Best Crypto Cards in Uruguay (2026)

Uruguay has taken a measured approach to crypto regulation. The BCU (Banco Central del Uruguay) oversees financial stability. In 2022-2023, Uruguay's Congress considered crypto regulation bills that would provide a comprehensive framework.

Crypto is not banned in Uruguay. The BCU has acknowledged crypto and digital assets. Uruguay's regulatory approach emphasizes financial stability while allowing innovation. The DGI (Direccion General Impositiva) handles tax administration.

Crypto.com, KAST, and Wirex serve Uruguayan residents under global coverage. Uruguay's stable institutional framework provides a reliable environment for crypto card usage.

Uruguay's progressive regulatory approach and institutional stability make it one of LATAM's most reliable jurisdictions for crypto card usage.

Uruguay has no capital gains tax for individuals on investment income, including crypto gains. This is one of the most favorable tax treatments in the world. The IRPF (Impuesto a la Renta de las Personas Fisicas) taxes certain income categories, but capital gains from movable property (including crypto) are generally taxed at 12% as investment income under Category I.

Example: You bought BTC at UYU 100,000 and spend UYU 300,000. Gain = UYU 200,000. Tax = UYU 24,000 (12%).

Report to the DGI. Annual filing is required. The tax year runs January-December.

Uruguay's 12% rate is competitive in LATAM. USDC funding eliminates this tax entirely.

Uruguayan crypto card applications require a cedula de identidad (Uruguayan national ID card) or pasaporte (passport) for citizens. Foreign residents need a passport plus cedula de identidad para extranjeros.

The CI (Cedula de Identidad) number is the primary identifier. Proof of address via factura de servicios (utility bill - UTE electricity, OSE water, Antel phone), estado de cuenta (bank statement from BROU, Itau, Santander), or contrato de alquiler (rental agreement).

Physical cards ship to Uruguayan addresses within 14-21 business days. Virtual cards are available immediately for Apple Pay use.

Low Tax + Stable Economy = Reliable Value

Uruguay's 12% investment income tax and stable UYU make crypto card cashback predictable and valuable. Uruguay is the "Switzerland of South America" in terms of institutional reliability.

Card Selection by Use Case

• KAST (2% cashback, free): Best no-fee starter
• Crypto.com (up to 5%): Best metal tier range
• MetaMask (1%, free): Best self-custody Mastercard
• Wirex (up to 8%): Best for power users

Spending Scenario: UYU 50,000/month (~$1,200)

UYU 12,000/year (~$290) covers weeks of groceries from Disco or Devoto.

Local Payment Infrastructure

Card acceptance is strong in urban Uruguay: shopping centers (Montevideo Shopping, Tres Cruces, Punta Carretas), supermarkets (Disco, Devoto, Tienda Inglesa, Ta-Ta), restaurants in Montevideo and Punta del Este accept Visa/Mastercard. Cash is still used at ferias (street markets) and smaller shops.

Global issuers: Crypto.com (up to 5%), KAST (2%), Wirex (up to 8%), and RedotPay serve Uruguayan residents under global coverage. MetaMask (1%) offers self-custody spending.

Local/regional: Several local platforms serve the Uruguayan market with UYU pairs. Binance P2P provides additional on-ramp options. Traditional banks like BROU do not offer crypto services.

ether.fi (3%, credit-based) offers a borrow-to-spend model. At Uruguay's 12% rate, keeping ETH in staking while spending borrowed funds defers the tax event.

Uruguay's institutional stability and measured regulatory approach make it LATAM's most reliable crypto card jurisdiction.