Banqa vs Nexo Card
Banqa is a self-custody Visa card backed by USDC — you keep your keys, pay 0% deposit fees, and spend anywhere Visa is accepted. Here is how it compares to Nexo Card. The Nexo Card lets you spend against crypto you hold with Nexo — either as a credit line collateralised by your assets or in debit mode. Your crypto is custodied by Nexo, and top tiers historically depend on holding the NEXO token.
Summary
Nexo Card is powerful for borrowing against crypto, but your assets are custodied by Nexo and best rates depend on holding NEXO. Banqa is non-custodial — your USDC stays in your own wallet — with 0% deposit fees and no token requirement.
| Banqa | Nexo Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Custody model | Self-custody (non-custodial) | Custodial (Nexo holds your crypto) |
| You control the keys | ✓ | ✕ |
| Backing asset | USDC (US-dollar stablecoin) | Crypto held with Nexo (collateral / balance) |
| Deposit fees | 0% (only network gas) | Varies |
| Networks | Base, Arbitrum | Nexo account |
| Token stake required | No | NEXO token for higher tiers |
| Connect your own wallet | ✓ | ✕ |
| Business / team cards (KYB) | ✓ | Limited |
| Apple Pay & Google Pay | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accepted wherever Visa is accepted | ✓ | ✓ |
Frequently asked questions
Is Banqa a good Nexo Card alternative?
If keeping custody of your funds matters to you, yes. Banqa is a self-custody Visa card backed by USDC, so your money stays in a wallet you control while you spend anywhere Visa is accepted — with 0% deposit fees.
What is the main difference between Banqa and Nexo Card?
The custody model and backing asset. Banqa is non-custodial and backed by USDC on Base and Arbitrum; Nexo Card is custodial (nexo holds your crypto), backed by crypto held with nexo (collateral / balance).
Does Banqa require staking a token?
No. Banqa does not require staking any token to unlock the card or its features. You fund it directly with USDC.
Where can I use the Banqa card?
Anywhere Visa is accepted — 150M+ merchant locations worldwide, online and in-store, plus ATMs, with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Get your Banqa card
Sign up in minutes, verify your identity, and start spending your USDC anywhere Visa is accepted.