Best Bitcoin & Crypto Debit Cards in NZ (2025)
The best, most reliable, and fastest crypto cards in NZ are Pay It Now and Kast Finance.
Have you ever wondered if it's possible to live off cryptocurrency and use it as your day-to-day money in New Zealand? If you have and thought it's impossible, you wouldn't be alone. Until 2020, most Kiwis believed that New Zealand businesses must accept crypto as a payment method before people like us can buy things from them with Bitcoin and other digital currencies. On top of this, there are only an estimated 350 businesses directly accepting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum as payment in New Zealand. Well, what if I told you it doesn't matter, and businesses don't actually need to 'accept crypto' for you to buy goods and services from them with cryptocurrency in NZ? How? I introduce you to the next generation of cards; multi-currency, international / NZ cryptocurrency debit cards – allowing you to spend Bitcoin and crypto almost anywhere.
What is a Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency Debit Card?
A cryptocurrency debit card is a pre-paid card that connects to your crypto wallet, or has it's own dedicated wallet, which allows you to spend and buy things with your crypto at almost any place where you can buy things using your standard Visa or Mastercard card.
The way they work is simple. You pre-load your favorite currencies onto your chosen card (such as Pay It Now, Wirex and Kast Finance) when you buy something, your card automatically converts your crypto into the local currency and completes your purchase using NZD.
Your recipient is receiving NZD and you're paying with crypto – and your card is taking care of the hard work for you. In fact, the recipient doesn't even know you're paying with crypto in the first place. They're reliable, trusted, and make spending crypto in NZ easy.
Cryptocurrency cards like Pay it Now or Kast Finance work by piggy backing off existing payment gateway infrastructure such as the Visa, Mastercard, and Stripe payment terminals that you use on a daily basis when you buy things from almost any business in New Zealand.
This also means you can easily take your crypto card with you overseas, and it will still work when spending crypto on international goods and services in other countries.
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How to Get a Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency Card in NZ
Crypto debit cards are one of the easiest ways to spend your cryptocurrency in New Zealand — and thanks to providers like Wirex, Kast Finance, and Pay It Now (PIN), getting set up is surprisingly fast. All three services offer virtual crypto debit cards, which you can use online or through Google/Apple Pay. But if you plan to withdraw cash from ATMs or prefer the feel of a real card, Wirex and Kast can also ship you a physical card. Just note that Kast Finance charges a fee for this service.
We don't recommend Crypto.com despite its popularity overseas, it's plagued with poor customer support, restrictive fees, and a reputation for changing terms without notice.
In New Zealand, Wirex, Kast, and Pay it Now stand out as the most reliable options.
All three crypto card providers listed above Wirex, Kast Finance, and Pay It Now (PIN) require full identity verification (KYC) to issue cards. If you're looking for no-KYC alternatives, they do exist but they tend to be more technical, less user-friendly, and may involve using decentralized wallets or offshore platforms.
Crypto Debit Cards vs. Crypto Credit Cards
When it comes to spending crypto, debit cards are what most Kiwis use. They're simple, available in NZ, and let you spend what you already hold. Crypto credit cards, on the other hand, are less common and come with a different set of risks and rewards.
Crypto Debit Cards – What Most People Use
Crypto debit cards work like prepaid cards. You top them up by converting your crypto into spendable balance, and you can then use them online, in-store, or at ATMs.
Expect small fees things like conversion, maintenance, or ATM withdrawal charges. Most people use debit cards because they're easier to control, safer (no debt), and available from NZ-friendly providers like Pay it Now or Kast Finance.
If you're after straightforward crypto spending, debit cards are the go-to.
Crypto Credit Cards – Not Really a NZ Thing
Crypto credit cards let you borrow against your balance or credit line and pay it off later just like a regular credit card. While some do offer rewards or cashback in crypto, they often come with interest, late fees, and stricter terms.
They're also not widely available for New Zealanders. And unless you're spending big or chasing rewards, the extra complexity often isn't worth it.
For most everyday crypto users in NZ, debit cards are the smarter option.
Best Bitcoin & Crypto Debit Card NZ
Pay It Now (PIN)
PIN offers the most comprehensive cryptocurrency payment solution for Kiwis, with local merchant integration and support for a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- • Built specifically for New Zealand users
- • Wide token support (30+ cryptocurrencies)
- • Local customer support
- • Integration with NZ merchants
Cons
- • Higher fees than international alternatives
- • Limited advanced features
What Is Pay It Now (PIN)?
Pay It Now (PIN) stands as New Zealand's pioneering blockchain innovator and digital asset payment processor, serving both individual users and businesses across New Zealand and Australia. Founded as a comprehensive crypto ecosystem, Pay It Now has established itself as the largest cryptocurrency payment network in New Zealand, with over 300 Kiwi businesses already integrated into their payment system.
Experience Using the PIN Card in New Zealand
From my first time loading crypto onto the PIN card to using it for daily purchases, the entire experience has been surprisingly seamless. I've put the virtual PIN card to the test at a variety of retailers, and it was accepted at nearly every location that takes Mastercard. It wasn't just for in-store shopping, either. I found the process for making online payments just as smooth, with no issues to report. It truly felt like a next-generation payment solution.
How to Get Started with Pay It Now
Getting started with Pay It Now is refreshingly straightforward. The first step is to download the PIN app from the App Store or Google Play Store. From there, the app guides you through a series of simple prompts to get your account set up. Personally, I found the onboarding process to be quick and intuitive, and I was ready to start using the card in no time.
Spending Crypto with PIN - What Worked and What Didn't
In my experience, using the PIN card to spend crypto has been fantastic. I've used it at numerous locations without a hitch. The only time it was declined was once at a Mitre 10, for a reason I couldn't pinpoint. Aside from that single instance, it has performed perfectly. It has made spending cryptocurrency feel as natural and easy as using a traditional debit card, which is a huge step forward for digital assets in New Zealand.
Is the Virtual Card Enough, or Should You Get the Physical One?
The virtual-only format of the PIN card is incredibly convenient and works perfectly for today's digital-first world. However, I have to admit I'll be first in line for a physical metal debit card if and when that becomes an option. While the virtual card covers all the bases, a physical card would provide that extra layer of convenience and a premium feel that many users, including myself, still appreciate.
Is PIN Safe to Use in NZ?
To put it simply, yes. From my perspective, the PIN card is a safe and reliable tool for spending crypto in New Zealand. While the one-off decline means I'm not quite ready to close my traditional bank accounts, it has proven itself to be an outstanding crypto debit card option. It has successfully bridged the gap between my digital assets and real-world spending, and I can confidently recommend it to others looking to do the same.
Other Crypto Debit Card options in NZ
Kast Finance
Kast Finance provides a streamlined debit card solution optimized for Ethereum and Solana ecosystems, perfect for users who primarily hold assets on these blockchains.
Pros
- • Seamless integration with Ethereum & Solana
- • Lower fees for stablecoin transactions
- • Enhanced security features
- • Excellent mobile app experience
Cons
- • Limited token support (primarily stablecoins)
- • Less familiar with NZ regulatory environment
- • Higher exchange rates for non-stablecoin assets
Wirex
Established crypto debit card platform offering seamless spending of both cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies across 130+ countries, with up to 8% Cryptoback™ rewards and extensive global acceptance.
Pros
- • Up to 8% Cryptoback™ rewards on purchases
- • Support for 53+ cryptocurrencies & 16 fiat currencies
- • No annual or foreign exchange fees
- • Available in 130+ countries globally
- • Free ATM withdrawals up to $200/month
- • FCA regulated and PCI DSS Level 1 certified
Cons
- • Higher exchange fees (1.5% for trading)
- • Mixed customer service reviews (2.9/5 on Trustpilot)
- • Mandatory KYC verification during signup
- • €1.20 monthly card maintenance fee
- • Rewards only paid in WXT token
Tax Implications of Using a Crypto Debit Card in NZ
Spending crypto in New Zealand is treated the same as selling it — every time you swipe your crypto debit card, it triggers a taxable event.
Here's what that means in practice:
- Each transaction is a disposal under IRD rules — you're effectively converting crypto to NZD to make the purchase.
- If you made a profit (your crypto increased in value since you acquired it), you'll likely owe income tax on the gain.
- Losses can potentially be claimed, but you'll need accurate records.
Yes, even small purchases like coffee count. That's how the IRD treats it — there's no threshold exemption for "minor" spending. Using a crypto card makes spending easier, but you're still responsible for tracking your transactions and reporting them at tax time.
Some crypto card providers (like Wirex) offer downloadable CSV files for transactions, which can help with tax reporting. We also recommend speaking with a NZ-based crypto tax accountant if you use these cards frequently. Such as Matt Shallcrass
The Future of Crypto Debit Cards
Crypto debit cards are only getting better faster payments, broader acceptance, and smoother integrations with wallets and DeFi tools. But here in New Zealand, Pay It Now (PIN) stands out as a clear leader. It's NZ-founded, Kiwi-operated, and built with local users in mind.
As more people move toward spending crypto in everyday life, having a reliable, locally supported option like PIN gives New Zealanders a real advantage.
That said, it's not perfect for everyone.
If you're privacy-focused or avoiding KYC, this type of card might not be for you.
All major crypto card providers we recommend Pay It Now, Kast Finance, and Wirex require full identity verification (KYC). That means handing over your ID and personal details. If you're chasing full anonymity or want to keep your crypto spending private, you'll need to look into no-KYC options but be careful.
We're currently testing a few no-KYC alternatives, but we won't list them here until we've verified they aren't scams.
For now, if you want a trusted, NZ-based crypto card, Pay It Now is the top pick. Just understand the trade-offs convenience and compliance come at the cost of privacy.