Wirex vs Crypto.com: Which Platform Wins in 2026?
Wirex and Crypto.com are two of the most popular crypto payment platforms, each offering debit cards, earning products, and access to hundreds of digital assets. Wirex is a UK-based fintech founded in 2014 that focuses on bridging crypto and traditional payments, while Crypto.com is a Singapore-headquartered exchange founded in 2016 that has grown into a full-stack crypto ecosystem serving over 100 million users worldwide.
This detailed comparison breaks down every aspect of both platforms -- fees, card rewards, earning products, supported assets, security, and more -- so you can decide which one fits your needs in 2026.
| Feature | Wirex | Crypto.com |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 (London, UK) | 2016 (Singapore) |
| Supported Cryptocurrencies | 150+ | 400+ |
| Card Type | Visa / Mastercard | Visa |
| Max Cashback | Up to 8% (WXT, Elite plan) | Up to 8% (CRO, Obsidian tier) |
| Trading Fees | 1.5%--2.5% spread | 0.25% maker / 0.50% taker (base) |
| Earning Products | X-Accounts, DUO, Credit | Earn (up to 19% APY), On-chain Staking |
| Native Token | WXT | CRO |
| Subscription Model | Free / Premium (9.99 EUR/mo) / Elite (29.99 EUR/mo) | Free / Plus / Pro (CRO lock or subscription) |
| Regulation | FCA (UK), OAM (Italy), CBS (Canada) | 100+ country compliance, CFTC-regulated options (US) |
| Active Users | ~6 million | 100+ million |
Trading Fees Comparison
Trading fees are one of the biggest differentiators between Wirex and Crypto.com. Crypto.com operates a traditional maker/taker fee model with volume-based discounts, while Wirex uses a spread-based pricing structure that can be significantly more expensive for active traders.
| Fee Type | Wirex | Crypto.com |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Trading (Base) | 1.5%--2.5% spread | 0.25% maker / 0.50% taker |
| Spot Trading (Best Tier) | ~1% with WXT holdings | 0% maker / 0.075% taker (Level Up Pro) |
| Futures Trading | Not available | 0.02% maker / 0.04% taker |
| Card Purchase Fee | Free (from Wirex balance) | 2.99% (credit/debit card buy) |
| Bank Deposit | Free | Free (ACH/SEPA/Wire) |
| BTC Withdrawal | Dynamic (network fee) | 0.0006 BTC (~$36) |
| ETH Withdrawal | Dynamic (network fee) | ~0.004 ETH (~$10) |
Verdict: Crypto.com wins decisively on trading fees. Its maker/taker structure is standard for exchanges and far cheaper than Wirex's spread-based model, especially for traders making frequent or large transactions. The Level Up Pro tier can even unlock zero maker fees.
Crypto Debit Cards
Both platforms are known primarily for their crypto debit cards, making this one of the most important categories in this comparison. Wirex and Crypto.com each offer tiered card programs with escalating rewards, but the structures differ significantly.
Wirex Card
Wirex issues both Visa and Mastercard options depending on your region. The card pays Cryptoback rewards in WXT tokens. Cashback rates depend on your subscription tier:
- Standard (free): 0.5%--1% cashback in WXT
- Premium (9.99 EUR/month): 1%--3% cashback in WXT
- Elite (29.99 EUR/month): 4%--8% cashback in WXT
Free ATM withdrawals up to 200 GBP per month (2% fee above that). No annual fee. No foreign exchange fees at interbank rates for traditional currencies, though crypto-to-fiat conversions carry FX spreads.
Crypto.com Card
Crypto.com offers a tiered Visa card program with five tiers based on CRO staking or Level Up subscription:
- Midnight Blue (free): 1% cashback in CRO
- Ruby Steel ($400 CRO stake): 2% cashback + Spotify rebate
- Jade Green / Royal Indigo ($4,000 CRO stake): 3% cashback + Spotify, Netflix rebate
- Icy White / Rose Gold ($40,000 CRO stake): 5% cashback + airport lounge access
- Obsidian ($400,000 CRO stake): Up to 8% cashback + full perks suite
Free ATM withdrawals vary by tier (up to $1,000/month on Obsidian). Interbank exchange rates apply.
| Card Feature | Wirex | Crypto.com |
|---|---|---|
| Card Network | Visa / Mastercard | Visa |
| Free Tier Cashback | 0.5%--1% (WXT) | 1% (CRO) |
| Max Cashback | 8% (Elite, 29.99 EUR/mo) | 8% (Obsidian, $400K stake) |
| Reward Token | WXT | CRO |
| Staking Required | No (subscription model) | Yes ($400--$400,000 CRO) |
| Subscription Perks | Partner discounts | Spotify, Netflix, Amazon Prime, airport lounge |
| Free ATM Limit | 200 GBP/month | Up to $1,000/month (Obsidian) |
| FX Fees | Interbank rate (crypto spreads apply) | Interbank rate |
Verdict: Crypto.com's card wins for serious users willing to stake CRO, offering superior subscription rebates (Spotify, Netflix, Amazon Prime) and higher free ATM limits. Wirex's subscription model with no staking requirement is more accessible for casual users who want moderate cashback without locking up capital. If you value flexibility over maximum rewards, Wirex has the edge.
Earning Products
Both platforms offer ways to earn passive income on your crypto holdings, but their approaches differ substantially.
Wirex Earning Products
- X-Accounts: Deposit crypto or fiat to earn interest. Rates vary by asset and tier, with double-digit APY available on select assets.
- DUO: A dual-investment product that lets you earn up to 400% APR by tracking price fluctuations between two cryptocurrencies. Higher risk, higher reward.
- Wirex Credit: Use crypto as collateral to borrow funds without selling your holdings.
Crypto.com Earning Products
- Crypto Earn: Flexible and fixed-term deposits on 40+ tokens with up to 19% APY. Higher rates for CRO stakers and longer lock-up periods.
- On-chain Staking: Stake 30+ proof-of-stake tokens directly through the platform with up to 13% rewards (expanded to web in September 2025).
- DeFi Wallet: Non-custodial wallet for accessing DeFi protocols, yield farming, and liquidity pools.
| Earning Feature | Wirex | Crypto.com |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Earn Product | X-Accounts | Crypto Earn |
| Max APY | Up to 400% (DUO, high risk) | Up to 19% (fixed-term) |
| On-chain Staking | Not available | 30+ tokens, up to 13% |
| DeFi Access | Limited | Full DeFi Wallet integration |
| Crypto-backed Loans | Wirex Credit | Available via partners |
| Risk Level | Variable (DUO is high-risk) | Lower (standard staking/earn) |
Verdict: Crypto.com offers a more comprehensive and lower-risk earning ecosystem. Wirex's DUO product advertises eye-catching APR figures, but it carries significantly higher risk. For most users, Crypto.com's combination of Crypto Earn, on-chain staking, and DeFi Wallet provides more reliable passive income options.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Crypto.com supports over 400 cryptocurrencies for trading on its exchange, including all major assets (BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA, XRP, DOGE) and a deep selection of altcoins. The platform regularly adds new tokens and provides access to derivatives trading on major pairs.
Wirex supports over 150 cryptocurrencies including the major assets plus its native WXT token. While the selection is adequate for most users, active traders and altcoin enthusiasts will find Crypto.com's catalog significantly broader.
Verdict: Crypto.com wins with over 400 supported assets compared to Wirex's 150+. If trading a wide variety of altcoins is important to you, Crypto.com is the clear choice.
Security and Regulation
Security is critical when choosing a crypto platform. Both Wirex and Crypto.com invest heavily in protecting user assets, but their regulatory footprints and security certifications differ.
| Security Feature | Wirex | Crypto.com |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Factor Authentication | Yes | Yes |
| Cold Storage | Yes (majority of funds) | Yes (majority of funds) |
| Insurance | FSCS protection (GBP fiat) | $750M insurance fund |
| SOC 2 Certification | No | Yes (Type II) |
| ISO 27001 | No | Yes |
| Regulatory Licences | FCA (UK), OAM (Italy), CBS (Canada) | 100+ countries, CFTC (US options) |
| Proof of Reserves | Not published | Yes (audited) |
| Bug Bounty Program | Yes | Yes |
Verdict: Crypto.com has a significantly stronger security profile with SOC 2 Type II certification, ISO 27001 compliance, a $750 million insurance fund, and published proof of reserves. Wirex holds appropriate regional licences and provides FSCS protection for GBP fiat deposits, but lacks the enterprise-grade certifications Crypto.com has earned.
Mobile App and User Experience
Both Wirex and Crypto.com offer polished mobile applications as their primary user interfaces. Wirex positions itself as a "Web3 money app" combining crypto and traditional banking features in a single interface. The app is clean, intuitive, and well-suited for everyday spending and payments.
Crypto.com's mobile app is also highly polished and feature-rich, offering trading, staking, card management, NFT marketplace access, and DeFi wallet integration all within one application. The learning curve is slightly steeper due to the broader feature set, but the interface is well-organized.
Both platforms offer 24/7 customer support. Crypto.com provides in-app live chat, email support, and an extensive help center. Wirex offers in-app chat, email, and a knowledge base.
Verdict: Tie. Both apps are well-designed. Wirex is simpler and better for users who primarily want a crypto spending card. Crypto.com's app offers more functionality for active traders and investors.
Recent Developments (2025-2026)
Wirex Updates
- Launched Cardano (ADA) debit card partnership at Cardano Summit 2025
- Expanded Mastercard availability in additional European markets
- Introduced tiered subscription model (Standard, Premium, Elite)
- Enhanced DUO product with additional trading pairs
Crypto.com Updates
- Surpassed 100 million global users in 2024-2025
- Launched Level Up program with zero trading fee tiers (September 2025)
- Expanded on-chain staking to web platform with 30+ tokens
- Introduced CFTC-regulated options trading for US users
- Announced plans for native stablecoin, ETF listings, and tokenized stocks
- Launched Signature Visa credit card alongside existing debit card
Crypto.com has been significantly more active in expanding its product suite, particularly in the US market with regulatory approvals and new financial products.
Who Should Choose Wirex?
Wirex is the better choice if you:
- Want a crypto spending card without locking up capital in token staking
- Prefer a subscription-based model for card perks
- Are based in Europe or the UK and want a straightforward crypto payment solution
- Need crypto-backed loans through Wirex Credit
- Want a simple, all-in-one app for spending, not trading
Who Should Choose Crypto.com?
Crypto.com is the better choice if you:
- Want access to 400+ cryptocurrencies and derivatives trading
- Are willing to stake CRO for higher card cashback and subscription rebates
- Need comprehensive earning products (Earn, staking, DeFi)
- Want enterprise-grade security (SOC 2, ISO 27001, $750M insurance)
- Are in the US and want CFTC-regulated options trading
- Value a large, well-established platform with 100+ million users
| Category | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Trading Fees | Crypto.com | 0.25%/0.50% maker/taker vs 1.5%+ spread |
| Card Accessibility | Wirex | No staking required, subscription model |
| Card Perks | Crypto.com | Spotify, Netflix, Amazon, airport lounges |
| Earning Products | Crypto.com | More options, lower risk, on-chain staking |
| Supported Assets | Crypto.com | 400+ vs 150+ cryptocurrencies |
| Security | Crypto.com | SOC 2, ISO 27001, $750M insurance |
| Simplicity | Wirex | Cleaner UX for everyday spending |
| Global Reach | Crypto.com | 100+ countries, 100M+ users |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wirex or Crypto.com better for beginners in 2026?
Wirex is generally better for beginners who primarily want a crypto spending card with minimal setup. Its subscription model does not require staking tokens, and the app is simpler to navigate. However, Crypto.com's free Midnight Blue card tier also provides an easy entry point, and the broader feature set means you will not outgrow it as quickly.
Which platform has lower fees, Wirex or Crypto.com?
Crypto.com has significantly lower trading fees. Its base spot trading fees are 0.25% maker and 0.50% taker, with discounts available through CRO staking and the Level Up program (down to 0% maker fees). Wirex uses a spread-based pricing model of approximately 1.5% to 2.5%, which is considerably more expensive for active traders.
Can I use Wirex and Crypto.com cards internationally?
Yes, both cards work at any location that accepts their respective card networks (Visa and/or Mastercard). Both offer interbank exchange rates for fiat currency conversions. Wirex is available in the EEA, UK, US, and parts of Asia-Pacific. Crypto.com cards are available in over 100 countries with region-specific terms.
What is the difference between WXT and CRO tokens?
WXT is Wirex's native utility token used for Cryptoback rewards, fee discounts, and tier upgrades within the Wirex ecosystem. CRO is Crypto.com's native token, used for card staking, trading fee discounts, DeFi yield, and accessing higher-tier benefits across the entire Crypto.com ecosystem. CRO has a significantly larger market capitalization and broader utility.
Does Wirex offer staking like Crypto.com?
Wirex does not offer traditional proof-of-stake staking. Its earning products include X-Accounts (interest-bearing deposits), DUO (a dual-investment product with up to 400% APR but higher risk), and Wirex Credit (crypto-backed loans). Crypto.com offers both centralized Crypto Earn deposits and on-chain staking for 30+ tokens with up to 13% rewards.
Is Wirex safe to use in 2026?
Wirex is regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Italian OAM, and holds a Canadian CBS licence. GBP fiat deposits are protected under the FSCS scheme. The platform uses cold storage for the majority of user funds and offers two-factor authentication. While it lacks the enterprise certifications that Crypto.com holds (SOC 2, ISO 27001), it is considered a safe and reputable platform.
Which platform has better cashback rewards?
Both platforms offer up to 8% maximum cashback, but the paths to reaching that rate differ significantly. Wirex requires the Elite subscription at 29.99 EUR per month, while Crypto.com requires a $400,000 CRO stake for the Obsidian card. For most users, Wirex offers better cashback accessibility at lower commitment levels. At the free tier, Crypto.com's 1% CRO cashback edges out Wirex's 0.5% to 1% WXT cashback.
Can I trade futures or derivatives on Wirex?
No. Wirex does not offer futures or derivatives trading. It is primarily a payments and spending platform with basic exchange functionality. Crypto.com offers a full derivatives exchange with futures trading at competitive rates (0.02% maker / 0.04% taker base fees), making it the better choice for active and advanced traders.
Looking for more crypto platform comparisons? Check out our guides on Crypto.com vs Coinbase, Crypto.com vs Binance, and Best Crypto Debit Cards in 2026.
