Ready Crypto Card Review 2025: The Truly Fee-Free Banking Alternative?
- What Exactly Is the Ready Crypto Card?
- Key Features That Stand Out
- The Not-So-Good Parts
- Lite vs Metal: Which Card Tier Makes Sense?
- The STRK Cashback Reality Check
- How Does Ready Compare to Competitors?
- Getting Started With Ready
- FAQ: Your Ready Card Questions Answered
As crypto adoption grows, payment solutions are evolving rapidly. The Ready Card (formerly Argent Wallet) promises zero fees and self-custody of funds - but does it deliver? After testing it alongside competitors, here's our comprehensive 2025 analysis of this Starknet-powered Mastercard.
What Exactly Is the Ready Crypto Card?
Born from the popular Argent Wallet (launched 2017), Ready rebranded in 2025 as a dedicated crypto payment solution. Their Mastercard connects directly to your non-custodial smart wallet, eliminating traditional banking intermediaries. Unlike many competitors, Ready maintains true self-custody - your USDC stays in your wallet until spent.
Key Features That Stand Out
Funds remain in your control via smart contractsUses pure Mastercard exchange rates$200-$800 monthly limits depending on card tier10% cashback for Metal users first month
The Not-So-Good Parts
Requires converting other crypto firstPaid in STRK tokens with quarterly revisionsNo Apple/Google Pay integration yetMissing this security feature competitors offer
Lite vs Metal: Which Card Tier Makes Sense?
| Feature | Lite | Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (+$6.99 shipping) | 120 USDC/year |
| Cashback | 0.5% permanent | 10% (first month), then 3% |
| Cashback Cap | $150/month | $150/month |
| ATM Limit | $200/month | $800/month |
| Partner Perks | No | Yes |
The STRK Cashback Reality Check
While the cashback program looks attractive on paper, there are nuances. The Starknet Foundation funds these rewards in their native token (STRK), creating potential volatility. Metal users enjoy 10% returns initially, but this drops to 3% after 30 days. All rewards hit your wallet monthly on the 15th.
Pro Tip: If opting for Metal, maximize spending during the first month's bonus period. $1,500 in purchases WOULD yield $150 - effectively covering your annual fee immediately.
How Does Ready Compare to Competitors?
After testing multiple crypto cards in 2025, we'd rank Ready as a strong #2 option. It loses points for missing Apple/Google Pay and VIRTUAL cards - features its leading competitor offers for free. That said, Ready's self-custody model and Starknet integration give it unique advantages for DeFi natives.
Getting Started With Ready
1. Download the Ready app (iOS/Android)
2. Create your non-custodial smart wallet
3. Complete KYC verification through Kulipa
4. Choose your card tier (Lite or Metal)
5. Fund with USDC (multi-chain deposits supported)
6. Start spending globally
FAQ: Your Ready Card Questions Answered
Is Ready truly non-custodial?
Yes. Kulipa only receives limited USDC spending authorization through smart contracts.
Are there hidden FX fees?
No. Ready uses Mastercard's institutional exchange rates without markup.
When will Apple Pay be available?
The team indicates integration is coming soon, but no firm date exists as of September 2025.
What about taxes?
Each crypto-to-fiat conversion may create taxable events. Consult a crypto-savvy accountant.
Is this the best crypto card available?
While excellent, our testing shows another option currently edges it out with broader features at zero cost.
