ether.fi Cash: The Consumer-Focused Choice
ether.fi Cash launched in 2024 as the first staking-connected Visa card, and it’s grown to 6.4% of the on-chain crypto-card market. The deck is straightforward: up to 3% cashback on everyday spending, with promo rates hitting 15% on food (groceries and dining). No foreign-exchange fee on USD and EUR transactions—just 1% on everything else.
Signal: ether.fi’s growth from launch to 6.4% market share in under two years signals strong product-market fit with retail users. This is the card built for the person holding crypto.
Physical cards carry a $40 refundable deposit (refunded when you cancel). Monthly limits run from $2,000 (Core) up to $50,000 (Pinnacle). The affiliate program is active and growing—DefyCard earns recurring commissions every time a referred user spends on their card.
Gnosis Pay: The Enterprise Pivot
Gnosis Pay launched earlier than ether.fi and claimed 2.6% of the on-chain market as of early 2026. But the trajectory changed mid-2024. Gnosis Pay’s direct referral program closed in 2025, and the card shifted toward B2B and enterprise use cases through partners like Zeal (EU) and Picnic (Brazil).
Why it matters: The closure of Gnosis Pay’s direct affiliate program isn’t a coincidence—it’s a strategic pivot. Consumer acquisition costs in crypto cards are high. Gnosis chose depth over breadth, focusing on partnerships rather than grassroots marketing. That’s a valid business decision, but it means fewer incentives for individual users to recommend it.
For retail users in the US, UK, or most of Europe, Gnosis Pay has become harder to access and less likely to offer referral rewards. If you land on a Gnosis Pay link today, it’s likely routed through a regional partner with its own terms.
Cashback & Rewards: ether.fi Pulls Ahead
ether.fi’s up to 3% base cashback beats Gnosis Pay’s legacy reward structure (which is now enterprise-focused and not actively marketed to consumers). But that’s just the headline.
Key metric: ether.fi’s 15% promo cashback on food (groceries, restaurants, cafés) runs year-round. For someone spending $300/month on food, that’s $45 in rewards. Over 12 months, that’s $540 in extra value—enough to offset the $40 card deposit and then some.
Signal: Promo cashback on food is rare in crypto cards. When evaluating ether.fi Cash vs Crypto.com, ether.fi locks in year-round food rewards. Crypto.com offers rotating bonuses, but they require tier climbing and CRO holdings—additional friction that ether.fi sidesteps.
Foreign Exchange Fees: Where ether.fi Shines
If you travel or spend in multiple currencies, ether.fi’s 0% FX on USD and EUR is a huge advantage. Most crypto cards charge 1–2% for currency conversion. Traveling in Europe with ether.fi? You pay the Visa interbank rate—nothing more.
Gnosis Pay’s FX terms are not actively promoted for retail users given the B2B pivot, making this another point in ether.fi’s favor.
Risk: Both cards charge 2% ATM withdrawal fees. If you’re planning to withdraw cash frequently, budget accordingly.
Country Availability & Eligibility
ether.fi operates in 76 countries for physical-card shipment and a broader set for virtual cards. 20 countries are prohibited outright (including Russia, China, India, and others), as are 21 US states (including Montana, Washington, and Nevada).
Gnosis Pay’s current availability is limited to its enterprise-partner regions (Zeal for EU, Picnic for Brazil). For a consumer seeking a direct card, ether.fi has far broader availability.
Alternative: If you’re in a prohibited region or state, Crypto.com and RedotPay offer wider coverage, though with different reward structures.
Custody & Security: Both Non-Custodial
Both ether.fi and Gnosis Pay are non-custodial cards—meaning you control your private keys and wallet. Neither card holds your crypto. This is fundamentally different from Crypto.com or Coinbase, where the exchange holds your assets.
Why it matters: Non-custody is the core appeal for users prioritizing self-sovereignty. When comparing gnosis pay vs metamask card, all three are non-custodial. But ether.fi’s market traction (6.4% vs Gnosis’s 2.6% and MetaMask Card’s fractional share) shows where the momentum is.
Market Position & Affiliate Opportunity
ether.fi’s 6.4% market share vs Gnosis Pay’s 2.6% tells a story. ether.fi is growing in the consumer space. Gnosis Pay is consolidating in enterprise. If you’re reading this as a potential affiliate or brand ambassador, ether.fi’s active program (0.1–0.3% recurring commissions + $10–$25 per qualifying signup) is a meaningful opportunity. Gnosis Pay closed its direct program, so earning potential there is limited unless you’re an approved B2B partner.
Signal: Growing market share + active affiliate program = a card with momentum and incentives aligned with your recommendations.
For a deeper dive into competing products, see our full crypto card comparisons.
What to Watch
- Gnosis Pay enterprise expansion: If you use Gnosis for business payments through Zeal or Picnic, monitor their regional terms—B2B partnerships can shift.
- ether.fi tier limits: If your monthly spend exceeds $50,000 (Pinnacle tier), watch for tier expansion or alternative cards.
- Staking integration: ether.fi’s connection to staking rewards may expand—keep an eye on protocol updates.
- Regulatory changes to non-custodial cards: MiCA (EU) and FinCEN (US) rules are still settling. Major changes could affect both cards’ eligibility or availability.
- Promo cashback rotation: ether.fi’s 15% food bonus may evolve; lock in value while it lasts.
Bottom Line
- If you want active rewards + wider availability: ether.fi wins decisively. Up to 3% cashback, 0% FX on USD/EUR, and 6.4% market share growth shows strong product momentum.
- If you value non-custodial control: Both cards deliver equally. Neither holds your crypto.
- If you’re in an ether.fi-prohibited region: Crypto.com or RedotPay may be your next best options (Gnosis Pay’s direct consumer program is closed).
- If you fit the profile of a crypto-native who spends regularly in multiple currencies and values affiliate programs: ether.fi Cash is the clear choice. [Get your ether.fi card now](
FAQ
Q: Can I still use Gnosis Pay in 2026?
A: Yes, but availability is limited. Gnosis Pay’s direct referral program closed in 2025, and the card is now focused on enterprise adoption through regional partners like Zeal (EU) and Picnic (Brazil). For most retail users, ether.fi Cash is the more accessible and reward-friendly choice.
Q: How does ether.fi’s cashback compare to Crypto.com?
A: ether.fi offers up to 3% base + 15% on food year-round. Crypto.com requires CRO holdings and tier grinding for similar rewards. For consistent cashback without tier complexity, ether.fi is simpler and more transparent. See our full comparison.
Q: How does ether.fi compare to other non-custodial cards like Gnosis Pay and MetaMask Card?
A: All three are non-custodial, but ether.fi dominates in market share (6.4% vs Gnosis 2.6% and MetaMask fractional). ether.fi also has an active affiliate program and broader global availability. Gnosis Pay pivoted to B2B partnerships, making ether.fi the stronger consumer choice.
Q: Is ether.fi available in my country?
A: ether.fi operates in 76 countries for physical cards and more for virtual cards. 20 countries are prohibited (Russia, China, India, Vietnam, Philippines). 21 US states are unavailable. Check ether.fi’s help center for the complete list.
Q: Do I need to hold or stake ETH to use ether.fi Cash?
A: No. ether.fi Cash is a standalone spending product. You don’t need to hold or stake ETH. Link any payment method—bank account, crypto, or existing balance.
Q: Can I refer friends to ether.fi and earn rewards?
A: Yes. ether.fi’s affiliate program offers 0.1–0.3% recurring commissions on referral spending for up to 12 months, plus $10–$25 per qualifying signup. Gnosis Pay’s direct affiliate program is closed. [Join the program](
).Risk & Disclosure
Affiliate disclosure: DefyCard publishes affiliate-linked reviews. We may earn a commission when you sign up for ether.fi Cash through our links. This never costs you extra; we earn only when our referral converts.
Crypto volatility: Both ether.fi Cash and Gnosis Pay are linked to crypto wallets. Your card balance fluctuates with crypto market conditions. Neither card is a safe investment or guaranteed return—treat it as a spending tool, not a financial product.
Country restrictions: Both cards operate under strict regulatory frameworks. Certain countries and US states are prohibited. Always verify your eligibility before signing up.
Affiliate program changes: ether.fi’s affiliate terms (commission rates, payout schedules, qualifying criteria) may change. Always review current terms before recommending.