Coinbase has partnered with financial technology firm Cardless to introduce a new credit card secured by USD Coin (USDC) holdings on the exchange. The product is designed for applicants who cannot obtain unsecured credit through traditional banks, allowing them to use a portion of their stablecoin balance as collateral.
Cardholders continue to earn yield on the sequestered USDC while gaining access to a revolving credit line. The companies confirmed a one-time access fee of $49.99. The structure aims to bridge digital asset holdings with conventional payment infrastructure, enabling users to leverage crypto without liquidating their positions.
Cardless co-founder Michael Spelfogel noted that applicants come "from all different parts of the credit spectrum," including those who are accumulating crypto wealth but lack established credit histories. "People apply from all different parts of the credit spectrum," he stated, adding that some customers choose this method because they believe in cryptocurrency and are building wealth.
The launch builds on an existing collaboration framework between Coinbase, Cardless, and American Express. In September 2025, the trio introduced a Coinbase-branded card offering up to 4% cashback in Bitcoin. Cardless declined to disclose issuance numbers but confirmed the new stablecoin-secured card operates under the same partnership umbrella. Both products reflect Cardless’s strategy of partnering with consumer brands, having previously facilitated credit cards for Qatar Airways and Alibaba.
This latest move marks Coinbase’s continued push to integrate payment services with its exchange, transforming idle stablecoins into functional financial tools. The offering is available to eligible USDC holders on the platform, extending stablecoin utility from trading to everyday personal finance.
