Coinbase Unveils Bitcoin Rewards Card with Amex and Plans U.S. Futures Expansion

Coinbase has announced a groundbreaking partnership with American Express to launch a Bitcoin rewards credit card, offering 4% BTC cashback and exclusive perks for USDC holders. The card, slated for release this fall, signifies a major milestone in the integration of cryptocurrency with traditional finance. Additionally, Coinbase revealed its intention to expand perpetual futures trading to U.S. customers, a service currently limited to international users. These dual developments underscore Coinbase''s commitment to bridging the gap between crypto and mainstream financial services, further solidifying its position as a leader in the digital asset space.

Coinbase Partners with Amex for Bitcoin Rewards Card, Eyes U.S. Futures Expansion

Coinbase is set to launch a Bitcoin rewards credit card in partnership with American Express, offering 4% BTC cashback and enhanced perks for USDC holders. The card, expected this fall, marks another step in crypto''s integration with traditional finance.

The exchange also signaled plans to expand perpetual futures trading to U.S. customers, currently limited to international users. This dual announcement underscores Coinbase''s aggressive push into mainstream financial products while navigating regulatory landscapes.

Payment cards have become a battleground for crypto platforms, with MetaMask and Mastercard making similar moves. Amex''s prior crypto card with Abra suggests growing institutional comfort with digital asset offerings.

Shopify Integrates USDC Payments via Base Blockchain in Partnership with Coinbase

Shopify is launching early access to USDC stablecoin payments through its Shopify Payments and Shop Pay systems, leveraging Coinbase''s Base blockchain. The integration, supported by Stripe''s backend infrastructure, allows consumers to pay in USDC while merchants receive fiat payouts by default—unless they opt to retain the stablecoin.

The MOVE marks a significant step toward blockchain adoption in mainstream e-commerce. A new smart contract protocol powers the feature, with future plans for buyer incentives like 1% cashback on USDC transactions. CEO Tobi Lütke emphasized the seamless experience for merchants, who see no operational changes unless they choose crypto settlements.

While the rollout signals growing institutional acceptance of stablecoins, criticism has emerged over Shopify''s exclusive support for USDC on Base—a decision that sidelines competing chains and tokens. The limited interoperability contrasts with the broader industry push for multi-chain solutions.

Coinbase Warns of Systemic Risks in Corporate Bitcoin Treasury Trend

Coinbase''s head of research David Duong has raised alarms about the growing trend of publicly traded companies amassing bitcoin treasuries. While acknowledging the short-term bullish impact, Duong cautions that concentrated corporate holdings could trigger cascading sell-offs during market downturns.

The report highlights how 126 public companies now hold Bitcoin as treasury assets, following early adopters like MicroStrategy and Tesla. This creates systemic risk where coordinated divestment could exacerbate price declines across crypto markets.

Despite these warnings, Coinbase maintains confidence in Bitcoin''s long-term appreciation trajectory. The exchange views current institutional adoption as structurally different from previous cycles, though potentially creating new vulnerabilities.

Billionaire Investor Criticizes Non-Yielding Stablecoins as US Bill Progresses

Philippe Laffont, founder of $60 billion hedge fund Coatue Management, lambasted zero-yield stablecoins as ''outrageous'' during Coinbase''s State of Crypto summit. The investor argued dollar-pegged tokens should automatically pay holders the spot rate through simple contracts, calling current non-interest-bearing models fundamentally flawed.

The remarks come as Congress advances legislation that WOULD explicitly prohibit interest-bearing stablecoins. Crypto firms have aggressively lobbied for yield-generating alternatives, with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong personally advocating for such provisions in March. Regulatory pushback persists, with authorities warning yield products could trigger mass deposit flight from traditional banks.