Why The Amex Crypto Rewards Card Is Popular With Traders

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Earn 2–4% BTC cashback on everyday purchases, depending on Coinbase holdings.
  
• Amex protections and no foreign transaction fees enhance usability.
  
• Rewards are deposited directly into Coinbase, simplifying trading and accumulation.
  
• Subscription to Coinbase One unlocks premium rewards and integration benefits.
  
• Card appeals to crypto-native users due to design and symbolic value.
  
• Aligns trader incentives: spend fiat, earn BTC, and integrate with on-chain strategies.

In 2025, the cryptocurrency rewards credit card space saw a major development:, one of the largest crypto platforms in the U.S., partnered with American Express (Amex) to launch the Coinbase One Card, a metal Amex card that offers up to 4% back in BTC on everyday purchases. For crypto traders, this card is rapidly gaining traction and for very excellent reason.

Here’s a deeper dive into why this Amex crypto rewards card is proving so popular with traders, and what benefits, risks, and broader implications it brings to the table.

BTC Cashback on Everyday Spending

One of the largegest appeals of the Coinbase One Card is its BTC rewards structure. Cardholders can earn 2–4% cashback in on purchases, depending on how much crypto they hold on Coinbase. This allows traders to accumulate BTC simply by spending without having to allocate separate funds to purchase BTC.

For traders, this feature is especially attractive because:

• They earn passively, turning daily transactions into accumulation nodes.
• They don’t need to “lock up” capital exclusively for trading; their routine spending contributes to their crypto stack.
• The direct deposit of rewards into their Coinbase wallet makes it simple to reinvest, trade, or move rewards to self-custody.

Tied to Coinbase Assets: Alignment of Incentives

Unlike traditional credit cards that have fixed reward tiers, the crypto card’s highest reward rate (4%) is linked to how much crypto the user holds on Coinbase. This creates a strong alignment between the user’s long-term commitment to the platform and the value they derive from spending.

For traders, this is powerful because:

• High-volume or long-term traders often maintain significant balances on Coinbase. This means they are more likely to qualify for the best reward tier.
• It discourages frequent withdrawal: since rewards depend on Coinbase holdings, users may be incentivized to keep assets on the platform.
• The model encourages “holdup-and-spend”: traders may choose to allocate more capital to Coinbase not just for trading, but because it improves their card rewards.

No Foreign Transaction Fees + Amex Protections

The card reportedly does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it more practical for cross-border spending.) For active traders who travel or who make purchases from international merchants, this feature offers genuine utility.

Also, since the card is on the , it retains the typical purchase protections and premium perks associated with Amex credit cards, such as:

• Extended warranty coverage
• Return protection
• Travel protections (depending on the version)

These protections make the card more appealing compared to other crypto-linked cards that may lack the institutional backstop and network benefits of a major issuer like Amex.

Integrated Into the Coinbase Ecosystem

The Coinbase One Card is more than just a rewards vehicle; it is deeply integrated into Coinbase’s broader ecosystem.  Because rewards are deposited into the Coinbase wallet, users can easily leverage them for trading, staking, or investing.

Traders appreciate this integration because:

• It eliminates friction. No manual conversion from a cashback account into crypto.
• Rewards boost their on-chain balance, which can be used directly in trading strategies.
• The card aligns with other Coinbase services (staking, Base L2, and rewards), creating a unified financial experience.

Subscription Model Fuels Deeper Engagement

Access to the Coinbase One Card is exclusive to Coinbase One subscribers. That means users pay for a subscription (e.g., $49.99/year or more, depending on plan) to get the card and its benefits.

For traders, this subscription makes sense because:

• High-frequency traders often already subscribe to Coinbase One to get access to reduced trading fees, priority support, and staking perks.
• The card essentially becomes a way to monetize their subscription by earning back in BTC   , turning spend into an earnings mechanism.
• It promotes retention: once traders have the card, they’re more likely to stay in the One plan to maintain their reward tier and benefits.

Symbolic Appeal to BTCers

The physical design of the card is a nod to BTC history: its stainless-steel build is etched with BTC’s Genesis Block, giving it symbolic weight and resonating with crypto-native users.

This isn’t just aesthetic. It signals to traders that this card is built for BTCers, and not just for rewards viewkers. That identity appeal assists drive adoption among serious crypto users who view their financial activity as part of a larger on-chain philosophy. 

Strategic Impact for Crypto Adoption

From a macro perspective, the Amex crypto card represents a bridge between traditional finance (TradFi) and on-chain finance. 

For traders, this is attractive because:

• It validates BTC’s utility: using a credit card to earn BTC turns everyday spending into on-chain accumulation.
• It encourages more retail users to adopt BTC usefully, potentially driving liquidity in the space.
• It may signal to institutional players that mainstream finance is increasingly comfortable embedding crypto into conventional financial products.

Potential Risks That Traders Accept and Manage

Of course, the card isn’t without risk. Many of the risks are precisely the ones that active traders are more willing or able to navigate.

• Volatility Risk: The BTC rewards can fluctuate in value sharply depending on the market price. Traders understand this and may view the card as a way to dollar-cost-average into BTC.
• Credit Risk: As with all credit cards, there’s a risk of carrying balances. If a user doesn’t pay in full, the interest costs could outweigh the rewards earned.
• Custody Risk: While the rewards go into Coinbase, self-custodied traders might need to move funds out of the platform, exposing themselves to operational or security risk.
• Subscription Cost: If someone doesn’t fully utilize their Coinbase One tier, the cost of entry (subscription) may outweigh rewards.

Still, for many traders, these risks are either manageable or even part of their broader strategy.

Why Traders Are Flocking to the Amex Crypto Rewards Card

The is popular with traders for a broad set of reasons: it turns spending into a strategy for accumulating BTC, ties rewards to Coinbase asset holdings, and leverages Amex’s network strength and protections.

Its design, reward structure, and integration within Coinbase’s ecosystem make it more than just a novelty; it’s a legitimate tool in a trader’s toolkit.

For the sophisticated crypto user who spends in fiat but thinks in BTC, the card aligns incentives, supports accumulation, and bridges the gap between and on-chain finance. It’s a compelling proposition and one that’s assisting normalize BTC accumulation through everyday activity.

FAQs

How does the Amex Crypto Rewards Card earn BTC rewards?
Rewards are calculated as a percentage of purchases and deposited directly into your Coinbase wallet, based on your holdings in the platform.

Do I need a Coinbase account to use the card?
Yes. The card is tied to Coinbase, and rewards are delivered to your Coinbase account.

Is there a subscription or fee to access the card?
Yes. Cardholders must be subscribed to Coinbase One, which has an annual fee.

Can I use the card internationally?
Yes. The card has no foreign transaction fees and works wherever Amex is accepted.

What are the risks of using the card?
BTC rewards are subject to market volatility. Credit usage must be managed responsibly to avoid interest costs, and custody risks exist if moving crypto off Coinbase.

References

• : Coinbase to launch co‑branded Amex crypto card with up to 4% BTC cashback
  
• : Details of Coinbase One Card: up to 4% BTC cashback, First Electronic Bank, Amex network
  
• : Coinbase & Amex launch announcement from CoinDesk
  
• : Analysis of card’s role in crypto adoption and its strategic implications
  
• : Symbolism of the card design with BTC’s Genesis Block
  
• : Broader trend: cryptocurrency rewards cards gaining popularity