Coinbase is preparing to unveil a new American Express® credit card in the U.S. this fall, and unlike any crypto-linked product before it, the design itself pays homage to Bitcoin’s origin story.
The stainless-steel card, weighing 17 grams, is etched with data from Bitcoin’s Genesis Block, the first-ever block mined by Satoshi Nakamoto on January 3, 2009. That foundational block not only launched the world’s first decentralized blockchain but also carried a symbolic message referencing a Times headline from that day: “Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks.” The quote has since become a defining statement of Bitcoin’s purpose, a protest against centralized finance and monetary bailouts during the 2008 crisis.
By incorporating the hexadecimal code from that very block, Coinbase transforms the card into a tangible representation of Bitcoin’s philosophy, bridging the digital and physical worlds.
Beyond symbolism, the Coinbase One Card offers practical perks tailored to crypto investors. Cardholders can earn up to 4% back in Bitcoin on every purchase, with reward rates increasing based on the amount of assets held on Coinbase.
Exclusive to Coinbase One subscribers (membership $49.99/year), the card also provides:
- Zero trading fees on up to $500 in monthly trades
- 4.5% APY on the first $10,000 in USDC holdings
- 5% more staking rewards on select assets like ETH and SOL
- $120 in annual Base network credits for smart wallet gas fees
The card integrates fully into the American Express network, offering benefits such as retail protection, travel insurance, extended warranties, Amex Offers, and premium experiences.
Coinbase says the product was designed not just as a payment tool, but as a symbol of Bitcoin’s legacy and the financial freedom it represents. The company expects to begin issuing cards to eligible users in fall 2025, reinforcing its broader mission of merging everyday finance with the ethos of decentralized innovation.