The Gemini Credit Card is a U.S. consumer credit card offered through Gemini that pays crypto rewards on eligible purchases. It runs on the Mastercard network and is positioned as an everyday spending product for users who want rewards deposited into a Gemini account in the cryptocurrency of their choice. The card’s rewards structure is category-based, with a capped top tier for transportation-related spending and lower, uncapped tiers for common household categories.
Overview
Gemini markets the card as a no-annual-fee rewards credit card with no foreign transaction fees and Mastercard World Elite benefits. Cardholders earn “crypto back” that is deposited into their Gemini account, typically when a transaction posts, with certain exclusions. Users can select which cryptocurrency they want to receive for rewards and can change that selection in the Gemini app.
Gemini is best known as a regulated U.S. crypto exchange and custodian. For background on the broader platform, see CryptoSlate’s Gemini company profile and the Gemini exchange review.
History and Background
Gemini launched the credit card as part of a wider industry push to integrate crypto rewards with traditional payment rails. While many crypto cards are debit or prepaid products that require preloading funds, the Gemini Credit Card follows a traditional credit model with interest charges if balances are carried. Over time, Gemini has updated the rewards program, including expanding the top rewards category to cover more transportation-related purchases.
Core Products and Services
- Category-based crypto rewards: Earn crypto back on qualifying purchases, with higher rates in select categories.
- In-app reward selection: Choose to receive rewards in Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or 50+ other supported assets, and change the selection as desired.
- Merchant offers: Access periodic merchant reward promotions, which can offer higher reward rates at participating brands, subject to promotional terms and limits.
- Themed card designs: Gemini has offered special edition designs tied to specific assets or ecosystems, while keeping the underlying rewards tiers consistent.
Rewards Structure
Gemini’s published rewards tiers for everyday spending are structured as follows:
- 4% crypto back: Gas, EV charging, transit, taxis, and rideshare, capped to a monthly spend limit in this category, then 1% thereafter for the rest of that month.
- 3% crypto back: Dining, generally including restaurants, bars, and fast food.
- 2% crypto back: Groceries, generally including traditional grocery stores and specialty food stores, with specific merchant-type exclusions based on payment processing codes.
- 1% crypto back: All other qualifying purchases.
Gemini applies rewards based on Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) assigned by a merchant’s payment processor. This means a purchase that appears to fit a higher-tier category may still earn 1% if the merchant is coded differently, or if it falls outside program definitions. Gemini also publishes limited-time promotions, for example seasonal boosts or elevated rates with select merchants, which can change over time.
Technology and Features
The Gemini Credit Card is issued by WebBank and operates on Mastercard rails. Gemini highlights “instant” rewards deposit behavior, with rewards generally credited when a transaction posts rather than at the end of a billing cycle, subject to exclusions in the rewards program terms. The card is also positioned as a World Elite Mastercard product, which can include network-level benefits such as identity theft and fraud-related protections and access to Mastercard experiences, subject to issuer and Mastercard terms.
Fees, APR, and Key Terms
Gemini promotes the card as having no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Like any credit card, carrying a balance can result in interest charges. In its most recently published cardholder agreement dated late 2025, WebBank disclosed a variable purchase APR range of 16.49% to 34.49%, a cash advance APR of 29.49%, and a penalty APR of 33.49% that may apply after certain payment events. The agreement also lists a cash advance fee of $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater, and penalty fees including late payment fees up to $8 and returned payment fees up to $35.
Use Cases and Market Position
The Gemini Credit Card primarily targets U.S. users who prefer earning rewards in crypto rather than points or cash back. Common use cases include commuting and transportation spending that fits the 4% category cap, dining, and grocery purchases, with rewards accumulating directly in a Gemini account. The card competes with other crypto rewards products by emphasizing immediate reward crediting, a broad selection of reward assets, and a mainstream network footprint through Mastercard acceptance.
Risks and Considerations
- Interest costs: Rewards can be outweighed by interest charges if balances are carried, especially at higher APR levels.
- Tax treatment: In the United States, crypto rewards and subsequent sales or conversions can have tax implications depending on the user’s circumstances and accounting method.
- Custodial exposure: Rewards are deposited into a Gemini account, which introduces platform and counterparty considerations relative to self-custody.
- MCC classification: Category rewards depend on merchant coding, so real-world outcomes may differ from user expectations.
- Reward volatility: Rewards paid in assets such as BTC or ETH fluctuate in fiat value, which can affect realized returns.
