Cryptocurrencies have always promised freedom, speed, and independence, but they have run into a simple problem: how to spend them in real life, pay for purchases, receive salaries, and work with euros and dollars without complicated exchanges and commissions? Banks, on the other hand, offer convenience, but are completely dependent on their rules, limits, and boundaries.
The advent of crypto cards has become the solution that connects the two systems.
When the elements work together, the dilemma disappears and a hybrid emerges that addresses the weaknesses of each. Especially when combined with IBAN/SEPA support.
- IBAN (International Bank Account Number) – an international bank account number that allows banks in different countries to identify the recipient.
- SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) – a single payment area uniting 36 European countries for fast and inexpensive EUR transfers within the ecosystem.
Which crypto cards work with IBAN and SEPA?
In the ranking by Incrypted, Eastern Europe's largest crypto media outlet, the Trustee Plus crypto card took first place among the 12 best cards and is one of two that supports IBAN.
- Trustee Plus. A new generation cryptocurrency service offering 0% instant transfers within the system, 0% stablecoin exchange, built-in exchange, and support for dozens of cryptocurrencies and fiat assets. All this is based on cryptographic security: encryption of connections, signatures, and all customer data based on their settings: PIN, biometric, 2FA.
And, of course, transfers via IBAN and the purchase of cryptocurrency in a euro account.
Service developers: a team led by Vadym Grusha, who have been creating crypto projects since 2016, receiving awards around the world, such as Consensys in New York. Before creating Trustee, the CEO worked with Bank of America and HSBC.
The Trustee cryptocard is the main element of the ecosystem. Its main currency is EUR, which, together with IBAN, opens up a world of borderless payments. Plus: 0% on all transactions, 0% on top-ups. Minimum fees are 0.5% for conversion to euros, and limits are up to €5,000 per day, €50,000 per month. Withdrawals are up to €2,000 per day with 0%.
- Referral program with up to 45% of commission income, Trustee Travel hotel discount system, and monthly competition for Trustee Points prizes.
- Wirex Card. This is a British financial platform that was one of the first to launch a payment card. It has been operating since 2014, combining traditional and cryptocurrency assets. In 2023, it released a crypto card in partnership with Visa.
The Wirex Card is available to residents of the EEA and the UK. It offers 0% cashback on transactions, free ATM withdrawals worldwide up to $200, no annual fee, and no currency exchange fees. In May 2024, Wirex announced a partnership with OpenPayd to issue IBANs to its customers in the UK and EEA countries.
This means that users received personal virtual accounts with IBANs and the ability to use the SEPA system. This opened up the possibility of replenishing crypto card accounts in euros through banks and withdrawing funds via the SEPA system throughout the EU.
Cryptocard + IBAN + SEPA
This choice shows the rarity of crypto + IBAN + SEPA support, which is surprising.:
- Cryptocurrency networks allow you to send funds globally in seconds. IBAN/SEPA allow you to receive them in your usual euro account without SWIFT and high fees.
- A crypto card instantly converts crypto into fiat, and IBAN in euros into a payment base. You can hold assets in USDT, BTC and spend them in EUR without exchange.
- Crypto transfers are cheap and transparent. SEPA is almost free within Europe. The card brings all this together in a single cycle without intermediaries or borders.
This is financial flexibility that banks cannot offer. You can live on crypto income, receive and transfer funds worldwide, withdraw euros to your IBAN, and spend immediately – all from one app. No accounting quests. Ideal for freelancing and traveling.
When a crypto card provides a personal IBAN and access to SEPA, it goes beyond simple “paying with crypto”. This means that the service is integrated into the European banking system, which makes it possible to live in Europe without SWIFT fees and combine blockchain freedom with the convenience of classic banking infrastructure.
IBAN + SEPA support is the main indicator of a “real bank” among crypto cards.