Crypto Card Fees Explained: What You’re Really Paying For

A crypto card works just like a regular card when you’re paying in-store or online. What you don’t see are the small fees that help complete the payment behind the scenes. They might cover things like transaction processing or currency conversion.

Understanding them helps you get a clearer picture of how much you’re really paying for.

Network Fees

Every crypto transfer to your card includes a network fee, often called a gas fee. This isn’t added by the card provider - it’s the cost of getting your transaction confirmed on the blockchain.

• Fees rise on high-traffic chains like Ethereum.
• They stay low on networks like Solana and Polygon.

How to minimize it:

• Pick cheaper networks when funding your card.
• Transfer when the network isn’t congested.
• Stick with stablecoins on low-fee chains when possible.

Platforms like KAST, for example, support multiple networks so you can choose the lowest-cost route.

Conversion Spreads

Every time you tap your crypto card, your crypto gets swapped into local currency behind the scenes. The rate you get looks close to the live market rate, but there’s usually a small gap. That gap is the conversion spread, and it’s what covers the real-time exchange process.

For most cards, spreads land between 1–2%, quietly included in the exchange rate rather than shown as an extra charge.

Why it matters:

Even a small spread changes the total amount you spend. It’s normal, but it’s good to be aware of it. Providers that keep spreads low and transparent make it easier to understand what you’re really paying for with each transaction.

FX and Cross-Border Fees

When you use your crypto card abroad in a different currency, an FX fee applies. This covers converting your card’s base currency into the local one. Some providers make this pricier by routing the transaction through multiple conversions - for example, crypto to USD, then USD to the purchase currency - adding extra costs at each step.

Modern platforms avoid this. KAST uses a flat FX rate and converts directly into the purchase currency in one step for clearer, more predictable pricing.

DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion)

When you’re traveling or shopping abroad, you might get a prompt at checkout asking, “Would you like to pay in USD?” This is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) - and it’s one of the easiest ways to overpay without realizing it.

If you pick USD, the merchant’s processor does the conversion for you, and their exchange rate is usually inflated - sometimes by 6–16%. That extra cost goes straight to them, not your crypto card provider.

Example: You’re in Europe with a €100 restaurant bill.

Option	What Happens	Markup / Fee	Approx. Final Cost
Pay in USD (via DCC)	Terminal converts your funds to USD	16% markup	$116
Pay in EUR (local currency)	Card handles conversion directly	2% (KAST card’s flat FX fee)	$102

That’s $14 saved from one simple choice.

How to avoid it:

Choose the local currency, every time. Your card will almost always give you the better rate.

ATM and Withdrawal Fees

Your crypto card works almost everywhere, but there are still times when cash is the only option. When you withdraw money from an ATM, you’ll run into two types of fees:

1. The ATM operator’s fee, set by the machine.
2. Your card provider’s withdrawal fee.

These fees exist on traditional debit cards too, so this isn’t unique to crypto. Depending on your location, the fee might be a flat charge or a small slice of the amount you withdraw.

For example, taking out $100 could cost you $2–3 from the ATM, plus whatever your provider charges.

💡Tip: Only withdraw cash when you really need it. Paying directly with your card is almost always the cheaper option.

Other Fees (Maintenance, Inactivity, and More)

Some crypto card providers charge a few extra fees that aren’t part of your day-to-day spending but can appear depending on how you use your card.

These might include:

• Inactivity fees: charged if your card goes unused for several months.
• Replacement fees: if your card gets lost and you need another one,
• Maintenance or subscription fees: usually tied to premium tiers with added perks.
• Shipping fees: especially if you request expedited delivery for a new card.

Traditional banks have these fees too, so they aren’t unique to crypto. However, many modern crypto card companies now reduce or eliminate these smaller charges to make their cards more appealing.

Bottom line: Spend a moment reviewing the provider’s fee breakdown before signing up - it’s the easiest way to avoid paying for things you didn’t expect.

Crypto Card Rewards: Balancing the Cost

Crypto cards come with small fees, but many also give you rewards that help make up for them. If you use your card regularly, those rewards can offset a good chunk of what you’re paying.

For example, KAST gives up to 10% back in KAST Points on eligible purchases. So even though there’s a small conversion or network fee, you’re earning something back every time you tap.

Simple Ways to Cut Down on Costs

A few easy habits can help you stretch your balance and avoid unnecessary fees:

• Pay with stablecoins to keep things predictable.
• Top up in larger amounts instead of doing lots of small transfers.
• Use lower-fee networks when funding your card.
• Check your rewards - they add up quicker than you’d expect.

Once you get used to these, managing fees becomes simple.

A Better Way to Use Your Crypto

Every payment method comes with fees, but understanding them helps you make smarter choices. The right crypto card keeps things predictable, simple, and rewarding - so you’re not guessing what each transaction will cost.

That’s the goal of platforms like KAST: clarity, easy conversions, and a better everyday spending experience. See it in action - sign up with KAST and make everyday spending with crypto simple.

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