How to spend crypto without KYC

1. A no KYC crypto card

The widest reach: any online checkout that takes Visa or Mastercard, plus shops if the card works with a phone wallet (25 of 29 do). Costs are a one time card fee (about $38.56 on average) and a top-up fee (about 3.4%). See the ranked list.

2. Gift cards bought with crypto

Several platforms sell gift cards for Amazon, supermarkets, airlines and more, paid in crypto, often with only an email address. Good for a specific shop, but limited to the brands on offer.

3. Paying merchants in crypto directly

Some online shops, VPNs, hosting providers and travel sites accept crypto at checkout. There is no card in between, but the list of merchants is short.

4. Lightning payments

Bitcoin's Lightning Network makes small payments instant and almost free. Acceptance is growing in some regions but is still rare in most shops.

5. Peer to peer

Selling crypto to another person for cash or a bank transfer avoids a company in the middle. It takes more effort and carries counterparty risk, so use reputable platforms with escrow.

Which to use

For everyday spending, a no KYC card is the most practical. Top up with stablecoins to avoid price swings, and keep a gift card or direct payment option as a backup for merchants that decline prepaid cards. If privacy is the priority, look at cards that accept Monero (6 today).