MetaMask Metal Card Launches Nationwide in the US - Crypto Everyday Payments Evolve with Premium Benefits and On-Chain Rewards

The era of using cryptocurrencies for everyday shopping has finally become a reality. MetaMask has rolled out its card service nationwide across 49 U.S. states, introducing a new premium metal card. After a pilot phase at the end of 2024, users in nearly all states, including New York, can now utilize smart cards directly linked to their wallets.

How the Metal Card Changes Cryptocurrency Usage

The biggest feature of the MetaMask card is its completely different design from traditional crypto cards. Unlike many competitors that require pre-depositing funds into exchange wallets, this card eliminates such cumbersome procedures. Users keep full control of their crypto assets in their MetaMask wallet until the moment of payment.

The newly introduced premium metal card is a high-end option designed for frequent users. Made of 16 grams of stainless steel, it offers higher spending limits and a comprehensive rewards system compared to standard virtual cards. This metal card symbolizes the practical adoption of cryptocurrencies.

Developed in partnership with Mastercard and Baanx (now operating as Monavate), this card is accepted at over 150 million merchants worldwide. It can also be registered with Apple Pay and Google Pay, supporting seamless use both physically and online with integrated technology.

Maintaining Self-Management in Daily Payments – How the MetaMask Card Works

Traditional off-ramps (converting crypto to fiat) involved multiple steps. With the MetaMask card, a single swipe instantly converts assets like USDC, USDT, or wETH into US dollars. This real-time conversion technology allows users to make everyday payments without ever surrendering their private keys.

Cross River Bank handles card issuance and management, fully complying with domestic AML and KYC regulations. Verification during registration is completed within minutes inside the MetaMask app, significantly lowering barriers to entry.

Security-wise, the card offers advantages over conventional ones. Losing the metal card does not compromise seed phrases, as only specific spending limits are delegated to the card. Standard protections like Mastercard ID theft prevention and zero liability for fraudulent transactions are also included.

Premium Metal Card – Valued at $199 Annually

The new metal card costs $199 per year and offers multiple benefits. Most notably, the cashback rate on the first $10,000 spent annually is increased to 3%, up from 1% for virtual cards. The cashback is distributed on-chain as a stablecoin-linked asset called mUSD, which users can freely hold, exchange, or reuse.

Another major advantage is that overseas transaction fees are completely waived. While virtual cards incur 0.5–1% fees, metal card users pay nothing. The daily withdrawal limit is also increased to $5,000 from $1,000 for virtual cards.

In partnership with Entravel, metal cardholders can enjoy up to 60% discounts at select hotels worldwide, plus an additional 4% discount at checkout. This system significantly reduces foreign transaction costs for crypto users who travel frequently.

Regulatory Compliance and Security – Safe Deployment in 49 US States

US financial regulations vary by state. The nationwide rollout, including the metal card, was made possible through a partnership with Cross River Bank, a major fintech bank based in New Jersey. As the issuer, the bank ensures compliance with complex state-level regulations.

While 49 states, including New York, support the service, Vermont is not yet available due to regional regulatory requirements. The registration process fully complies with AML and KYC standards and can be completed in minutes within the MetaMask portfolio or mobile app.

Integration with the Mastercard network ensures adherence to international consumer protection standards. Features like theft protection, zero liability for unauthorized transactions, and price protection on eligible purchases provide safety comparable to traditional credit cards.

Low-Cost Payments Enabled by Linea L2

Efficiency is core to this product. The MetaMask card, including the metal version, leverages Linea, an Ethereum Layer 2 network developed by ConsenSys. Transactions on Linea typically incur gas fees of around $0.01, making small payments like coffee purchases fully feasible.

Currently, the card supports multiple assets on Linea, Base, and Solana networks. Supported assets include stablecoins like USDE, USDT, mUSD, EURe, GBPe, as well as wETH, aUSDC, and amUSD. Notably, interest-generating tokens like aUSDC and amUSD continue earning on-chain interest until the user actually spends the funds.

From Crypto to Practical Finance – The Arrival of the Metal Card Era

The launch of MetaMask’s metal card signifies more than just a new product; it marks a transformation across the entire crypto industry—from speculative assets to practical financial tools for daily use.

By offering a premium metal card, MetaMask is evolving beyond a wallet provider into a comprehensive financial platform. This system allows users to retain ownership while earning rewards, embodying the ideals of decentralized finance.

For typical US crypto users, being able to use on-chain assets directly for daily payments under full self-custody has long been a distant dream. With the advent of the metal card and MetaMask’s card offerings, that dream has now become a reality.