Pulsar Money Card vs Uphold Debit Card (US)
Crypto native
Crypto native
Verdict
- Pulsar Money Card scores higher overall (6.2 vs 5.6 out of 10).
- Pulsar Money Card is clearly stronger on: FX & international.
- Uphold Debit Card (US) is clearly stronger on: Cashback & rewards, Limits & ATM.
- For 1,500 EUR/month of spend, Uphold Debit Card (US) comes out about 220 EUR a year ahead on base-tier terms.
Pulsar Money Card is a good fit for
- Stablecoin holders
Stronger on: FX & international
Uphold Debit Card (US) is a good fit for
- Stablecoin holders
- Everyday spenders who want cashback
Stronger on: Cashback & rewards, Limits & ATM
Score by criterion
| Criterion | Pulsar Money Card | Uphold Debit Card (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | 100 | 99 |
| Cashback & rewards | 36 | 50 |
| Availability | – | 3 |
| FX & international | 60 | 40 |
| Product features | 70 | 70 |
| Custody & security | – | – |
| Credit & financing | – | 30 |
| Limits & ATM | 64 | 74 |
| Transparency | 79 | 86 |
| Best for Cashback | 5.4 | 5.6 |
| Best for Travel | 6.5 | 5.7 |
| Best for DeFi Users | 5.9 | 5.8 |
| Best for Stablecoins | 6.7 | 6.6 |
| Best for High Spenders | 5.7 | 5.9 |
| Best for Low Fees | 8.1 | 7.8 |
| Best for Beginners | 6.9 | 6.5 |
Product
Product status
Waitlist*Show source
Product status: Waitlist
Early access sign-up
Source states (paraphrased): Sign up for early access and we'll tell you as soon as it goes live.
Source: Pulsar Money
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Early access sign-up
ActiveShow source
Product status: Active
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Card type
Debit cardShow source
Card type: Debit card
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Network
VisaShow source
Network: Visa
Source states (paraphrased): Use anywhere Visa is accepted.
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Tiers / plans
Essential (no annual fee) · Elite ($99.99/year)Show source
Tiers / plans: Essential (no annual fee) · Elite ($99.99/year)
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Fees
Annual fee
Free*Show source
Annual fee: Free
Essential; Elite $99.99/year
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Essential; Elite $99.99/year
Monthly fee
Free*Show source
Monthly fee: Free
Standard (Free) plan; Pulsar Pro $9.99/month or $99.99/year
Source states (paraphrased): Monthly standard account fee: Free
Source: https://help.pulsar.money/en/articles/16752647-pricing-fees
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Standard (Free) plan; Pulsar Pro $9.99/month or $99.99/year
Physical card fee
$4.99*Show source
Physical card fee: $4.99
Essential
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Essential
Virtual card fee
FreeShow source
Virtual card fee: Free
Source states (paraphrased): No card issuance or monthly fee.
Source: Pulsar Money
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
FX fee
1%*Show source
FX fee: 1%
Cross-currency card spending; same-currency spending (EUR from EUR, USD from USD) has no Pulsar FX fee; third-party fees may apply
Source states (paraphrased): Cross-currency card spending is 1%, and third-party fees may still apply.
Source: Pulsar Money
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Cross-currency card spending; same-currency spending (EUR from EUR, USD from USD) has no Pulsar FX fee; third-party fees may apply
1.5%*Show source
FX fee: 1.5%
Essential; Elite has no foreign transaction fees
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Essential; Elite has no foreign transaction fees
Top-up fee
Free*Show source
Top-up fee: Free
Funding with USDT, USDC or EURC at 1:1, no Pulsar fee
Source states (paraphrased): Fund with stablecoins at no Pulsar fee
Source: Pulsar Money
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Funding with USDT, USDC or EURC at 1:1, no Pulsar fee
ATM fee
2%*Show source
ATM fee: 2%
After $200 free per month; ATM operator fees may apply
Source states (paraphrased): ATM withdrawals: Free up to $200 per month, then 2%
Source: https://help.pulsar.money/en/articles/16752647-pricing-fees
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
After $200 free per month; ATM operator fees may apply
$2.95*Show source
ATM fee: $2.95
Essential; Elite has no ATM fees
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Essential; Elite has no ATM fees
Free ATM allowance
$200/month*Show source
Free ATM allowance: $200/month
Per month
Source states (paraphrased): ATM withdrawals: Free up to $200 per month, then 2%
Source: https://help.pulsar.money/en/articles/16752647-pricing-fees
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Per month
Cashback & rewards
Base cashback
0.5%*Show source
Base cashback: 0.5%
Free plan, in Pulsar Points: ~0.5% on the first $500 per month, then ~0.25% up to $100,000
Source states (paraphrased): First $500: 5 pts per $10 ~ 0.5% cashback (Free)
Source: https://help.pulsar.money/en/articles/16752652-pulsar-pro
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Free plan, in Pulsar Points: ~0.5% on the first $500 per month, then ~0.25% up to $100,000
2%*Show source
Base cashback: 2%
Essential, paid in XRP
Source: Uphold Card Rewards Terms and Conditions
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Essential, paid in XRP
Max cashback
2%*Show source
Max cashback: 2%
Pulsar Pro ($9.99/month or $99.99/year) on the first $1,000; 4% only in the October 2026 campaign for 100 Pro subscribers
Source states (paraphrased): Earn up to 2% cashback in points on your first $1,000.
Source: https://help.pulsar.money/en/articles/16752652-pulsar-pro
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Pulsar Pro ($9.99/month or $99.99/year) on the first $1,000; 4% only in the October 2026 campaign for 100 Pro subscribers
4%*Show source
Max cashback: 4%
Elite ($99.99/yr) on crypto- or metal-funded purchases; 3% when funded by fiat or stablecoins
Source: Uphold Card Rewards Terms and Conditions
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Elite ($99.99/yr) on crypto- or metal-funded purchases; 3% when funded by fiat or stablecoins
Cashback paid in
XRP (or other crypto at Uphold's discretion)Show source
Cashback paid in: XRP (or other crypto at Uphold's discretion)
Source: Uphold Card Rewards Terms and Conditions
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Cashback type
Points*Show source
Cashback type: Points
Pulsar Points, redeemed as USDC refunds of eligible card transactions
Source states (paraphrased): Points come back as a refund on a transaction you have already made ... the money arrives in USDC.
Source: https://help.pulsar.money/en/articles/16752632-pulsar-points-explained
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Pulsar Points, redeemed as USDC refunds of eligible card transactions
CryptoShow source
Cashback type: Crypto
Source: Uphold Card Rewards Terms and Conditions
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Interest on balance
5.2%*Show source
Interest on balance: 5.2%
~5.2% APY on stablecoins through curated DeFi strategies; variable
Source states (paraphrased): Earn ~5.2% APY on stablecoins through curated DeFi strategies.
Source: Pulsar Money
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
~5.2% APY on stablecoins through curated DeFi strategies; variable
3%*Show source
Interest on balance: 3%
Up to 3% APY on stablecoin balances; variable; no paid plan stated on page
Source states (paraphrased): earn rewards of up to 3% APY on stablecoin balances
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Up to 3% APY on stablecoin balances; variable; no paid plan stated on page
Max cashback per month
$120/month*Show source
Max cashback per month: $120/month
Essential; Elite $300/month
Source: Uphold Card Rewards Terms and Conditions
Official terms & conditions (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Essential; Elite $300/month
Credit & financing
Credit line
NoShow source
Credit line: No
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Availability
Available in
United States*Show source
Available in: United States
Not in Louisiana, New York or US territories
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Not in Louisiana, New York or US territories
Account / spend currencies
USD · EURShow source
Account / spend currencies: USD · EUR
Source: Pulsar Money
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Features
Apple Pay
YesShow source
Apple Pay: Yes
Source: Pulsar Money
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Yes*Show source
Apple Pay: Yes
When available
Source states (paraphrased): Anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide, online and in person, including Apple Pay and Google Pay (when available).
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
When available
Google Pay
YesShow source
Google Pay: Yes
Source: Pulsar Money
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Yes*Show source
Google Pay: Yes
When available
Source states (paraphrased): Anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide, online and in person, including Apple Pay and Google Pay (when available).
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
When available
Physical card
Yes*Show source
Physical card: Yes
Plastic and Metal card types listed
Source states (paraphrased): Metal card limits may be increased on request.
Source: https://help.pulsar.money/en/articles/17598741-pulsar-app-limits
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Plastic and Metal card types listed
Yes*Show source
Physical card: Yes
Essential: plastic $4.99; Elite: metal $0
Source states (paraphrased): Physical Card $0 (Metal card) $4.99 (Plastic card)
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Essential: plastic $4.99; Elite: metal $0
Virtual card
YesShow source
Virtual card: Yes
Source: Pulsar Money
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Yes*Show source
Virtual card: Yes
Essential and Elite: $0
Source states (paraphrased): Virtual Card $0 $0
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Essential and Elite: $0
ATM withdrawals
YesShow source
ATM withdrawals: Yes
Source states (paraphrased): ATM withdrawals: Free up to $200 per month, then 2%
Source: https://help.pulsar.money/en/articles/16752647-pricing-fees
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Yes*Show source
ATM withdrawals: Yes
Essential: $2.95 per withdrawal; Elite: $0
Source states (paraphrased): ATM Withdrawal Fee $0 $2.95
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Essential: $2.95 per withdrawal; Elite: $0
Spend stablecoins
Yes*Show source
Spend stablecoins: Yes
Card spends from the USD or EUR balance funded with stablecoins
Source: Pulsar Money
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Card spends from the USD or EUR balance funded with stablecoins
YesShow source
Spend stablecoins: Yes
Source states (paraphrased): Funding your card with stablecoins. Use USD-pegged stablecoins to help keep taxes low.
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Spendable assets
USDT · USDC · EURCShow source
Spendable assets: USDT · USDC · EURC
Source: Pulsar Money
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Blockchains
EVM networks · Solana · TRONShow source
Blockchains: EVM networks · Solana · TRON
Source: Pulsar Money
Official product page (tier 1)
Initial research (official source, awaiting agent verification) · retrieved 22 October 2026 · confidence 60%
Limits
Spending limit
$30,000*Show source
Spending limit: $30,000
May depend on account status and card program rules
Source states (paraphrased): Card limits: $30,000 USD
Source: https://help.pulsar.money/en/articles/16752647-pricing-fees
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
May depend on account status and card program rules
Security & custody
Regulation / licences
USD balances held at Cross River Bank, Member FDIC (pass-through insurance up to $250,000 if conditions are met) · Uphold is not a bankShow source
Regulation / licences: USD balances held at Cross River Bank, Member FDIC (pass-through insurance up to $250,000 if conditions are met) · Uphold is not a bank
Source states (paraphrased): are held at Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, and are insured up to $250,000. Uphold is not an FDIC-insured bank.
Source: Introducing the Uphold Debit Card
Official product page (tier 1)
Checked by editor · retrieved 24 October 2026 · verified today (Fresh) · confidence 95%
Annual cost at 1,500 EUR/month
Pulsar Money Card
- Annual & monthly fees+0 EUR
- FX costs−36 EUR
- Crypto conversion–
- ATM costs+0 EUR
- Cashback+90 EUR
- Net annual value54 EUR
Uphold Debit Card (US)
- Annual & monthly fees+0 EUR
- FX costs−54 EUR
- Crypto conversion–
- ATM costs−32 EUR
- Cashback+360 EUR
- Net annual value274 EUR
Assumes 300 EUR foreign spend and 100 EUR ATM per month, base tier only. Use your own numbers