Best Crypto Cards in Ukraine (2026)

The NSSMC (Natsionalna Komisiia z Tsinnykh Paperiv ta Fondovoho Rynku, National Securities and Stock Market Commission) is designated as the primary crypto regulator under the Virtual Assets Law signed by President Zelenskyy in March 2022. This law provides a legal framework for virtual asset ownership, trading, and service provision.

The NBU (National Bank of Ukraine, Natsionalnyi Bank Ukrainy) oversees monetary policy and wartime financial restrictions. Wartime martial law has imposed some capital controls on UAH, making crypto an important alternative for cross-border value transfer.

KAST, Crypto.com, xPlace, and RedotPay may serve Ukrainian residents under global coverage. Kuna was Ukraine's most prominent domestic exchange.

The Virtual Assets Law provides legal clarity. Wartime conditions may affect card delivery and banking integration.

Ukraine taxes crypto under the Virtual Assets Law framework. The standard rate is income tax at 18% plus military levy of 1.5%, totaling 19.5%. The military levy was increased during wartime.

Example: You bought 0.01 BTC at UAH 10,000 and spend it when it is worth UAH 50,000. The UAH 40,000 gain is taxed at 19.5% = UAH 7,800.

The Virtual Assets Law provides specific guidance on crypto taxation, making Ukraine one of few countries with a dedicated crypto tax framework. Enforcement capabilities may be affected by wartime conditions.

At 19.5%, stablecoin funding is recommended to minimize disposal gains. Ukraine's rate is moderate but the military levy adds 1.5% above the standard 18%.

Ukrainian crypto card applications require a vnutrishnii pasport (internal passport) or zakordonnyi pasport (international passport) for citizens. The RNOKPP (Reiestratsiinyi Nomer Oblikovoi Kartky Platnyka Podatkiv, 10-digit tax ID) is the primary tax identifier.

Proof of Ukrainian address via utility bill (kvytantsiia za komunalni posluhy), bank statement, or registration certificate. For Ukrainians abroad (displaced by the war), some issuers may accept current country of residence documentation.

Physical card delivery to Ukrainian addresses may be affected by wartime logistics. Virtual cards are available immediately for Apple Pay and Google Pay use and may be the most practical option.

UAH Hedge: Stablecoin Holding

UAH has been under pressure due to wartime conditions. Holding USDT or USDC preserves purchasing power against UAH depreciation. Convert to UAH only at the moment of purchase through your crypto card. This strategy is particularly valuable for Ukrainians who have received international crypto donations or remote work payments.

Card Selection by Use Case

• KAST (2% cashback, free): Best no-fee starter card
• Tria Premium (6%, $250/year): Best for higher spenders
• Bleap (2% cashback, free): Best self-custody card
• Crypto.com (up to 5%): Best for metal tiers

Spending Scenario: UAH 15,000/month (~$370)

For Ukrainians Abroad

Crypto cards provide spending access regardless of location. A Ukrainian displaced to Poland, Germany, or other EU countries can use a globally available card funded with crypto to spend at local merchants without needing a local bank account.

Local Payment Infrastructure

Card acceptance in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro is strong at malls, supermarkets (ATB, Silpo, Novus), restaurants, and pharmacies. monobank and PrivatBank apps dominate mobile payments. Wartime conditions may affect card terminal availability in certain regions. Virtual cards for Apple Pay use may be the most reliable option.

Global card issuers: Crypto.com (up to 5%), KAST (2%), xPlace (0.5%), and RedotPay may serve Ukrainian residents under global coverage. Card availability may be affected by wartime conditions and compliance requirements.

Domestic: Kuna was Ukraine's most prominent exchange. WhiteBIT (Ukrainian-founded, now Lithuania-based) also serves the market. The Virtual Assets Law is creating a framework for licensed domestic platforms.

Self-custody options: Bleap (2%, free) and Tria (up to 6%) offer self-custody spending. Self-custody is particularly valued in Ukraine given wartime concerns about centralized platforms.

Crypto played a significant role in Ukraine's wartime fundraising, making the population highly crypto-aware and adoption-ready.