If you've looked at crypto cards like Crypto.com or Wirex, you've probably encountered "staking requirements" for premium tiers. But what exactly is staking, how does it work with these cards, and is it worth locking up your crypto for better rewards?

This guide demystifies staking requirements and helps you decide whether cards with staking make sense for your situation compared to no-staking options like the Gemini Credit Card.

What Is Staking?

Staking in the crypto card context means locking up a specific cryptocurrency for a defined period (usually 180 days) to access premium card benefits. This is different from proof-of-stake staking that secures blockchain networks, though the term is borrowed from there.

When you stake tokens for a crypto card:

• You purchase or transfer the required tokens to your account
• You "lock" them for the staking period
• During this time, you cannot sell or transfer those tokens
• In return, you get access to higher rewards tiers

Think of it like a security deposit that also earns you privileges. The card issuer benefits from you holding their token, and you benefit from better rewards.

How Crypto.com Staking Works

Crypto.com has the most well-known staking-based card program:

Card Tiers and Requirements:

• Midnight Blue: No stake, 1% back
• Ruby Steel: $400 CRO stake, 2% back + Spotify rebate
• Jade Green/Royal Indigo: $4,000 CRO stake, 3% back + Spotify/Netflix + lounge access
• Icy White/Rose Gold: $40,000 CRO stake, 5% back + all rebates + higher limits
• Obsidian: $400,000 CRO stake, 8% back + everything + concierge

The Lock-Up Period:

CRO must be staked for 180 days. During this time, you cannot sell or withdraw those tokens. After 180 days, you can unstake, but you'll lose your card tier benefits.

What Happens to Your Stake:

While staked, your CRO is held by Crypto.com. On some tiers, you may earn staking rewards on top of card benefits. The CRO remains yours in value, but you can't access it until unstaking.

How Wirex Staking Works

Wirex uses WXT token staking for enhanced rewards:

Standard Tier: No stake required, 0.5% back

Enhanced tiers: Require WXT staking ranging from 150,000 to 7,500,000 WXT for progressively better rewards up to 8%

Like Crypto.com, staking periods are typically 180 days, and tokens are locked during this time.

Cards Without Staking Requirements

Many excellent crypto cards don't require any staking:

• Gemini Credit Card: Up to 4% back, no staking
• Fold Card: Up to 2% in Bitcoin, no staking
• Venmo Credit Card: Up to 3% back, no staking
• Upgrade Bitcoin Rewards: 1.5% back, no staking
• Coinbase Card: Up to 4% back, no staking

These cards offer competitive rewards without requiring you to lock up capital or take on token price risk. The Gemini Credit Card in particular offers rewards comparable to mid-tier staking cards with zero commitment.

The Economics of Staking

Let's analyze whether staking makes financial sense:

Example: Crypto.com Ruby Steel

• Stake required: $400 worth of CRO
• Rewards: 2% back + Spotify rebate (~$10/month)
• vs no stake: 1% back, no Spotify

If you spend $2,000/month:

• Without staking: $20/month (1% of $2,000)
• With staking: $40/month + $10 Spotify = $50/month
• Extra value: $30/month or $360/year

On paper, $360/year extra on a $400 stake seems great. But there's a catch: your $400 in CRO could change in value.

If CRO drops 50%: Your $400 stake becomes worth $200. You've lost $200 in value while earning $360 extra rewards. Net positive, but risky.

If CRO drops 90%: Your $400 stake becomes worth $40. You've lost $360 in value, wiping out your extra rewards entirely.

This token price risk is the hidden cost of staking-based cards.

Opportunity Cost Considerations

Beyond price risk, consider opportunity cost. Money locked in staking can't be used elsewhere:

$4,000 CRO stake (Jade tier) alternatives:

• High-yield savings: ~$200/year at 5% APY
• Stock market investment: historically ~$400/year average
• Other crypto investments: variable

If you're confident CRO will perform well, staking might outperform these alternatives. But if CRO underperforms, you've sacrificed both the opportunity cost AND taken a loss on your stake.

When Staking Makes Sense

Staking for crypto cards can be worthwhile if:

You already own the token: If you're holding CRO or WXT anyway, staking it for card benefits is essentially free upside.

You're bullish on the token: If you believe CRO will appreciate significantly, the stake becomes an investment you'd make anyway, with card benefits as a bonus.

You spend heavily: Higher spenders get more value from percentage-based rewards, making the stake worthwhile faster.

You value the perks: Benefits like airport lounge access or streaming rebates might justify the stake beyond pure rewards math.

When to Avoid Staking

Skip staking-based cards if:

You're not comfortable with token risk: If CRO dropping would cause you stress or financial hardship, don't stake.

You're a moderate spender: Lower spending means lower extra rewards, making the stake harder to justify.

You prefer simplicity: Staking adds complexity. Non-staking cards like Gemini are simpler.

You need liquidity: If you might need those funds within 180 days, don't lock them up.

Historical Context: CRO Performance

Understanding token history provides context:

CRO reached all-time highs in late 2021 before dropping over 90% during the 2022 crypto winter. Many users who staked at the peak saw their stakes lose dramatic value.

Conversely, those who staked during the bear market lows have seen appreciation as markets recovered. Timing matters enormously with staking strategies.

The key lesson: staking ties your card benefits to token price performance. If you're not comfortable with that volatility, choose a non-staking card.

Comparing Staking vs Non-Staking Cards

Crypto.com Jade (requires $4,000 CRO stake):

• 3% back + Spotify + Netflix + lounge access
• Risk: CRO price volatility, locked capital

Gemini Credit Card (no stake required):

• Up to 4% back on dining, 3% on groceries, 2% on gas, 1% on all else
• Risk: Standard credit card risks only

For a user spending $500/month on dining and $500/month on everything else:

• Crypto.com Jade: $30/month (3% of $1,000)
• Gemini: $25/month ($20 on dining + $5 on other)

The difference is minimal, but Gemini requires no stake and exposes you to no token price risk. For most users, the simpler option wins.

If You Decide to Stake

If staking still appeals to you, follow these guidelines:

1. Start small: Try the lowest staking tier first to understand how it works
2. Only stake what you can afford to lose: Treat it like any crypto investment
3. Monitor token prices: Be aware of your stake's value
4. Have an exit plan: Know what you'll do when the lock-up ends
5. Read the terms: Understand exactly what happens in various scenarios

Our Recommendation

For most crypto card users in 2026, we recommend starting with non-staking cards like the Gemini Credit Card. You get competitive rewards without token price risk or locked capital.

If you're already a believer in specific tokens and would hold them anyway, staking those tokens for card benefits can make sense as an added bonus. But don't stake primarily to get card benefits, as the economics often don't justify the risk.

Compare all your options in our comprehensive crypto card guide to find the right fit for your risk tolerance and spending patterns.