Ready Card is a self-custodial crypto debit card that allows users to spend USDC directly from their Ready account anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Unlike custodial crypto cards, Ready does not require users to transfer funds into a separate card account before spending.
USDC remains in the user's self-custodial wallet until a purchase is made. At checkout, the required amount is converted into fiat using the Mastercard exchange rate and settled through the traditional card network.
Ready offers two physical card options — Ready Lite, a free plastic card, and Ready Metal, a premium metal card with additional benefits.
Background
Ready was previously known as Argent, one of the early smart-contract wallet developers in the Ethereum ecosystem. The company later rebranded its consumer product around Ready, combining self-custody, crypto investing, DeFi features and everyday payments in one app.
Ready Card extends the wallet into traditional payments while preserving the self-custodial model. Rather than holding users' funds itself, Ready connects the wallet to Mastercard payment infrastructure through its card partners.
The card is closely integrated with Ready's onchain ecosystem, allowing users to hold USDC, access supported DeFi features and spend the same assets through a physical payment card.
Terms and fees
Ready Lite is free, although standard shipping costs $6.99.
Ready Metal costs 120 USDC for the first year. The initial membership is paid upfront and does not automatically renew. Metal includes free express card delivery.
Ready does not charge crypto-to-fiat conversion fees or card top-up fees. USDC is converted into the transaction currency using the official Mastercard exchange rate without an additional exchange-rate markup from Ready.
Foreign exchange fees depend on the card:
Ready Metal — 0% FX fee;
Ready Lite — 1% FX fee.
ATM withdrawals are supported. Ready Metal includes up to $800 per month in fee-free ATM withdrawals. After that, a 2% fee applies, with a minimum charge of $1.
Ready Lite charges a 2% ATM withdrawal fee, with a minimum of $1. ATM operators can also charge their own fees.
Standard card limits include:
$5,000 maximum per transaction;
$10,000 daily spending limit;
$30,000 monthly spending limit;
$500 daily ATM withdrawal limit;
$2,500 rolling monthly ATM limit;
$30,000 annual ATM withdrawal limit.
Key features
The defining feature of Ready Card is self-custodial spending. Ready does not take custody of the user's USDC simply because it is available for card payments. Funds remain in the wallet until they are actually spent.
The card currently uses USDC as its spending asset. Users can hold other cryptocurrencies in Ready, but they must have sufficient USDC available when making a card purchase.
Ready offers two card tiers.
Ready Lite is designed as the basic option. It includes a free plastic Mastercard, self-custodial USDC spending and access to Ready's onchain features. Users pay only the $6.99 shipping fee for the physical card.
Ready Metal is a 16-gram metal card available in gold or platinum finishes. It costs 120 USDC for the first year and includes 0% FX fees, free express shipping, higher ATM benefits and additional perks.
Ready previously offered percentage-based STRK cashback. In May 2026, the company began replacing this program with Ready Rewards, a points-based rewards system. Ready Rewards are intended to be earned through eligible activity in the app and used toward purchases and other benefits. Reward mechanics can change as the program develops.
Both Lite and Metal support Google Pay. Apple Pay support has been announced but may still depend on rollout and region.
Another unusual feature is the connection between card spending and Ready's DeFi infrastructure. Users can keep control of their crypto through a smart-contract account while accessing investment and yield features alongside everyday card payments.
Eligibility
Users must complete identity verification before receiving a Ready Card. KYC is handled by the card provider rather than directly by Ready.
The card is only available to residents of supported countries and regions. Availability depends on the card issuer's regulatory requirements, so having access to the Ready wallet does not automatically mean the user can order a card.
Ready's self-custodial wallet can be used without handing control of the private keys to the company, but KYC remains mandatory for the regulated card service.
How to get the card
Download the latest version of the Ready app and create or access a Ready account.
Open the Card section from the app's home screen.
Start the card application and complete identity verification.
Choose between Ready Lite and Ready Metal.
Pay the applicable shipping fee or Metal membership cost.
Add USDC to the Ready account through a supported funding method.
Activate the card after it arrives.
For the first physical purchase, insert the card and confirm the payment using the PIN to enable contactless functionality.
Add the card to Google Pay where supported and use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
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