Spending your crypto in the real world just got more mainstream: the MetaMask Card, a self-custodial Mastercard, is now available across 49 US states — including New York — letting you pay from your own MetaMask wallet at over 150 million merchants worldwide. Here's how it actually works, what the cashback is, and whether it's worth it.
What it is
Built by Consensys (MetaMask's developer) with Mastercard and card issuer Monavate, the MetaMask Card is self-custodial so your assets stay in your MetaMask wallet, on-chain under your keys, and are only converted to fiat at the moment you pay. That's the key difference from an exchange-issued card, where you hand your funds to the platform first.
- Supported balances: Stablecoins (USDC, USDT, MetaMask's mUSD) and yield-bearing aUSDC (via Aave), on the Linea Ethereum layer-2.
- Apple Pay / Google Pay: the virtual card can be added after approval.
- Rewards are paid in mUSD, a stablecoin.
The two tiers
Tier 1 - Virtual: It's Free. Offers 1% Cashback. Extras - Add to Apple/Google Pay
Tier 2 - Metal: Costs $199/year. Offers 3% on the first $10,000 spent/year. Extras - No foreign-transaction fees, higher ATM limits
Is it worth it?
- The free Virtual card is an easy, no-commitment way to spend Stablecoins with 1% back — sensible for most people who just want to use crypto for everyday purchases.
- The $199/year Metal tier pays off mainly if you spend enough — especially abroad — for the extra 2% cashback (on up to $10,000/year) and the waived foreign-transaction fees to outweigh the annual fee. If you travel and spend in crypto regularly, the no-FX-fee perk alone can justify it; if you spend lightly, the free tier is the better call.
- Two things to keep in mind: rewards arrive as mUSD (a Stablecoin, not the asset you spent), and in many jurisdictions spending crypto is a taxable event — worth tracking.
Want to see how it stacks up against other options before you apply? Compare it on our crypto cards page.
Sources
- MetaMask / Consensys — official MetaMask Card announcement (metamask.io)
- Coverage: BeInCrypto, CryptoTicker
Frequently asked questions
Is the MetaMask Card available in New York?
Yes — the MetaMask Card is available in 49 US states including New York, spending at Mastercard's network of 150M+ merchants.
Is the MetaMask Card self-custodial?
Yes. Your funds stay in your own MetaMask wallet on-chain and are only converted to fiat at the point of sale, unlike exchange-issued cards where you deposit funds to the platform first.
What cashback does the MetaMask Card pay?
The free Virtual tier pays 1% back; the $199/year Metal tier pays 3% on the first $10,000 spent annually and waives foreign-transaction fees. Rewards are paid in the mUSD stablecoin.