantial assets on the exchange, you'll maximize the card's rewards tier and benefit from zero trading fees with the Coinbase One subscription.

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You value simplicity over category optimization: Unlike cards that require you to track 5% categories on groceries or 3x points on dining, the Coinbase One Card offers a flat rate on everything. No mental math required.

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You spend $300+ monthly on credit cards: You'll easily justify the $49.99 annual subscription cost and generate meaningful Bitcoin rewards.

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You want American Express benefits: Access to Amex Experiences, exclusive offers, and strong consumer protections add value beyond just the rewards rate.

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❌ This Card May Not Be Right for You If:

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You need immediate cash liquidity: Cash back is instantly spendable. Bitcoin rewards fluctuate in value, and if you need to cash out immediately, you might get less than you anticipated during market downturns.

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You prefer holding Bitcoin in cold storage: To maximize rewards, you need to keep crypto assets on Coinbase. If you're a self-custody purist who moves funds to hardware wallets immediately, you'll only earn 2%.

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You're skeptical about Bitcoin: If you don't believe in BTC's long-term value proposition, a traditional 2% cash-back card with no subscription delivers better guaranteed value.

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You already maximize category-bonus cards: If you're currently earning 5% back on rotating categories or 3% on dining with no annual fee, you might earn more by optimizing traditional cards—unless you reach the 4% Coinbase tier.

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You have low monthly spending: If you charge less than $200/month, you're better off with a no-fee, no-subscription 2% cash-back card from Citi or Fidelity.

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How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

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Application Requirements

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The Coinbase One Card is subject to creditworthiness and other eligibility criteria. Here's what you need:

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1. Active Coinbase One Subscription
   • Sign up for Coinbase One Basic ($49.99/year) or higher tier
   • If your membership becomes inactive or is canceled, your Coinbase One Card account may be closed
2. Credit Score Estimate
   • While Coinbase hasn't published exact requirements, American Express cards typically require a credit score of 670 or higher
   • Good to Excellent credit recommended
3. U.S. Residency
   • Available only to U.S. residents (excluding territories)
4. Coinbase Account
   • Active, verified Coinbase account required

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Application Process

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Step 1: Visit the Coinbase One Card page on Coinbase.com

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Step 2: Subscribe to Coinbase One (if not already subscribed)

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• Choose between Basic ($49.99/year) or Standard ($29.99/month)

• First month's subscription will be charged immediately

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Step 3: Complete the credit card application

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• Provide personal information (name, address, SSN)

• Share income and employment details

• Review terms and submit

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Step 4: Receive approval decision

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• Most applicants get instant approval or denial

• Some applications may require additional review

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Step 5: Activate your card

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• Physical card ships within 7-10 business days

• Activate through Coinbase app or website

• Start earning Bitcoin immediately

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Credit Check Impact

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The application will result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. This is standard for all credit card applications.

Maximizing Your Bitcoin Rewards Strategy

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Once you're approved, here's how to squeeze every satoshi out of your Coinbase One Card:

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1. Reach the Next Rewards Tier

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Early card users have added more than $200 million to Coinbase to boost their rewards rates. Consider strategies to increase your holdings:

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• Keep your emergency fund in USDC (counts toward holdings)

• Hold USD cash on Coinbase if you're building reserves

• Stake cryptocurrency for boosted yields while counting toward rewards tier

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2. Use It for All Non-Category Spending

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If you have category-bonus cards (like 5% on groceries or 3% on dining), use those first. Then use your Coinbase One Card for everything else:

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• General shopping

• Subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)

• Utilities

• Gas (if you don't have a better gas card)

• Online purchases

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3. Pay Your Bill with Crypto

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You can repay your balance using either a linked bank account or crypto held on Coinbase. If you have appreciated crypto you're looking to sell anyway, paying your credit card bill with it can be tax-efficient—especially if you're using long-term capital gains to offset purchases.

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4. Stack Benefits with Kudos

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Kudos can help you track which card offers the best rewards for each purchase across your entire wallet—not just the Coinbase card. This ensures you're always using the optimal card for every transaction.

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5. Hold Your Bitcoin Rewards

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Instead of immediately cashing out your Bitcoin rewards, let them appreciate over time. If you believe in Bitcoin's long-term value proposition, your rewards could be worth significantly more in the future. Your $720 in annual rewards at $100,000 per BTC becomes $1,440 if Bitcoin reaches $200,000.

Transparent Pros and Cons

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Pros ✅

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• Higher potential upside than cash back: If Bitcoin appreciates, your rewards grow in value—potentially offering returns far beyond a traditional 2% card.

• No foreign transaction fees: The card carries no foreign transaction fees, making it excellent for international travel without the typical 3% penalty.

• Flat-rate simplicity: Unlike complicated category structures, you earn the same rate on every purchase. No activation required, no rotating categories to track.

• Tax-efficient earning: Bitcoin back rewards earned on purchases won't appear on 1099 tax forms, simplifying your tax situation compared to other earn-and-spend crypto products.

• Automatic dollar-cost averaging: Every purchase automatically buys Bitcoin, helping you accumulate without having to time the market or set up recurring purchases.

• American Express benefits: Access to Amex Experiences, exclusive offers, and strong purchase protections add value beyond rewards.

• Pay bill with crypto: Cardholders can repay their balances with crypto held on Coinbase, offering unique flexibility.

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Cons ❌

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• Subscription required: The $49.99 annual fee for Coinbase One Basic means you need to spend $2,500+ annually just to break even at the 2% tier.

• Rewards tied to volatile asset: Your rewards can lose value if Bitcoin drops after you earn them. A market crash could turn $720 in rewards into $500 in actual value.

• American Express acceptance: While widely accepted, Amex isn't taken everywhere—especially at smaller businesses, Costco, and some international merchants.

• Lower than competitors without holdings: At the base 2% tier, you'd earn more with no-fee cards like Citi Double Cash (2% everywhere) without paying for a subscription.

• Exchange custody requirement: To maximize rewards, you need to keep assets on Coinbase—not ideal for those who prefer hardware wallet self-custody.

• No welcome bonus: Unlike most premium cards, there's no sign-up bonus to jumpstart your rewards earnings.

• Competitive requirements: An active, paid Coinbase One membership is required to maintain a Coinbase One Card account—if you cancel your subscription, you lose the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is the Coinbase One Card worth it?

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The Coinbase One Card is worth it if you're bullish on Bitcoin, spend at least $300/month on credit cards, and already use Coinbase for trading or holding crypto. At the 2% base tier, you need to spend $2,500 annually to justify the $49.99 subscription. If you reach the 3-4% tiers, the card becomes significantly more valuable than traditional cash-back alternatives.

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How much Bitcoin can I earn with the Coinbase One Card?

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Your earnings depend on your spending and rewards tier. At $3,000/month spending:

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• 2% tier: $720/year in Bitcoin

• 3% tier: $1,080/year in Bitcoin

• 4% tier: $1,440/year in Bitcoin

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Remember that Bitcoin's value fluctuates, so your rewards could be worth more or less depending on BTC's price when you check your balance.

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What credit score do I need for the Coinbase One Card?

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While Coinbase hasn't published official requirements, American Express cards typically require a credit score of 670 or higher. Applicants with Good to Excellent credit (700+) have the best approval odds.

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Can I use the Coinbase One Card everywhere?

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The card works anywhere American Express is accepted. However, Amex has slightly lower merchant acceptance than Visa or Mastercard—you may encounter issues at Costco, some smaller businesses, and certain international merchants.

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How do I increase my Bitcoin rewards rate?

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Your rate scales based on the value of assets you hold with Coinbase, and you can count any asset—including USDC or USD—toward your tier. To move from 2% to higher tiers, increase your holdings on the Coinbase platform. Exact thresholds haven't been disclosed yet.

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Are there foreign transaction fees?

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No, there are no foreign transaction fees on the Coinbase One Card, making it excellent for international purchases and travel.

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Do I pay taxes on my Bitcoin rewards?

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Bitcoin rewards earned through spending won't appear on 1099 tax forms, although taxes may apply if those rewards are later sold. Consult with a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.

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How do I pay my Coinbase One Card bill?

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You can pay your statement from a linked bank account or using crypto held at Coinbase. Paying with appreciated crypto can be a tax-efficient strategy if done correctly.

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What happens if I cancel my Coinbase One subscription?

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If your membership becomes inactive or is canceled, your Coinbase One Card account may be closed. You must maintain an active subscription to keep the card.

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How does this compare to the Gemini Credit Card?

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The Coinbase One Card offers up to 4% back in Bitcoin only and requires a subscription. The Gemini Credit Card offers up to 3% back in 50+ cryptocurrencies with no subscription required. Choose Coinbase if you want Bitcoin-only rewards at potentially higher rates; choose Gemini if you want diversification and no annual cost.

Final Verdict: Should You Get the Coinbase One Card?

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The Coinbase One Card occupies a unique position in the credit card landscape. It's not just about rewards percentages—it's about aligning your financial habits with your Bitcoin conviction.

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Get this card if:

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• You believe Bitcoin will appreciate long-term

• You spend $300+ monthly on credit cards

• You already use Coinbase and would benefit from zero trading fees

• You want the simplicity of a flat-rate rewards structure

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Skip this card if:

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• You need guaranteed, stable cash value from rewards

• You spend less than $200/month on credit cards

• You strongly prefer self-custody over exchange holdings

• You can earn more with optimized category-bonus cards

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For Bitcoin believers who meet the spending threshold, the Coinbase One Card transforms everyday purchases into automatic BTC accumulation. It's not the highest-earning card for everyone, but for the right person, it's the perfect combination of conviction and convenience.

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Want to make sure you're always using the best card for every purchase? Kudos tracks your cards and recommends the optimal one for each transaction—helping you maximize rewards across your entire wallet, not just one card.