In a major development for European crypto users, OKX has announced that its crypto card and payment services will soon be available across all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries. The announcement, shared by OKX leadership, signals the exchange's commitment to expanding crypto payment infrastructure throughout Europe following its successful MiCA licensing.
OKX Pay and Card will soon be available across 30 EEA countries. We look forward to hearing your feedback as we continue to improve the product. pic.twitter.com/o4H89PgfHU
— Star (@star_okx) January 20, 2026
OKX's European Expansion Under MiCA
OKX's ability to expand across the entire EEA stems from its MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) license obtained through its Malta hub in early 2025. This regulatory framework allows OKX to "passport" its services across all 30 EEA member states under unified regulations, providing access to over 400 million potential users.
The OKX Card, which previously launched in Brazil in October 2025, offers users the ability to spend their cryptocurrency holdings at millions of merchants worldwide. The card operates on the Mastercard network and integrates with OKX Pay, the platform's digital payment ecosystem.
Key Features of OKX Card for EEA Users
- 40+ cryptocurrencies supported including BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, and major altcoins
- Up to 2% cashback depending on tier and account status
- Mastercard network acceptance at millions of merchants globally
- Virtual and physical cards available
- OKX Pay integration for seamless ecosystem experience
- Limited-time cashback boost during first 30 days for new users
- Instant crypto-to-fiat conversion at point of purchase
As detailed in our previous article on OKX Card availability in Brazil, the platform has been steadily expanding its card services globally, with Brazil serving as a key testing ground alongside Binance and Bybit.
Europe's Crypto Card Landscape: The Competition
The European market for crypto cards has become increasingly competitive, with several major platforms offering compelling solutions. Let's examine how OKX compares to two other major players: Bitpanda and Nexo.
Bitpanda Card: The Eurozone Specialist
Bitpanda, the Vienna-based crypto platform serving over 7 million users, offers one of Europe's most comprehensive crypto card solutions. Relaunched in April 2025 with a new issuer partner (Transact Payments Malta Limited), the Bitpanda Card stands out for its multi-asset capabilities.
Bitpanda Card Features:
- 600+ cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, and metals can be spent
- 1% BTC cashback (or selected asset) when using crypto as payment
- Available in Eurozone countries (19 countries where euro is official currency)
- €0 annual fees and no FX fees for EUR transactions
- Visa network with global acceptance
- Instant asset-to-EUR conversion at purchase
- Apple Pay and Google Pay supported
- Main and Fallback payment asset system for failed transaction prevention
What makes Bitpanda unique is the ability to spend not just crypto, but also fractional stocks, ETFs, and precious metals like gold. This multi-asset approach appeals to users with diversified portfolios. The platform holds three MiCA licenses (from Germany's BaFin, Austria's FMA, and Malta's MFSA), making it one of the most regulated crypto platforms in Europe.
Limitations: Available only in Eurozone countries (not all EEA), and the 1% cashback may be lower than competitors' tiered programs.
Nexo Card: The Dual-Mode Innovation
Nexo takes a different approach with its hybrid credit/debit card that lets users choose between spending crypto directly or borrowing against it. Available in the EEA, UK, Switzerland, and Andorra as of early 2025, the Nexo Card achieved a remarkable 62% adoption rate among eligible users.
Nexo Card Features:
- Dual-mode functionality: Credit Mode (borrow against crypto) or Debit Mode (spend crypto)
- Up to 2% cashback in NEXO tokens (Credit Mode only, not available to UK users)
- Up to 14% annual interest on unspent balances
- €2,000/£1,800 free ATM withdrawals monthly (tier-dependent)
- Mastercard network with 100+ million merchant acceptance
- Apple Pay and Google Pay supported
- $50 minimum for virtual card activation
- Physical card requires $5,000 balance and Gold loyalty tier (currently paused)
The Credit Mode is particularly innovative, allowing users to access liquidity without selling their crypto assets. This feature has protected over $1.3 billion worth of Bitcoin and Ethereum from market sales while generating nearly $6 million in cashback rewards for users.
Limitations: Geographic availability still limited (primarily EEA/UK), high requirements for physical card, no cashback for UK users due to FCA regulations, and physical card ordering temporarily suspended since January 2025.
Comprehensive Comparison: OKX vs Bitpanda vs Nexo
| Feature | OKX Card | Bitpanda Card | Nexo Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disponibilité | 30 EEA countries (coming soon) | 19 Eurozone countries | EEA, UK, Switzerland, Andorra |
| Network | Mastercard | Visa | Mastercard |
| Supported Assets | 40+ cryptocurrencies | 600+ crypto, stocks, ETFs, metals | Cryptocurrencies (amount varies) |
| Cashback | Up to 2% (tier-based) | 1% in BTC or selected asset | Up to 2% in NEXO (Credit Mode) |
| Card Types | Virtual + PhysicaWhich Card is Right for You?Choose OKX Card if:
Choose Bitpanda Card if:
Choose Nexo Card if:
The Broader European Crypto Card MarketBeyond these three major players, Europe's crypto card ecosystem includes numerous other options catering to different needs:
For a comprehensive overview of all available crypto wallets and exchange cards, visit our complete crypto directory. The Impact of MiCA RegulationThe rollout of MiCA regulation across the EU has been transformative for crypto card providers. The framework provides:
This regulatory clarity has encouraged major platforms like OKX to accelerate their European expansion, knowing they can operate under consistent rules across 30 countries. Looking Ahead: The Future of Crypto Cards in EuropeOKX's expansion announcement represents a broader trend of crypto payment infrastructure maturing in Europe. As MiCA-licensed providers scale across the continent, users benefit from:
The convergence of established crypto exchanges offering card services alongside neobanks integrating crypto features suggests that European consumers will have unprecedented choice in how they manage and spend digital assets. ConclusionOKX's forthcoming expansion across 30 EEA countries marks a significant milestone in European crypto payment adoption. While each major platform—OKX, Bitpanda, and Nexo—offers distinct advantages, the competitive landscape ultimately benefits consumers through innovation and improved services. Whether you prioritize broad geographic coverage (OKX), multi-asset versatility (Bitpanda), or innovative credit features (Nexo), Europe's crypto card market now offers mature, regulated solutions for spending digital assets in everyday life. As these platforms continue to evolve and expand, the gap between traditional finance and crypto payments continues to narrow. |