How to Use a Crypto Card With MetaMask

To use a MetaMask card, link your MetaMask wallet to a wallet-linked virtual card like Cryptswipe. On mobile, open MetaMask's browser and visit cryptswipe.com; on desktop, connect with the MetaMask extension. Pick a funding token, such as ETH or USDC on a Layer 2, and your card is ready in under a minute. Each payment is approved in MetaMask.

Here's how to set it up and how to keep gas costs down.

What a MetaMask card means

MetaMask is a self-custody wallet. Your keys live on your device.

A MetaMask card is a card that spends from that wallet. Cryptswipe links a virtual card to your MetaMask address. At checkout, MetaMask signs a transaction for the purchase amount and the liquidity router converts it to the merchant's currency.

Your funds don't move to a third party first.

Setting up your MetaMask card on mobile

Step 1: Open the MetaMask browser

In MetaMask Mobile, tap the Browser icon in the bottom menu.

Step 2: Visit cryptswipe.com

Enter cryptswipe.com and tap Apply for Card.

Step 3: Connect

Choose MetaMask when prompted, then approve the connection. Only your public address is shared.

Step 4: Choose a network and token

Pick what funds your card. Good MetaMask options:

• USDC on Base or Arbitrum for low fees and stable value.
• ETH on Linea, Base, Optimism or Arbitrum for cheaper ETH spending.
• ETH or USDT on Ethereum mainnet for larger purchases.
• BNB or USDT on BNB Chain if you use it in MetaMask.

Step 5: Get your card

Your card details appear in under 60 seconds. Use them online or add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Setting up on desktop with the MetaMask extension

1. Open cryptswipe.com in Chrome, Brave, Firefox or Edge.
2. Click Apply for Card.
3. Select MetaMask. The extension pops up.
4. Approve the connection and follow the same steps as mobile.

You can also use WalletConnect to connect MetaMask Mobile by scanning a QR code.

Keeping gas low on your MetaMask card

Ethereum mainnet gas can be expensive for small purchases. Layer 2 networks fix that.

Network	Gas level	Best for
Ethereum mainnet	Higher	Large purchases
Base	Very low	Everyday spending
Arbitrum	Low	Everyday spending
Optimism	Low	Everyday spending
Linea	Low	MetaMask-native users
Polygon	Very low	Small purchases

If your funds are on mainnet and you spend often, moving a spending balance to a Layer 2 can pay for itself. For one-off big purchases, mainnet is fine.

The swap and network fee is always shown before you confirm. See the fees page for everything else: $0 issuance, $0 monthly, 0% FX.

Paying with your MetaMask card

1. Enter your card at checkout.
2. MetaMask shows a signature request with the exact token amount.
3. Confirm. The conversion is locked at authorisation.
4. The merchant is paid in their currency.

That's it. Your remaining balance stays in MetaMask.

Security tips for MetaMask users

MetaMask phishing is common. Protect yourself.

• Never enter your Secret Recovery Phrase on any website. Cryptswipe will never ask for it.
• Bookmark cryptswipe.com and use the bookmark.
• Read every signature request. Check the amount and the network.
• Limit token approvals. Approve only what's needed.
• Use per-card limits and freeze cards you're not using.

Read our full security deep-dive and the security page.

Using a hardware wallet with MetaMask

If you connect a Ledger through MetaMask, the flow is the same. You'll confirm each payment on the device. It's slower, but very secure for larger balances.

Troubleshooting

MetaMask is on the wrong network

Switch networks in MetaMask to match the funding network you chose.

The transaction failed

Check you have enough of the funding token and enough of the network's gas token, like ETH on Base.

The connection didn't appear

Refresh the page, unlock MetaMask, and try again.

Spend from MetaMask anywhere

Your MetaMask wallet can pay for subscriptions, shopping and travel without selling to an exchange. Using Trust Wallet too? See how to use a crypto card with Trust Wallet. Want the bigger picture? Read non-custodial crypto cards explained.