Custodial vs wallet-direct crypto cards
Most crypto cards work in one of two ways. A custodial card moves your crypto to the provider and asks you to top up a card balance before you spend. A wallet-direct card, like Xerovan, keeps your assets in your own wallet and funds each payment at checkout.
Why the model matters
With a custodial card, the provider holds your funds, you have to keep a card balance topped up, and money parked on the card is exposed if the account is frozen. A wallet-direct card removes the pre-funding step and leaves the assets under your control until the moment you pay.
Side-by-side comparison
| Custodial crypto card | Wallet-direct card (Xerovan) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who holds your assets | The card provider | You, in a self-custodial wallet |
| Before you spend | Send crypto to the provider and top up the card | Nothing: assets stay in your wallet |
| At checkout | Paid from the card balance | Funded in real time from your wallet |
| Unspent money | Sits on the card or provider account | Stays in your wallet |
| Budget control | The amount you top up | Card limits, with optional top-up |
| Where it works | Card network merchants | Visa merchants, Apple Pay and Google Pay |
Wallet-direct with Xerovan
- Assets stay in your self-custodial, multi-chain wallet
- Each card payment is funded in real time (RTF), so no top-up is needed
- Top up a card only if you want a fixed budget
- Visa acceptance, with Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Connect external wallets such as MetaMask
How it works
- Create or connect your wallet
- Get your Xerovan Visa card
- Pay: the amount is pulled from your wallet at checkout
FAQ
Is a wallet-direct card the same as a non-custodial card?
They overlap. Non-custodial means you control your assets. Wallet-direct describes how the card is funded: each payment is drawn from that wallet at checkout instead of from a pre-loaded card balance.
Do I ever need to top up?
Not by default. Xerovan funds card payments from your connected wallet in real time. You can still top up a card if you prefer a set balance, for example for a trip or a team budget.
Are there fees when paying from the wallet?
Converting or moving crypto can involve network or service fees depending on the asset and network. All fees are shown before you confirm.
Get started with Xerovan
Apply nowXerovan is not a bank; card and payment services are provided by licensed partners, and availability varies by country.