1. What is SwissBorg's Crypto Debit Card?
The SwissBorg's Crypto Debit Card is a virtual Mastercard debit card that lets you spend your cryptocurrency at merchants by converting it into fiat currency (e.g., EUR, CHF) in real time. It works just like a traditional debit card, but is linked to your crypto wallet.
In the first stage, the SwissBorg Card will be virtual, meaning you can use it for online purchases as well as in physical stores by adding it to your digital wallet (e.g., Google Pay, Curve, and similar).
2. How Does a SwissBorg's Crypto Debit Card Work?
When you make a purchase, the crypto debit card automatically converts your cryptocurrency into the merchant's accepted fiat currency at the current exchange rate. The transaction is processed instantly, and the amount is deducted from your crypto balance.
3. Who can get the SwissBorg Card?
To be eligible for the SwissBorg Card, SwissBorg users must:
- Have a valid SwissBorg account:
- The account must be fully activate and not be under pending checks.
- Have completed identity verification to for Account Level 2:
- Verified Photo ID
- Verified Address
- Reside in one of the following countries:
- United Kingdom, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
- Agree to the SwissBorg Card Terms of Use.
4. How do I order the SwissBorg Card
Log in to the SwissBorg app
- go to the Portfolio section,
- tap on the Crypto Card button,
- follow the instructions.
In just a few seconds, you'll have your virtual card ready to start using for payments.
Check our article 'How to request and activate your SwissBorg Crypto Debit Card' for a detailed guide.
No fees are charged for ordering a SwissBorg Card.
5. Where Can I Use a SwissBorg Card?
You can use your SwissBorg Card anywhere traditional debit cards are accepted, including:
-
Retail and Dining
- Supermarkets: Pay for groceries at stores like Carrefour, Tesco or Lidl
- Restaurants and Cafes: Use your card at chains like Starbucks, McDonald's, or local eateries.
- Department Stores: Shop at retailers like Fnac, Galleries Lafayette, or IKEA
-
Online Shopping
- E-commerce Platforms: Use your card on Amazon, eBay, or Temu.
- Subscription Services: Pay for Netflix, Spotify, or gym memberships.
- Digital Marketplaces: Buy games, apps, or in-game purchases on platforms like Steam or the App Store
-
Travel and Transportation
- Airlines and Hotels: Book flights or accommodations on platforms like Expedia or Booking.com
- Ride-Sharing Services: Pay for Uber, Lyft, or Bolt rides.
- Public Transportation: Use your card for buses, trains, or subways in cities with contactless payment systems
-
Entertainment and Leisure
- Cinemas: Purchase tickets at cinemas
- Event Tickets: Buy concert or sports event tickets on platforms like Ticketmaster
- Fuel Stations: Use your card at gas stations
- Cross-Border Payments: Use your card while travelling abroad for shopping, dining, or transportation
6. What Cryptocurrencies Can I Use with the Card?
For the time being, the SwissBorg Card supports BTC, ETH, SOL, BORG, and stablecoins such as USDC, USDG, and EURC. More cryptocurrencies may be added over time.
Please note that only crypto wallets are supported, it won't be possible to use your fiat balance with the card.
7. Are There Fees Associated with the Card?
Yes, fees apply to real-time crypto-to-fiat conversions. For full details, please refer to Execution Fees table on our website.
Additionally, foreign exchange fees may apply if you use your SwissBorg Card to make purchases in a currency different from your card's base currency (e.g., EUR, CHF, or GBP).
If a merchant reverses or refunds a purchase, the amount will be refunded in Fiat currency. Any fees charged by SwissBorg for the crypto-to-fiat conversion at the time of authorisation will not be refunded to the cardholder.
8. How Do I Fund My SwissBorg Card?
You can fund your card just by holding supported cryptocurrencies in your SwissBorg wallet. For now, the supported cryptocurrencies are BTC, ETH, SOL, BORG, USDC, USDG, and EURC.
You can choose one primary cryptocurrency for your card and set multiple backup cryptocurrencies from the list above. If your primary balance isn't sufficient, the card will automatically use your backup cryptocurrencies, so your purchase goes through seamlessly.
9. What Happens If I Have a Negative Balance?
If your crypto balance is insufficient to cover a transaction, your primary cryptocurrency balance may go negative. The system will temporarily freeze the SwissBorg Card and limit certain functionalities in the SwissBorg account.
You’ll need to top up your account with crypto to restore the balance of your card default currency, either via crypto deposit or exchange. Failure to do so may result in automatic deductions from other assets in your account.
10. Is My SwissBorg Card Secure?
Yes, SwissBorg Cards come with security features such as 3D Secure (3DS) for online shopping and real-time in-app/email notifications.
11. Can I Use My Card for Online Purchases?
Yes, you can use your SwissBorg Card for online purchases. For added security, online transactions often require 3D Secure (3DS) verification, such as an in-app biometric authentication.
12. How Are Transactions Taxed?
Spending cryptocurrency may trigger taxable events, such as capital gains tax, depending on your jurisdiction. Consult a tax professional to understand your obligations.
13. What Happens If My Virtual Card Details Are Compromised?
If your virtual card details are compromised (e.g., exposed in a data breach or phishing attack), immediately block the card using the SwissBorg app. Alternatively, you can contact us at support@swissborg.com, and we will assist you in freeze or blocking the virtual card to prevent unauthorized transactions.
Once the virtual card is deleted, you can issue a new one with updated details. Be sure to update any recurring payments or subscriptions linked to the old card with the new information.
14. Can I Use My Card Internationally?
Yes, the SwissBorg Cards can be used internationally wherever the card network (Mastercard) is accepted. Foreign transaction fees may apply (see Mastercard Currency Converter). SwissBorg won't charge additional FX fees.
15. How Do I Check My Card Balance?
You can check your balance directly through the SwissBorg app. Your balance is displayed in both your primary cryptocurrency and backup cryptocurrencies.
16. What Are the Spending Limits?
The SwissBorg Card has daily, monthly, and annual spending limits, as well as limits on single transactions and the number of transactions per day or month. These limits are subject to regulatory requirements and risk assessments and may be adjusted at any time based on risk and regulation.
In addition, the card spend contributes to the SwissBorg total account withdrawal limits, which are tied to the user's account level.
Refer to the card's rulebook for specific limits, particularly Section 2.5 on Spending Limits.
17. What are the benefits of the SwissBorg Card?
The SwissBorg Card lets you connect your crypto directly to real-life purchases, instantly, and without needing to withdraw funds in advance to a financial institution.
Depending on your Loyalty Rank, you may also earn cashback on each purchase.
18. How Do I Contact Customer Support?
Customer support is available through:
- In-app chat
- Email - support@swissborg.com
- Help Centre > Submit Request
19. What Happens If a Merchant Doesn't Accept Crypto?
Crypto debit cards convert your cryptocurrency to fiat currency in real time, so merchants do not need to accept crypto directly. The transaction is processed in the local fiat currency.
20. Can I Use My Card for Recurring Payments?
Yes, you can use your SwissBorg Card for recurring payments like subscriptions. Ensure you maintain sufficient funds in your account to avoid transaction failures.
21. How Long Does It Take to Receive My Virtual Card?
You can order a virtual card through the SwissBorg app, and it will be instantly available for use.
22. What Happens If My Transaction Is Declined?
Transactions may be declined due to:
- Insufficient funds
- Exceeding spending limits
- Merchant restrictions
- Security checks
- Incorrect details
Check your balance and limits, or contact customer support for assistance.
23. I'm changing my address to a new country: will my card still work?
It depends on the country of residence. The situation can fall into one of the following cases:
- Moving within EEA countries (e.g., France to Germany): No impact, your current card remains valid.
- Moving from Switzerland to an EEA country: Your current card remains valid. Some currencies may become unavailable.
- Moving from an EEA country to Switzerland: Your current card remains valid. Some currencies may become unavailable.
Moving to a country outside the EEA, or Switzerland: Your current card will be cancelled, and we won't be able to issue a replacement at this time. However, we'll notify you as soon as support for other regions becomes available.