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Wirex is a UK-based digital payments platform that bridges cryptocurrency and traditional finance, serving over 7 million users across 130+ countries since 2014. The platform offers a multi-currency wallet, crypto debit card with up to 8% cashback, yield-generating X-Accounts with up to 16% AER, and exchange services for 150+ cryptocurrencies. In 2026, Wirex remains one of the most feature-rich crypto spending platforms available, holding the distinction of being the only crypto-native company with Principal Membership from both Visa and Mastercard. This comprehensive Wirex review covers everything you need to know: fees, features, the new Wirex Pay self-custody solution, the Cardano Card partnership, security, customer service, and whether Wirex is worth using in 2026.
Wirex Review at a Glance (2026)
Wirex is a legitimate, FCA-regulated crypto-financial platform that excels at making digital assets spendable in everyday life. The platform combines traditional banking functionality with cryptocurrency services, offering a free crypto debit card, competitive yields on savings, and support for over 150 digital assets.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 (London, UK) |
| Founders | Pavel Matveev, Dmitry Lazarichev, Georgy Sokolov |
| Global Users | 7 million+ |
| Total Transactions Processed | $20 billion+ |
| Supported Cryptocurrencies | 150+ (BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, WXT, USDT, USDC, and more) |
| Supported Fiat Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AUD, and 10+ others |
| Card Networks | Visa and Mastercard (Principal Member of both) |
| Maximum Cashback | Up to 8% Cryptoback in WXT |
| X-Accounts Maximum AER | Up to 16% on stablecoins (Elite tier) |
| DUO Maximum APR | Up to 400% (high-risk dual-asset product) |
| Countries Available | 130+ |
| Primary Regulation | FCA e-money licence (UK), MAS (Singapore) |
| Mobile App Rating | 3.76/5 (Google Play), 3.7/5 (App Store) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 2.7/5 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 via app and email |
What Is Wirex?
Wirex is a digital payments platform that merges traditional banking services with cryptocurrency functionality. Founded in 2014 by Pavel Matveev, Dmitry Lazarichev, and Georgy Sokolov in London, Wirex was originally known as E-Coin before rebranding in 2016. The platform allows users to buy, sell, hold, and exchange over 150 cryptocurrencies alongside fiat currencies through a single mobile-first application.
The core innovation that sets Wirex apart is its crypto debit card which automatically converts digital assets to fiat at the point of sale, enabling seamless everyday spending at any merchant accepting Visa or Mastercard. Wirex is the only crypto-native company to hold Principal Membership with both major card networks, a significant regulatory achievement that demonstrates the platform's legitimacy and infrastructure capabilities.
As of February 2026, Wirex has evolved beyond a simple crypto card into a comprehensive digital wealth platform offering:
- Wirex Card - Free crypto debit card with up to 8% cashback
- Wirex Pay - Self-custody stablecoin payment solution (launched 2024, US expansion February 2025)
- X-Accounts - Yield-generating savings with up to 16% AER
- DUO - Dual-asset investment tool with up to 400% APR
- Wirex Multiply - Leveraged trading product
- Wirex Credit - Crypto-backed borrowing
- Cardano Card - Partnership with Emurgo for ADA spending (launched November 2025)
Key Features of Wirex
Wirex Crypto Debit Card
The Wirex card is a physical and virtual debit card that lets you spend cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies at over 80 million merchants worldwide. The card automatically converts your chosen cryptocurrency to the local fiat currency at the time of purchase, eliminating the need to manually sell crypto before spending. Key card benefits include:
- No annual fee
- No foreign exchange fees at interbank rates
- Free ATM withdrawals up to $200 per month (higher limits on paid plans)
- Up to 8% Cryptoback rewards paid in WXT tokens
- Available in both physical and virtual formats
- Accepted anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted
Cryptoback rewards are credited instantly after each qualifying purchase. The exact cashback rate depends on your subscription tier - Standard users earn up to 2%, Premium up to 4%, and Elite up to 8%.
Wirex Pay (Self-Custody Solution)
Wirex Pay is a non-custodial stablecoin payment platform that launched in October 2024 and expanded to the United States in February 2025 through a partnership with Bridge.xyz (acquired by Stripe for $1.1 billion in 2024). Unlike the standard Wirex card which uses a custodial wallet, Wirex Pay allows users to spend stablecoins directly from their own non-custodial wallets while maintaining full control over their funds.
Wirex Pay features include:
- Spend stablecoins at 80 million+ Visa merchants in 200+ countries
- Connect any non-custodial wallet
- Real-time on-chain swaps between fiat and stablecoins
- Full self-custody - you retain control of your private keys
- Built on Zero Knowledge (ZK) technology for enhanced privacy
- AI agent compatibility for autonomous transactions
This positions Wirex as one of the few platforms offering both custodial (traditional Wirex card) and non-custodial (Wirex Pay) crypto spending options.
Cardano Card Partnership (November 2025)
In November 2025, Wirex partnered with Emurgo, the commercial arm of the Cardano blockchain, to launch the Cardano Card at the Cardano Summit in Berlin. This global Visa card allows users to spend over 685 cryptocurrencies and stablecoins - including ADA, BTC, ETH, and USDC - at any Visa-accepting merchant. The partnership leverages Wirex's existing payments infrastructure and brings Cardano closer to real-world payment adoption. The Cardano Card is available to all Wirex users.
X-Accounts (Savings and Yield)
X-Accounts are Wirex's yield-generating savings product that allows users to earn passive income on both crypto and fiat deposits. Interest compounds daily and is paid weekly, with no lock-up periods required for the base product. Key X-Account features:
- Up to 16% AER on stablecoins (Elite tier with WXT locked)
- Up to 6% AER on standard tier without WXT commitment
- No minimum deposit (reduced to $1 in recent update)
- Withdraw anytime without penalty
- X-Accounts Plus offers up to 6% additional yield for 30-day deposits
Wirex achieves these rates by converting X-Account funds into DAI or other stablecoins and placing them in DeFi protocols, eliminating the complexity typically associated with accessing DeFi yields directly.
WXT Token and X-tras Rewards Program
WXT is Wirex's native utility token operating on both Stellar and Ethereum blockchains. As of February 2026, WXT trades at approximately $0.0025 per token. The token powers the entire X-tras rewards ecosystem:
- Cryptoback - Up to 8% cashback in WXT on card purchases
- Savings Bonus - Up to 16% annual bonus on positive WXT balance
- Boosted X-Account rates - Higher AER on savings accounts
- Subscription payments - Premium and Elite plans paid in WXT
- DeFi access - WXT can be used across various DeFi ecosystems
Note that all cashback rewards are paid in WXT, not the cryptocurrency you spent. This is a potential drawback for users who would prefer rewards in BTC, ETH, or other assets.
DUO (Dual-Asset Investment)
DUO is a dual-asset investment tool that offers guaranteed returns by tracking price fluctuations between two cryptocurrencies. Users select a trading pair, invest their chosen currency, and pick a staking duration (12 hours to 7 days). DUO advertises returns of up to 400% APR with zero fees, though actual returns depend on market conditions and the chosen pair. This is a higher-risk product - the potential for high returns comes with corresponding risk of unfavorable settlement prices.
Wirex Multiply
Wirex Multiply allows users to take leveraged positions on crypto price movements in both directions (UP or DOWN). It combines elements of a crypto exchange and traditional trading platform, designed for users who want to profit from market volatility. Like DUO, Multiply is a higher-risk product unsuitable for conservative investors or beginners.
Wirex Credit
Wirex Credit allows users to open a crypto-backed credit line using BTC or ETH as collateral. You can borrow up to 70% of your collateral value in NXUSD, USDC, USDT, or DAI. The borrowed funds can be used like any other currency in your Wirex account, and you can repay the loan whenever you want without fixed terms.
Wirex Fees
Wirex fees are generally competitive compared to other crypto card platforms, with the standout feature being zero foreign exchange fees on card purchases. Here is a comprehensive fee breakdown:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Card Issuance (Physical) | Free | Delivery fees may apply by region |
| Card Issuance (Virtual) | Free | Instant activation |
| Annual Card Fee | $0 | No annual fee on any tier |
| Foreign Exchange Fee | 0% | Interbank rates on card purchases |
| ATM Withdrawal (Standard) | Free up to $200/month | 2% fee above monthly limit |
| ATM Withdrawal (Premium) | Free up to $400/month | 2% fee above monthly limit |
| ATM Withdrawal (Elite) | Free up to $800/month | 2% fee above monthly limit |
| Crypto Exchange | 0% to 1.5% | Varies by pair, volume, and market conditions |
| Fiat-to-Fiat Exchange | 0% | Interbank rates |
| Stablecoin Exchange | 0% | For pegged stablecoins only |
| Bank Deposit (SEPA) | Free | Europe only |
| Bank Deposit (Faster Payments) | Free | UK only |
| Bank Withdrawal (SEPA) | Free | Europe only |
| Bank Withdrawal (SWIFT) | $15 / 13 EUR / 12 GBP | International transfers |
| Crypto Deposit | Free | Network fees apply separately |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Network fee only | Dynamic based on blockchain congestion |
| Card Delivery (Standard) | Varies by region | Free in some regions (US, EU) |
| Card Delivery (Express) | Varies by region | Up to 34.99 SGD in Asia-Pacific |
| Inactivity Fee | None | No dormancy charges |
The crypto exchange spread of 0% to 1.5% is the main cost consideration. This is higher than dedicated exchanges like Binance (0.1% maker/taker) or Kraken (0.16%/0.26%), but in line with other crypto card platforms like Crypto.com and Revolut.
Wirex Subscription Plans
Wirex offers three subscription tiers through its X-tras program. Higher tiers unlock better cashback rates, higher X-Account yields, and increased ATM limits. Plans are paid in WXT tokens, and each tier has sub-levels (Entry, Silver, Gold, Platinum) based on how much WXT you lock.
| Feature | Standard (Free) | Premium | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $0 | Paid in WXT (~$10/month) | Paid in WXT (~$30/month) |
| Cryptoback Rate | Up to 2% | Up to 4% | Up to 8% |
| X-Account Crypto AER | Up to 6% | Up to 10% | Up to 16% |
| WXT Savings Bonus | Up to 6% | Up to 10% | Up to 16% |
| Free ATM Withdrawals | $200/month | $400/month | $800/month |
| Exclusive Merchant Offers | No | Yes | Yes (curated) |
| Priority Support | No | Yes | Dedicated support |
For most casual users, the free Standard plan offers excellent value - 2% Cryptoback and up to 6% X-Account yields without any subscription cost. The Premium and Elite tiers make sense for heavy Wirex users who hold significant WXT balances and want to maximize their rewards.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Wirex supports over 150 cryptocurrencies for buying, selling, holding, and exchanging within the app. With the Cardano Card partnership, spending capabilities extend to over 685 digital assets. Major supported cryptocurrencies include:
- Layer 1s: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Avalanche (AVAX), Polkadot (DOT), Litecoin (LTC)
- Stablecoins: USDT, USDC, DAI, NXUSD
- DeFi Tokens: AAVE, LINK, MKR, UNI, YFI
- Platform Token: WXT (Wirex Token)
- Other: XRP, DOGE, SHIB, and 130+ additional assets
For comparison, Crypto.com supports 400+ coins, Binance supports 500+, and Coinbase supports 250+. While Wirex's selection is smaller, it covers all major assets that most users need.
Security and Regulation
Wirex is one of the most heavily regulated crypto-friendly platforms operating today. Security features and regulatory compliance include:
| Security Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| UK FCA Regulation | E-money licence (Wirex Limited) - fiat funds safeguarded in segregated accounts |
| Singapore MAS | Licensed under the Monetary Authority of Singapore |
| Card Network Membership | Principal Member of both Visa and Mastercard (only crypto-native company with dual membership) |
| Two-Factor Authentication | Required for account access and transactions |
| Biometric Login | Fingerprint and Face ID on mobile |
| Cold Storage | Majority of cryptocurrency funds stored offline |
| Instant Card Freeze | Lock/unlock card instantly from the app |
| Real-Time Notifications | Push alerts for all transactions |
| Data Encryption | TLS and 256-bit AES encryption |
| Track Record | Operating since 2014 without a major security breach |
The FCA e-money licence is particularly important because it means fiat customer funds are legally safeguarded in segregated accounts separate from Wirex's operational funds. Note that cryptocurrency holdings are not covered by the UK's FSCS deposit guarantee scheme - this is standard across all crypto platforms, not unique to Wirex.
User Experience and Mobile App
Wirex is designed as a mobile-first platform, with the iOS and Android apps serving as the primary interface for all account management, trading, card controls, and yield products. The app has received generally positive reviews:
- Google Play: 3.76/5 stars from 33,000+ ratings
- App Store: 3.7/5 stars from 1,700+ ratings
Key UX features include:
- Clean, intuitive interface suitable for beginners
- Instant push notifications for all card transactions
- Quick swap functionality for converting between assets
- Real-time portfolio tracking with price alerts
- In-app card management (freeze/unfreeze, spending limits, PIN changes)
- Multi-language support
The desktop/web experience is more limited - Wirex is fundamentally a mobile-first product, and some features are only accessible through the app. This may be a drawback for users who prefer desktop trading interfaces.
Customer Support and Trustpilot Reviews
Wirex provides 24/7 customer support via in-app chat and email, with a comprehensive help center. Premium and Elite subscribers receive priority support with faster response times.
However, customer feedback on Trustpilot is mixed. As of February 2026:
- Trustpilot Rating: 2.7/5 ("Poor")
- Common Complaints: KYC verification delays, account freezes during compliance checks, slow support response times, funds held during investigations
- Common Praise: Easy-to-use app, reliable cashback rewards, good FX rates, seamless card spending
The mixed reviews are worth considering, though many complaints relate to regulatory compliance processes (KYC, AML checks) that affect all regulated crypto platforms. Recent Trustpilot reviews from late 2025 and early 2026 show ongoing concerns about account closures and fund access delays. Prospective users should be aware that heavy compliance scrutiny is a reality of using FCA-regulated platforms.
Wirex Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Up to 8% Cryptoback on card purchases - highest in market | Maximum cashback requires Elite plan + WXT staking |
| Zero FX fees on international card spending | Crypto exchange spread of 0%-1.5% higher than dedicated exchanges |
| FCA-regulated with Visa/Mastercard Principal Membership | KYC required immediately - no access without verification |
| Up to 16% AER on stablecoin X-Accounts | Cashback paid only in WXT (low-value token at ~$0.0025) |
| 150+ cryptocurrencies supported | Mobile-first - limited desktop/web functionality |
| Free card with no annual fees | Mixed Trustpilot reviews (2.7/5) regarding customer support |
| Wirex Pay self-custody option for DeFi users | DUO and Multiply carry significant risk for inexperienced users |
| Cardano Card partnership for 685+ crypto spending | Premium/Elite plans require WXT token commitment |
| 24/7 customer support | Account freezes during compliance checks reported |
| Operating since 2014 without major security breach | Some regional limitations on features |
How Wirex Compares to Alternatives
To put Wirex in context, here is how it compares to leading crypto card and fintech competitors:
| Feature | Wirex | Crypto.com | Revolut | Binance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Cashback | 8% (Cryptoback in WXT) | 5% (CRO, Obsidian tier) | 1% (Metal plan) | Up to 8% (BNB) |
| Card Cost | Free (all tiers) | Free to $400,000 stake | Free to 13.99 GBP/mo | Free |
| FX Fees | 0% | 0% | 0%-1.5% | 0% |
| Supported Coins | 150+ | 400+ | 200+ | 500+ |
| Savings/Yield | Up to 16% AER | Up to 14.5% | Up to 5.3% | Up to 20%+ |
| Self-Custody Option | Yes (Wirex Pay) | Yes (DeFi Wallet) | No | Yes (Web3 Wallet) |
| Primary Regulation | FCA, MAS | Multiple global | FCA, ECB | Varies by region |
| Best For | Everyday crypto spending + rewards | Crypto ecosystem depth | Traditional banking + crypto | Active traders |
Wirex's key advantages are its zero FX fees, high cashback rate without requiring a massive stake, and dual Visa/Mastercard Principal Membership. For pure trading, platforms like Binance or Kraken offer lower fees and deeper liquidity. For comprehensive ecosystem features, Crypto.com has a broader product suite including NFTs, DeFi, and on-chain staking.
For detailed comparisons, see our Wirex vs Crypto.com analysis.
Who Should Use Wirex?
Wirex is ideal for:
- Everyday crypto spenders - The card's zero FX fees and Cryptoback rewards make it excellent for regular purchases
- Travelers and digital nomads - No foreign exchange markup means spending abroad costs the same as at home
- Passive income seekers - X-Accounts with up to 16% AER on stablecoins offer attractive yields
- Cardano ecosystem users - The new Cardano Card is a unique offering for ADA holders
- DeFi users wanting spending capabilities - Wirex Pay enables spending from non-custodial wallets
- Users in the UK and Europe - Full feature availability and FCA regulation
Wirex may not be ideal for:
- Active traders - The 0%-1.5% exchange spread is not competitive with dedicated exchanges
- Desktop-focused users - Wirex is mobile-first with limited web functionality
- Privacy-focused users - KYC is mandatory from day one with no anonymous access
- Users who want cashback in BTC/ETH - All Cryptoback is paid in WXT only
- Conservative investors - DUO and Multiply are high-risk products
How to Sign Up for Wirex
- Download the Wirex app from the App Store or Google Play
- Enter your email address and create a password
- Provide your country of residence and home address
- Verify your phone number with SMS code
- Complete KYC by uploading government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or ID card)
- Complete face verification scan
- Once verified (typically minutes, sometimes 24 hours), fund your account
- Order your free Wirex card and start spending
Note that KYC verification is mandatory before accessing any Wirex features - you cannot skip this step or complete it later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wirex safe and legitimate in 2026?
Yes, Wirex is a legitimate and safe platform. It holds a UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) e-money licence, is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and is the only crypto-native company with Visa and Mastercard Principal Membership. The platform has operated since 2014 without a major security breach, serving over 7 million users globally. Fiat funds are safeguarded in segregated accounts per FCA requirements.
What are Wirex's fees for trading and card use?
Wirex charges 0% to 1.5% on crypto exchanges (depending on the pair and volume), zero annual card fees, zero foreign exchange fees on card purchases, and free ATM withdrawals up to $200/month on the Standard plan. Bank deposits and withdrawals via SEPA and Faster Payments are free. International SWIFT transfers cost $15.
How does the Wirex Cryptoback rewards program work?
Cryptoback pays up to 8% back in WXT tokens on eligible card purchases. The exact rate depends on your subscription plan and WXT holdings: Standard offers up to 2%, Premium up to 4%, and Elite up to 8%. Rewards are deposited automatically into your WXT wallet after each qualifying transaction. All cashback is paid in WXT - you cannot receive rewards in BTC, ETH, or other cryptocurrencies.
What is Wirex Pay and how is it different from the regular Wirex card?
Wirex Pay is a self-custody stablecoin payment solution that allows you to spend crypto directly from your own non-custodial wallet. Unlike the regular Wirex card which uses Wirex's custodial wallet, Wirex Pay gives you full control of your private keys while still enabling spending at 80 million+ Visa merchants. It expanded to the US in February 2025 through a partnership with Bridge.xyz.
Can I use Wirex in the United States?
Wirex has expanded US availability significantly. Wirex Pay launched in the US in February 2025, allowing American users to spend stablecoins from non-custodial wallets. Check the Wirex website for the most current list of supported features in your region, as availability of specific products (card, X-Accounts) may vary.
How much can I earn on Wirex X-Accounts?
Wirex X-Accounts offer up to 16% AER on stablecoins at the Elite plan tier with WXT locked. Standard plan users can earn up to 6% AER without any subscription cost. Rates vary by asset and tier. Interest compounds daily and is paid weekly, with no lock-up period required for the base X-Account product. X-Accounts Plus offers additional yield (up to 6% extra) for 30-day deposits.
Is Wirex better than Crypto.com?
It depends on your priorities. Wirex offers higher maximum cashback (8% vs 5%), zero FX fees, dual Visa/Mastercard support, and a self-custody option (Wirex Pay). Crypto.com offers a larger exchange with 400+ coins, more subscription perks (Spotify, Netflix rebates), broader DeFi ecosystem, and on-chain staking for 30+ tokens. For everyday spending and rewards without massive staking requirements, Wirex is competitive. For exchange trading and ecosystem depth, Crypto.com has advantages.
What is the WXT token and is it worth holding?
WXT is Wirex's native utility token used for Cryptoback rewards, subscription payments, fee discounts, and boosted yields. As of February 2026, WXT trades at approximately $0.0025 per token. The token has utility within the Wirex ecosystem but limited use cases outside it. Whether it's worth holding depends on how actively you use Wirex - heavy users benefit from WXT staking bonuses, while casual users may prefer to convert WXT rewards to other assets.
Final Verdict
Wirex is one of the strongest all-in-one crypto spending platforms available in 2026. Its combination of a free crypto debit card with up to 8% cashback, zero FX fees, FCA regulation, and dual Visa/Mastercard Principal Membership makes it a standout choice for users who want to spend their crypto in daily life. The X-Accounts yield product (up to 16% AER on stablecoins), Wirex Pay self-custody solution, and Cardano Card partnership add substantial value for different user segments.
The main drawbacks are the relatively high crypto exchange spread (0%-1.5%) compared to dedicated exchanges, the mobile-first design that limits desktop users, cashback paid only in WXT rather than the user's preferred cryptocurrency, and the mixed Trustpilot reviews around KYC delays and account freezes. The Premium and Elite tiers require WXT commitment that may not suit all users.
Overall rating: 4.0 out of 5. Wirex excels at what it does best - making crypto spendable in everyday life with strong rewards and competitive FX rates. For active trading, pair it with a dedicated exchange like Binance or Kraken. For everyday crypto spending, earning passive yield, and traveling without FX fees, Wirex remains one of the best options on the market in 2026.
