Best Crypto Cards in Malta (2026)

Malta pioneered dedicated crypto legislation with the Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Act (2018), the Innovative Technology Arrangements and Services (ITAS) Act, and the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA) Act. The MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority) is the primary regulator.

Under MiCA, Malta's existing framework is being aligned with EU-wide rules. Malta's early regulatory approach attracted major exchanges (Binance, OKX briefly relocated operations there). VFA agents act as intermediaries between crypto companies and the MFSA.

Gnosis Pay, Plutus, and Wirex operate under EU licenses valid in Malta. Crypto.com and Binance have had direct Malta connections.

Malta's "Blockchain Island" reputation and dedicated VFA Act make it one of the EU's most crypto-aware jurisdictions.

Malta applies a 15% final withholding tax on crypto gains for individuals who elect this treatment. Alternatively, gains can be taxed under the general income tax brackets (up to 35%). Most individuals elect the 15% flat rate.

Example: You bought ETH at EUR 1,000 and spend EUR 4,000 through your card. Gain = EUR 3,000. Tax = EUR 450 (15%).

Long-term holding has no special exemption. Report to the CfR (Commissioner for Revenue). Annual income tax filing is required by June 30.

Elect the 15% flat rate for simplicity and tax efficiency. USDC funding eliminates taxable gains entirely.

Maltese crypto card applications require a karta tal-identita (Maltese ID card) or passaport (passport) for citizens. EU/EEA citizens can use their national ID. Non-EU residents need a passport plus permess ta' residenza (residence permit).

The numru tal-identita (ID number) is the primary identifier. Proof of address via kont tad-dawl/ilma (utility bill), dikjarazzjoni bankarja (bank statement from Bank of Valletta, HSBC Malta), or ftehim tal-kera (rental agreement).

EU-licensed issuers verify against EU databases. Physical cards ship to Maltese addresses within 7-14 business days. Virtual cards are available immediately for Apple Pay and Google Pay use.

Small Island, Big Crypto Awareness

Malta's compact size and crypto-forward reputation mean high awareness of digital financial products. Nearly every merchant accepts cards, and crypto card usage is well-understood.

Card Selection by Use Case

• Gnosis Pay (4% cashback, free): Best EEA self-custody card
• Plutus (3% + perks, free tier): Best for subscription rebates
• KAST (2%, free): Best no-fee starter
• Crypto.com (up to 5%): Best metal tier range

Spending Scenario: EUR 1,500/month

EUR 720/year covers months of dining at Valletta's waterfront restaurants or weekly shopping at PAVI/Tower Supermarket.

Tourist Area Spending

Malta's tourist areas (Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian's, Bugibba) have excellent card acceptance. Higher summer spending on dining, entertainment, and activities yields more cashback.

Local Payment Infrastructure

Card acceptance is very good: shopping centers (The Point, Bay Street), supermarkets (PAVI, Tower, Lidl, Valyou), restaurants, bars in Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian's accept contactless Visa/Mastercard. Apple Pay is supported. Cash is still used at village festas, market stalls, and some traditional bars.

EU-licensed issuers: Gnosis Pay (4%, self-custody), Plutus (3% + perks), and Wirex (up to 8%) operate under EU licenses valid in Malta. Crypto.com (up to 5%) and Bybit (2%) also serve Maltese users.

Local/regional: Malta's VFA Act has attracted crypto companies to establish operations on the island. Several exchanges have held or sought Maltese licenses. However, card products come from EU-wide issuers.

ether.fi (3%, credit-based) offers a borrow-to-spend model. At Malta's 15% rate, keeping ETH in staking while spending borrowed funds defers tax events.

Malta's Blockchain Island reputation ensures high crypto card awareness and acceptance among merchants and residents.