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Why Crypto Card Cashback Can Be Fake After Fees

6 min read

A headline rate isn't a promise. Caps, token payouts and fees decide what you actually keep.

Five ways cashback shrinks

The advertised rate rarely equals what lands in your account.

  • Tier gating behind a token stake
  • Monthly cashback caps
  • Payout in a volatile native token
  • FX fees on foreign spend
  • ATM fees on withdrawals

Read the cap, not the headline

A 5% rate capped at $25/month is worth at most $300/year. A 1% uncapped card can beat it for higher spenders.

Net value is the truth test

Model the card at your real spend in the calculator. If the 'high cashback' card loses, you've found a fake headline.

FAQ

Why is my cashback lower than advertised?
Usually caps, tier requirements, or payout in a token. The headline rate is the best case, not the typical case.
Which cards have honest cashback?
Cards with uncapped, fiat/stablecoin cashback and low fees. The comparison ranks by net value, not headline rate.