Crypto.com is one of the world's largest and most recognised cryptocurrency platforms, serving over 80 million users globally from its Singapore headquarters. Founded in 2016 and licensed as a Major Payment Institution by Singapore's Monetary Authority (MAS), Crypto.com has built one of the crypto industry's most comprehensive ecosystems — combining a spot exchange, derivatives platform, DeFi wallet, NFT marketplace, Visa card, and the CRO token into a single super-app. Its aggressive marketing (Staples Center naming rights, Matt Damon campaign) made it a household name during the 2021 bull market.
About Crypto.com
Crypto.com was founded in 2016 by Kris Marszalek, Bobby Bao, Gary Or, and Rafael Melo under the original name Monaco. The company rebranded to Crypto.com in 2018 and aggressively expanded into retail markets through high-profile advertising partnerships. Headquartered in Singapore with MAS Major Payment Institution licensing, Crypto.com is one of the few major exchanges with Singapore's top-tier regulatory status — a significant credibility marker in Asia.
Key Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 (as Monaco) |
| HQ | Singapore |
| MAS Licence | Major Payment Institution (MPI) |
| Users | 80 million+ |
| Listed Coins | 350+ |
| Trading Pairs | 900+ |
| Spot Fee | 0.075% maker/taker (with CRO staking) |
| Fiat | SGD, USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and 20+ more |
| Native Token | CRO (Cronos) |
Key Features
MAS Singapore Licensed
Crypto.com holds a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence from Singapore's MAS — the most comprehensive digital payment services licence available in Singapore. This licence subjects Crypto.com to rigorous capital adequacy, AML/CFT, and consumer protection requirements, giving Singapore-based users high regulatory assurance.
Crypto.com Visa Card
Crypto.com's metal Visa card is one of its flagship products, offering cashback in CRO on all purchases. Cards are tiered by the amount of CRO staked, with the highest tier (Obsidian) offering 8% cashback and perks including airport lounge access and streaming subscriptions. This card product has been instrumental in driving Crypto.com's retail adoption.
CRO Token Ecosystem
The Cronos (CRO) token underpins the Crypto.com ecosystem, offering fee discounts, card cashback boosts, staking rewards, and participation in the Cronos blockchain — Crypto.com's EVM-compatible Layer 1. Staking CRO is central to unlocking the platform's best fee rates and card benefits.
DeFi Wallet and NFT Marketplace
Beyond the centralised exchange, Crypto.com offers a non-custodial DeFi Wallet (full key control) and an NFT marketplace. These products extend Crypto.com's reach into the self-custody and digital collectibles segments of the crypto market.
Fee Structure
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Spot maker (with 500 CRO staked) | 0.075% |
| Spot taker (with 500 CRO staked) | 0.075% |
| Standard maker/taker | 0.4% / 0.4% |
| SGD deposit | Free (PayNow/FAST) |
| Crypto withdrawal | Network fee only |
| Card cashback (Obsidian) | 8% in CRO |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Singapore MAS Major Payment Institution licensed
- 80M+ users — global scale and recognition
- 350+ coins, 900+ trading pairs
- Visa card with up to 8% cashback
- Full ecosystem: exchange, DeFi, NFT, card
- Competitive fees with CRO staking
Cons
- Standard fees high (0.4%) without CRO staking
- Best features locked behind CRO staking
- Had significant layoffs in 2022 after crypto winter
- CRO token price volatility affects card benefits
- Complex ecosystem can overwhelm beginners
Summary
Crypto.com is one of the most complete crypto platforms available to Singapore and global retail investors, combining exchange, card, DeFi, and NFT services under a single MAS-licensed brand. Its Visa card cashback and CRO ecosystem create genuine utility for everyday crypto users. For Singapore-based investors seeking a regulated, feature-rich platform with real spending utility, Crypto.com is among the strongest choices available.