Best Crypto Cards in Kenya (2026)
Compare 14 crypto cards available in Kenya. M-Pesa dominant market, CMA exploring regulation, and high crypto adoption in East Africa.
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Card Type
Basic (Midnight Blue)
ether.fi Luxe Card
ether.fi Pinnacle Card
ether.fi VIP Card
Jupiter Global
KAST Bitcoin Black Card
KAST Bitcoin Silver Card
KAST Founders Edition
KAST K Card
KAST Solana Card
KAST Solana Gold Card
KAST Solana Illuma Card
KAST Solana Solid Gold Card
KAST X Card
MetaMask Metal Card
MetaMask Virtual Card
Plus (Ruby Steel)
Prime
Private (Icy White / Rose Gold)
Private (Obsidian)
Pro (Royal Indigo / Jade Green)
RedotPay Physical Card
RedotPay Solana Card
RedotPay Virtual Card
Tria Premium Card
Tria Signature Card
Tria Virtual Card
Xplace Gold Club Card
Xplace Platinum Club Card
Xplace Silver Club Card
Xplace Standard Card
Verified for Kenya
31 crypto cards available
Local currency: KES
If you bank with Equity Bank, KCB, or Co-operative Bank, your debit card has limited international acceptance and charges 3-5% on non-KES purchases. Kenya's 14 globally available crypto cards offer up to 6% cashback, zero FX fees, and an alternative spending path in Africa's most mobile-money advanced economy.
Kenya ranks among Africa's highest crypto adoption rates, alongside Nigeria and South Africa. M-Pesa dominates everyday payments, but Visa/Mastercard crypto cards fill the gap for international purchases, e-commerce, and as a KES depreciation hedge. Card acceptance is growing rapidly in Nairobi.
| Card | Max Cashback | Annual Fee | FX Fee | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tria Premium | 6% | $250 | 0% | Debit | Highest cashback, self-custody |
| Crypto.com | 5% | $0 | 0% | Prepaid | Metal tiers (CRO stake required) |
| ether.fi | 3% | $0 | 1% | Credit | Borrow-to-spend model |
| Bleap | 2% | $0 | 0% | Debit | Free self-custody card |
| KAST | 2% | $0 | 0% | Prepaid | No-fee starter card |
| Tria Virtual | 1.5% | $0 | 0% | Debit | Free self-custody entry |
| RedotPay | 0% | $0 | 1.2% | Prepaid | Budget option |
KAST is the best entry point for Kenyan users: 2% cashback, zero FX fee, zero annual fee. For a market where M-Pesa charges per transaction, a zero-fee Visa/Mastercard crypto card offers a compelling alternative for larger purchases and international spending.
Best Card For Every Need in Kenya
Top 10 Crypto Cards in Kenya
1. KAST Solana Gold Card
24K Gold Plated: 8% Points + VIP Concierge at $10,000/yr
2. KAST Solana Solid Gold Card
37g Solid Gold: The Only Solid Gold Crypto Card on the Market
3. Prime
The Apex: 8% Uncapped CRO Rewards + Private Account Manager
4. Tria Premium Card
Ultimate Web3 Luxury: 6% Cashback + Zero ATM Fees
5. KAST Bitcoin Black Card
Bitcoin Black Metal: 5% Points + 4% $MOVE at $1,000/yr
6. KAST Founders Edition
Strictly Limited: $5,000 One-Time + VIP Concierge + No Annual Fee
7. KAST Solana Illuma Card
Illuminating Metal: 5% Points + 4% $MOVE at $1,000/yr
8. KAST X Card
Chromoly Metal: 5% Points + 4% $MOVE at $1,000/yr
9. Private (Obsidian)
The Pinnacle: 5% Cashback + Private Jet Perks
10. Private (Icy White / Rose Gold)
Elite Private Status: 4% Uncapped Cashback + Guests
Crypto Card Regulation in Kenya
The CMA (Capital Markets Authority) has been exploring crypto regulation through a regulatory sandbox. The CBK (Central Bank of Kenya) has issued warnings about crypto risks but has not banned ownership or trading. Kenya's approach is cautious but not restrictive.
The KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) oversees tax compliance but has not issued specific crypto tax guidance. Kenya's regulatory environment is evolving, with the CMA working toward a comprehensive framework.
KAST, Crypto.com, xPlace, and RedotPay may serve Kenyan residents under global coverage. Card availability may be more limited than in Western or Asian markets.
Kenya's regulatory sandbox approach signals intent to regulate rather than ban. The direction is promising for future card availability.
Tax Treatment of Card Rewards in Kenya
The KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) has not issued comprehensive crypto tax guidance. Kenya introduced a 1.5% digital service tax (DST) on digital marketplace transactions, but its application to crypto card spending is unclear.
General income tax rules may apply to crypto gains at progressive rates up to 30%. Enforcement on individual crypto transactions has been minimal.
Example: You bought 0.001 BTC at KES 10,000 and spend it when it is worth KES 50,000. The KES 40,000 gain has no specific crypto tax treatment. If classified as income, tax could be up to 30%.
| Cashback Type | When Received | When Spent via Card | Total Tax Burden |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTC cashback | Gray area | Gray area | Uncertain (0-30%) |
| USDC cashback | Gray area | ~0% (minimal gain) | Uncertain |
| Points/perks | Not taxed | N/A | 0% |
Stablecoin spending simplifies compliance regardless of future tax rules. Keep records for potential reporting requirements.
How to Apply from Kenya
Kenyan crypto card applications require a national ID card (Kitambulisho, 8-digit number) or Kenyan passport for citizens, or passport plus work/residence permit for foreign residents. The KRA PIN (Personal Identification Number for tax) may be required.
Proof of Kenyan address via utility bill (KPLC electricity, Nairobi Water), bank statement, or mobile phone bill (Safaricom). Global issuers may require additional verification for Kenyan residents.
Physical cards ship to Kenyan addresses within 10-21 business days. Virtual cards are available immediately for Apple Pay and Google Pay use, though Apple Pay availability in Kenya is limited.
Spending Tips for Kenya
Beyond M-Pesa: Where Crypto Cards Add Value
M-Pesa handles 80%+ of Kenya's digital payments. Crypto cards serve different use cases: international online purchases (Amazon, Netflix), travel spending, e-commerce requiring Visa/Mastercard, and as a KES depreciation hedge. The card complements rather than replaces M-Pesa.
Card Selection by Use Case
- KAST (2% cashback, free): Best no-fee starter card
- Tria Premium (6%, $250/year): Best for high spenders
- Crypto.com (up to 5%): Best for metal tiers
- Bleap (2% cashback, free): Best self-custody card
Spending Scenario: KES 30,000/month (~$230)
| Funding Method | Annual Spend | Cashback (2%) | Tax | Net Cashback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USDC (stablecoin) | KES 360,000 | KES 7,200 | KES 0 (no framework) | KES 7,200 |
| KES (bank card) | KES 360,000 | ~KES 0 | N/A | ~KES 0 |
KES 7,200/year in cashback covers 2 weeks of groceries at Naivas or Carrefour Kenya.
FX Is Critical for KES Users
KES has depreciated against USD. Cards with 0% FX fees save 3-5% per transaction versus Equity Bank or KCB debit cards. On KES 30,000/month, that is KES 10,800-18,000/year in FX savings. The FX savings alone may exceed the cashback.
Local Payment Infrastructure
Card acceptance in Nairobi is growing: malls (Westgate, Garden City, Two Rivers), supermarkets (Naivas, Carrefour), hotels, and modern restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard. M-Pesa dominates everything else. Mombasa and tourist areas have decent card acceptance. Matatus, small shops, and informal markets are M-Pesa or cash only.
Supported Exchanges & Wallets in Kenya
Global card issuers: Crypto.com (up to 5%), KAST (2%), xPlace (0.5%), and RedotPay may serve Kenyan residents under global coverage. Card availability may be more limited than in Western markets.
African platforms: Yellow Card (pan-African exchange), Paxful (P2P, popular in Kenya), and local exchanges serve the Kenyan crypto community. None offer Visa/Mastercard spending cards in our comparison.
M-Pesa integration: Some crypto platforms allow buying crypto via M-Pesa. Loading a crypto card with these purchases creates a seamless M-Pesa-to-crypto-to-card spending chain.
Self-custody options: Bleap (2%, free) and Tria (up to 6%) offer self-custody spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can crypto cards replace M-Pesa in Kenya?
No, they serve different purposes. M-Pesa dominates domestic payments. Crypto cards are best for international purchases, e-commerce requiring Visa/Mastercard, travel, and as a KES depreciation hedge. Use both for full coverage.
Which crypto card is best for Kenyan users?
KAST K Card: 2% cashback, zero FX fee, zero annual fee. FX savings of 3-5% per transaction versus Kenyan bank cards may exceed the cashback benefit. Verify eligibility since availability in Kenya is more limited.
Are crypto gains taxed in Kenya?
The KRA has not issued specific crypto tax guidance. A 1.5% digital service tax exists but its crypto application is unclear. General income tax up to 30% may apply. Enforcement is minimal. Keep records for future requirements.
How do I fund a crypto card in Kenya?
Buy crypto via M-Pesa on platforms like Yellow Card or through P2P exchanges. Transfer crypto to your card wallet. Some globally available cards (KAST, RedotPay) accept direct crypto deposits from any wallet.