Wirex is a London-based crypto-enabled payment platform founded in 2014, making it one of the oldest crypto card providers in the world. It offers a multi-currency Visa card, a non-custodial DeFi wallet, and a rewards system based on its native WXT token. Wirex bridges traditional banking and crypto in a single app.
History and Background
Wirex was founded in 2014 by Pavel Matveev and Dmitry Lazarichev in London. It was one of the first companies to offer a Bitcoin debit card, predating most of today's competitors by years. The company is authorized and regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as an e-money institution.
Over the years Wirex has expanded from a simple Bitcoin card to a full multi-currency financial platform supporting 150+ currencies (fiat and crypto), serving over 5 million customers across 130+ countries.
Key Features
Multi-Currency Visa Card
The Wirex Visa card supports 150+ traditional and crypto currencies. Users can hold balances in GBP, EUR, USD, JPY, and many more, alongside BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC, and other cryptos — all in one account. The card automatically selects the appropriate currency when spending, or users can manually choose which wallet to debit.
Cryptoback Rewards (WXT)
Wirex's Cryptoback program rewards users with up to 2% back in WXT (Wirex Token) on all in-store purchases. WXT can be held for additional benefits, converted to other cryptos, or used to pay fees. The rewards structure is tiered based on WXT holdings.
Wirex DeFi Wallet
Wirex offers a non-custodial DeFi wallet integrated within the main app. Users can access DeFi protocols, earn yield, and manage on-chain assets — all without leaving the Wirex ecosystem. This blends the convenience of a custodial card account with self-custody DeFi access.
X-tras Rewards
Beyond Cryptoback, Wirex runs X-tras — a weekly cashback program where users earn additional WXT rewards on eligible transactions. Categories rotate weekly, giving active users opportunities to boost their earnings on categories like travel, food delivery, and online shopping.
OTC Desk and Exchange
Wirex includes an in-app exchange for converting between currencies at competitive rates. For larger amounts, an OTC (Over-The-Counter) desk is available for high-volume conversions with tighter spreads than the standard exchange.
Plan Comparison
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Cryptoback | Free ATM/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Free | 0.5% | $200 |
| Premium | $9.99 | 1% | $400 |
| Elite | $29.99 | 2% | $600 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- One of the most established crypto card providers (founded 2014)
- FCA-regulated — strong consumer protections
- 150+ currencies supported in one account
- Built-in DeFi wallet for non-custodial access
- Available in 130+ countries
- Free tier available with basic features
Cons
- Best cashback rates require paid plans or WXT holdings
- WXT token rewards create dependency on a less liquid token
- Exchange rates sometimes less competitive than pure exchanges
- App can feel complex given the breadth of features
Summary
Wirex is the most battle-tested crypto card platform on this list, with nearly a decade of operation and FCA regulation. Its breadth — 150+ currencies, DeFi wallet, OTC desk — makes it the most comprehensive crypto payment platform available. For users who want a single app that handles both everyday spending and crypto management across multiple chains and currencies, Wirex is hard to beat.