Ready Card Review 2026
Reviewed: · against issuer documentation
How this rating is calculated · Algorithmic score, not user reviews
Independently reviewed by Mihail B. · how we verify
Get Ready CardCard Overview
Argent rebranded. A self-custody wallet that ported to Starknet Layer 2 and added a Mastercard on top. The card pays 3% cashback in STRK on up to $5,000/month of qualifying spend, capping the hard reward ceiling at $150/month or $1,800/year. Annual fee is 120 USDC. FX runs at 0% markup using official Mastercard rates. The card spends USDC (and USDC.e) from a Starknet smart contract you control via passkeys. A 10% boost runs for new users on the first $1,500 within 30 days. The cashback program is funded by the Starknet Foundation and reviewed quarterly, which means it can be scaled back without notice. STRK is volatile, so the dollar value of accrued rewards depends on where the token trades when you sell. Monthly cap is $30,000 rolling. UK and EEA only at signup with global usage. Personal EU IBAN, SEPA, and UK sort code/account included. Google Pay supported; Apple Pay coming. Picked for Starknet users already holding STRK; skipped if you wanted predictable fiat-equivalent cashback.
A crypto neobank card with a virtual bank account built on Starknet. Ready Card brings Ethereum Layer 2 innovation to everyday spending with a self-custody Mastercard built on Starknet smart contracts. Earn 3% cashback in STRK tokens on up to $5,000 monthly spending (up to $1,800 annually), with surprise boost hours offering 6% rewards, plus partner perks including free StarkGate bridging and LayerSwap discounts. Your USDC and USDC.e remain in your self-custodial wallet until the moment you spend, with zero conversion markups beyond official Mastercard rates. While the 120 USDC annual fee and $30,000 monthly cap may deter casual users, Ready's transparency, integrated European bank account details, and Ethereum/Starknet ecosystem alignment make it perfect for DeFi natives seeking self-custody spending with substantial STRK accumulation potential.
Sweepbase verdict: Ready Card stands out for its 3% cashback rewards and true self-custody — your keys remain yours until the moment of purchase — a solid fit for DeFi users and privacy-focused holders who want full control of their keys. Just keep an annual fee (120 USDC annual fee) in mind when comparing alternatives.
This is a Mastercard crypto card. It uses a self-custody model. It offers cashback rewards. Available in Europe. Available in the UK.
Fees & Limits
| Issuance Fee | Free |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | 120 USDC annual fee |
| FX Fee | 0% markup; uses official Mastercard rates |
| ATM Limit | Available |
| Spending Limit | $30000 rolling 30-day limit (increase via support) |
These figures can change. Confirm the current fees, FX and network in Ready’s official terms before you apply.
Features
- Card Type: Virtual + Physical
- Top up with: USDC/USDC.e only currently; more cryptos planned
- Available Countries: United Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Banking & Fiat Rails
IBAN yes (EU), SEPA yes, UK sort code/acct; SWIFT not disclosed
Supported Cryptocurrencies
You can load the Ready Card with 1 cryptocurrency token. When you pay, the card converts crypto to local fiat automatically.
Networks & deposit details: USDC self-custody (Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Polygon, Optimism)
Who Is the Ready Card Best For?
The Ready Card is a good fit for DeFi users and privacy-focused holders who want to keep their own keys until they actually spend.
The Ready Card pays 3% cashback in STRK tokens on up to $5,000/month qualifying spend ($150/month cap, $1,800/year max). The 6% rate occurs only during random 'boost hours' — unpredictable promotional windows that are rare. New user promo: 10% on first $1,500 in 30 days. Key risk: STRK token has dropped approximately 85% from its all-time high. $150/month in STRK at cashback time might be worth significantly less by the time you sell. The card costs 120 USDC/year upfront. The program is funded by the Starknet Foundation and explicitly 'reviewed quarterly' — it could be reduced or ended at any time. Realistic cashback for a typical user: 3% in STRK (volatile token, value at risk). cashback on eligible purchases, so it works well as a daily spending card.
The card is currently available in UK and EEA, so it works for residents and travellers in those areas.
Best for
- Frequent spenders who want to earn 3% cashback in STRK tokens on up to $5,000/month qualifying spend ($150/month cap, $1,800/year max). The 6% rate occurs only during random 'boost hours' — unpredictable promotional windows that are rare. New user promo: 10% on first $1,500 in 30 days. Key risk: STRK token has dropped approximately 85% from its all-time high. $150/month in STRK at cashback time might be worth significantly less by the time you sell. The card costs 120 USDC/year upfront. The program is funded by the Starknet Foundation and explicitly 'reviewed quarterly' — it could be reduced or ended at any time. Realistic cashback for a typical user: 3% in STRK (volatile token, value at risk). cashback
- DeFi users who want to hold their own keys
- European users within EEA countries
Avoid if
- You're a US resident (this card doesn't support US users)
- You need traditional bank integration (IBAN, SEPA, direct debits)
- You want a card backed by government deposit insurance (FDIC / FSCS)
Compare the Ready Card side-by-side with alternatives using the full card listing or explore our Mastercard crypto cards category.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Self-custody with Starknet Layer 2; up to $1800/year STRK rewards; zero hidden fees; partner perks (free bridging)
- Earn 3% cashback in STRK tokens on up to $5,000/month qualifying spend ($150/month cap, $1,800/year max). The 6% rate occurs only during random 'boost hours' — unpredictable promotional windows that are rare. New user promo: 10% on first $1,500 in 30 days. Key risk: STRK token has dropped approximately 85% from its all-time high. $150/month in STRK at cashback time might be worth significantly less by the time you sell. The card costs 120 USDC/year upfront. The program is funded by the Starknet Foundation and explicitly 'reviewed quarterly' — it could be reduced or ended at any time. Realistic cashback for a typical user: 3% in STRK (volatile token, value at risk). cashback on eligible purchases
- No card issuance fee
- Works wherever Mastercard is accepted worldwide
- Self-custody: you keep your private keys until you spend
- Covers the European Economic Area (EEA)
Cons
- 120 USDC annual fee; USDC/USDC.e only; $30k monthly limit; cashback capped at $150/month; UK/EEA ordering only
- Annual fee: 120 USDC annual fee
- Only available in certain regions
- Requires KYC identity verification
- Full KYC required, no anonymous tier
How to Get the Ready Card
Here is what the sign-up process looks like, from application to first purchase.
Create a Ready account
~5 minutesGo to the Ready website or download the app. Sign up with your email, pick a password, and accept the terms. It's free.
Complete KYC verification
1–3 business daysUpload a government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID) and take a selfie. Ready verifies your identity under standard AML/KYC rules.
Fund your card
Usually instantOnce verified, load your card with USDC/USDC.e only currently; more cryptos planned through the funding screen. When you make a purchase, your crypto converts to local fiat at the current rate.
Start spending immediately
InstantYour virtual Ready Card shows up in the Ready app right away. Use it online or add it to Apple Pay / Google Pay for tap-to-pay in stores.
Requirements
Regional Availability
Available Across the EEA
The Ready Card covers all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. If you're in the UK, check with the issuer about post-Brexit availability.
Key supported countries:
Frequently Asked Questions
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