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Crypto.com vs Cash App — which platform is right for you in 2026? Crypto.com is a full-featured crypto exchange with 100+ million users, 400+ supported cryptocurrencies, zero-fee trading through its Level Up program, staking, a Visa credit card with up to 6% CRO cashback, and DeFi tools. Cash App is a mobile payments super-app with 57+ million monthly active users that offers Bitcoin and USDC trading, Lightning Network payments, stock investing, and free tax filing. If you want a wide range of crypto assets and advanced trading tools, Crypto.com is the better choice. If you want the simplest way to buy Bitcoin alongside everyday banking and payments, Cash App wins.
| Feature | Crypto.com | Cash App | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 (Singapore) | 2013 (Block, Inc.) | — |
| Users | 100+ million (100+ countries) | 57+ million MAU (US & UK) | Crypto.com |
| Supported Cryptos | 400+ | Bitcoin + USDC (stablecoins) | Crypto.com |
| Trading Fees | Zero fees* up to $50K/mo (Level Up) | ~0.75%–3% service fee + spread | Crypto.com |
| Debit/Credit Card | Visa Signature Credit Card (up to 6% CRO back) | Cash Card (Bitcoin Boosts, round-ups) | Crypto.com |
| Staking | Yes — 20+ assets, up to 9.5% CRO staking | No | Crypto.com |
| DeFi / NFTs | Yes — DeFi wallet, NFT marketplace | No | Crypto.com |
| Stock Investing | Yes — zero-commission via Level Up | Yes — fractional shares from $1 | Tie |
| Lightning Network | No | Yes — free instant BTC transfers | Cash App |
| Insurance | $750M cold-storage insurance | FDIC-insured USD up to $250K | Tie |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.2 App Store | 4.7 App Store | Cash App |
| Best For | Crypto enthusiasts & active traders | Beginners wanting simple BTC + banking | — |
Crypto.com Overview
Crypto.com is a comprehensive cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2016 and headquartered in Singapore. The platform surpassed 100 million users globally, making it one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world. Crypto.com supports 400+ cryptocurrencies for trading and offers an ecosystem that includes spot and derivatives trading, staking, a DeFi wallet, an NFT marketplace, zero-commission stock trading, and the popular Crypto.com Visa cards.
In late 2025, Crypto.com overhauled its Level Up rewards program, introducing three subscription tiers — Plus ($4.99/month), Pro ($29.99/month), and Private (CRO stake) — alongside a free Basic tier. The Level Up program offers zero trading fees on crypto purchases, zero-commission stock trading, up to 5% APY on cash balances, and up to 6% CRO cashback on its Visa Signature Credit Card. Crypto.com holds regulatory licenses worldwide including FinCEN (US), FCA (UK), MAS (Singapore), MiCA authorization in the EU (Malta), and carries a $750 million cold-storage insurance policy — one of the largest in the industry.
Cash App Overview
Cash App is a mobile payment platform developed by Block, Inc. (formerly Square), launched in 2013. With over 57 million monthly active users primarily in the United States and United Kingdom, Cash App started as a peer-to-peer payment service and has expanded into banking, Bitcoin trading, stock investing, stablecoin transfers, and free tax filing. Cash App added Bitcoin support in 2018 and in November 2025 announced major crypto upgrades: USDC stablecoin support on Solana, Bitcoin merchant payments via the Lightning Network, and automatic USD-to-Bitcoin conversion for spending at local businesses.
Cash App operates under Block, Inc., which is publicly traded on the NYSE (ticker: XYZ) and generated over $16 billion in revenue in 2024. USD balances are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 through partner banks (Sutton Bank and Lincoln Savings Bank). Cash App is regulated as a money transmitter in the US and authorized by the FCA in the UK. The platform is rolling out its stablecoin and Bitcoin payment features throughout early 2026.
Cryptocurrency Selection
Crypto.com offers a dramatically larger crypto selection than Cash App. Crypto.com supports 400+ cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, Avalanche, Chainlink, and hundreds of altcoins. The exchange also lists its native token CRO, which unlocks fee discounts, staking rewards, and card benefits through the Level Up program.
Cash App supports only Bitcoin and, as of early 2026, USDC stablecoins on the Solana blockchain. Block, Inc. announced in November 2025 that Cash App would enable stablecoin transfers, allowing customers to send and receive digital dollars nearly anywhere in seconds. However, Cash App still does not support Ethereum, Solana (the native token), or any other altcoins.
Winner: Crypto.com — with 400+ supported assets versus Cash App's Bitcoin + USDC approach, Crypto.com is the clear choice for anyone who wants to trade altcoins.
Fees and Charges
Crypto.com's revamped Level Up program makes it significantly cheaper than Cash App for buying and selling crypto. Here is how the fee structures compare in 2026:
| Fee Type | Crypto.com | Cash App |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto Purchase (App) | Zero fees* (Level Up members) | 0.75%–3% service fee |
| Exchange Trading (Maker) | 0.075%–0.15% | N/A (no order book) |
| Exchange Trading (Taker) | 0.075%–0.15% | N/A |
| Spread | ~0.40% | Up to 1% |
| Level Up Plus ($4.99/mo) | Zero fees up to $20K/month | N/A |
| Level Up Pro ($29.99/mo) | Zero fees up to $50K/month | N/A |
| Credit/Debit Card Purchase | Up to 2.99% | N/A (fund via bank only) |
| ACH/Bank Transfer Deposit | Free | Free (standard), 0.5%–1.75% (instant) |
| Crypto Withdrawal | Varies by network (e.g., ~0.0004 BTC) | Network fee only |
| Fiat Withdrawal | Free (ACH), $25 (wire) | Free (standard), $0–$2.50 (instant to bank) |
| Stock Trading | Zero commission (Level Up) | Zero commission |
| Foreign Exchange Fees | 0% (Level Up card) | Standard Visa FX rates |
Crypto.com Level Up members enjoy zero trading fees on crypto purchases in the app — Plus members get this on up to $20K/month, Pro members up to $50K/month, and Private members get unlimited zero-fee trading. Even without Level Up, exchange fees start at 0.075% for high-volume traders. Cash App's fee structure is simpler but significantly more expensive, charging a flat service fee of 0.75%–3% depending on purchase size plus a spread of up to 1%. For a $1,000 Bitcoin purchase, you could save $15–$40 by using Crypto.com.
Winner: Crypto.com — zero-fee trading through Level Up makes it dramatically cheaper than Cash App for any trading volume.
Trading Features and Tools
Crypto.com offers a complete trading platform with advanced tools that Cash App simply does not have:
| Feature | Crypto.com | Cash App |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Trading | Advanced order book | Simple buy/sell only |
| Limit / Stop Orders | ||
| Derivatives / Futures | ||
| Margin Trading | ||
| Staking | 20+ assets, up to 9.5% CRO | |
| DeFi Wallet | Non-custodial | |
| NFT Marketplace | ||
| Stock Trading | Zero commission | Fractional shares from $1 |
| Recurring Buys / DCA | Auto-invest BTC | |
| Bitcoin Lightning Network | Free send/receive | |
| Bitcoin Merchant Payments | Crypto.com Pay | USD-to-BTC at checkout (2026) |
| Stablecoin Transfers | Multiple stablecoins | USDC on Solana (2026) |
| Peer-to-Peer Payments | Limited | Core feature |
| Tax Filing | Cash App Taxes (free) | |
| Direct Deposit | Up to 2 days early | |
| Yield on Cash | Up to 5% APY (Level Up) | Savings yields available |
Crypto.com is a purpose-built crypto trading platform with institutional-grade tools: charting, advanced order types, derivatives, DeFi access, and now zero-commission stock trading through its Level Up program. Cash App is primarily a mobile banking app with Bitcoin buying layered on top — but it excels at Lightning Network support for free, instant Bitcoin transfers and its new 2026 Bitcoin merchant payment feature that automatically converts USD to BTC at checkout for spending at local businesses.
Cash App's November 2025 crypto upgrade is significant: USDC stablecoin support on Solana enables users to send and receive digital dollars globally in seconds, and the Bitcoin spending feature lets users pay merchants with Bitcoin via the Lightning Network without needing to hold any BTC — Cash App converts USD to Bitcoin automatically.
Winner: Crypto.com for crypto trading; Cash App for all-in-one financial services and Bitcoin payments.
Cards and Rewards
Both platforms offer cards, but with very different value propositions reflecting their distinct approaches.
Crypto.com Visa Cards
Crypto.com now offers both a Visa Signature Credit Card and a prepaid debit card, both integrated into the Level Up program:
- Basic (Free): 2% CRO back on credit card purchases
- Plus ($4.99/mo): 3.5% CRO back, Spotify rebate, 0% FX fees
- Pro ($29.99/mo): 4.5% CRO back, Spotify + Netflix rebates, airport lounge access, 0% FX fees
- Private ($50K CRO stake): 5% CRO back, all rebates + Amazon/Expedia, Priority Pass, 0% FX fees
- Private ($500K CRO stake): 6% CRO back, all perks, private concierge
The prepaid card offers up to 5% CRO cashback depending on tier, and all Level Up members enjoy zero foreign transaction fees.
Cash App Cash Card
A free, customizable Visa debit card linked to your Cash App balance:
- Bitcoin "Boosts" — rotating cashback offers at specific merchants (e.g., 10% off at Whole Foods, 5% at Dunkin')
- Round-ups — automatically invest spare change into Bitcoin
- Custom card design (personalize with artwork or photos)
- No annual fee, no staking requirements, no subscription
- New in 2026: Bitcoin spending at merchant checkout via Lightning Network
Winner: Crypto.com for high-spending crypto users who want consistent percentage-based cashback; Cash App for everyday users who want simple merchant Boosts and zero requirements to earn rewards.
Security and Regulation
Both Crypto.com and Cash App maintain strong security standards, though their approaches differ given their different business models.
| Security Feature | Crypto.com | Cash App |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Coverage | $750M cold-storage insurance | FDIC-insured USD up to $250K |
| Cold Storage | Yes (majority of assets) | Yes (Bitcoin held by partner custodian) |
| 2FA | (App, Email, Authenticator) | (SMS, Email) |
| Biometric Login | (Face ID, fingerprint) | (Face ID, fingerprint) |
| SOC 2 Compliance | Type II | (Block, Inc.) |
| Proof of Reserves | Published regularly | |
| Regulatory Licenses | FinCEN, FCA, MAS, MiCA (EU) | FinCEN, FCA, state money transmitter |
| Publicly Traded | No (private) | Yes — Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ) |
| Whitelisting / Anti-Phishing | Advanced | Limited |
| ISO 27001 | Not disclosed |
Crypto.com's $750 million insurance policy, published Proof-of-Reserves audits, and MiCA authorization in the EU provide industry-leading transparency for a crypto exchange. Cash App benefits from Block Inc.'s public company status and SEC reporting requirements, plus FDIC insurance on fiat balances — a protection Crypto.com does not offer on USD holdings (though Crypto.com's new Level Up program offers up to 5% APY on cash balances).
Winner: Tie — Crypto.com leads on crypto-specific security and transparency; Cash App leads on fiat protection and public company accountability.
User Experience and Mobile App
Cash App is consistently rated higher for user experience. Its app is designed for simplicity — buying Bitcoin takes three taps, and the interface seamlessly blends banking, payments, investing, and tax filing into one intuitive experience. Cash App scores 4.7 stars on the Apple App Store with over 12 million ratings, making it one of the highest-rated financial apps.
Crypto.com's app is more powerful but also more complex. New users may find the interface overwhelming due to the sheer number of features: trading, staking, DeFi, card management, earn programs, stocks, and the Level Up dashboard. It scores 4.2 stars on the App Store. However, experienced crypto users appreciate the depth of tools, and the revamped Level Up interface has simplified navigation for subscription management.
Winner: Cash App — significantly easier to use, especially for crypto beginners and everyday financial tasks.
Availability
Crypto.com is available in 100+ countries worldwide, including the US, UK, EU (with MiCA authorization), Australia, Canada, and much of Asia. It holds regulatory licenses across multiple jurisdictions, making it one of the most globally accessible crypto platforms.
Cash App is available only in the United States and the United Kingdom. It does not serve users in Europe, Asia, Australia, or other major markets. This limited geographic availability is a significant drawback for international users. Cash App's new USDC stablecoin feature (on Solana) does enable cross-border transfers, but the app itself remains US/UK-only.
Winner: Crypto.com — available in 100+ countries versus Cash App's US/UK-only availability.
Level Up Program vs Cash App Banking
A key differentiator in 2026 is the financial services ecosystem each platform offers beyond basic crypto trading.
| Feature | Crypto.com Level Up | Cash App |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Cost | Free (Basic) to $29.99/mo (Pro) | Free |
| Cash/Savings Yield | Up to 5% APY | Savings yield available |
| Zero-Fee Crypto Trading | Up to $50K/mo (Pro) | (0.75%–3% fees) |
| Zero-Commission Stocks | ||
| Stock Transfer Bonus | Up to 3% ACATS bonus | |
| CRO Staking Rewards | Up to 9.5% APY | N/A |
| Direct Deposit | Up to 2 days early | |
| P2P Payments | Limited | Core feature |
| Tax Filing | Free | |
| Bitcoin Loans / Borrow | (discontinued) | Cash App Borrow (5% flat fee) |
Crypto.com's Level Up program transforms it from a pure crypto exchange into a broader financial platform, adding stock trading, cash yields, and enhanced card rewards. Cash App remains the stronger everyday banking alternative with direct deposit, P2P payments, borrowing, and tax filing — features that Crypto.com does not offer.
Who Should Choose Crypto.com?
Choose Crypto.com if you:
- Want to trade altcoins beyond Bitcoin (400+ cryptocurrencies)
- Need advanced trading tools — limit orders, futures, margin trading
- Want zero-fee crypto trading through the Level Up program
- Want to earn passive income through staking (20+ assets, up to 9.5% CRO)
- Value a crypto credit card with up to 6% cashback in CRO
- Are based outside the US/UK and need a global platform
- Want DeFi access, NFTs, and a non-custodial wallet
- Want up to 5% APY on cash balances
Who Should Choose Cash App?
Choose Cash App if you:
- Primarily want to buy, hold, and send Bitcoin with minimal friction
- Value an all-in-one financial app (banking, payments, stocks, tax filing, borrowing)
- Want free Bitcoin transfers via the Lightning Network
- Want to spend Bitcoin at merchants via automatic USD-to-BTC conversion
- Want USDC stablecoin transfers on Solana for cross-border payments
- Prefer the simplest possible user experience (4.7 rated)
- Want FDIC-insured fiat balances
- Need direct deposit, a free debit card, and stock investing alongside Bitcoin
Alternatives to Consider
If neither platform perfectly fits your needs, consider these alternatives:
| Platform | Best For | Cryptos | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | US beginners | 260+ | Public company, strong compliance |
| Kraken | Active traders | 580+ | Lowest fees, 14-year zero-breach record |
| Binance | Advanced/global traders | 350+ | Highest liquidity, 0.10% fees |
| Gemini | Security-focused users | 110+ | NY-regulated, SOC 1/2 Type 2 dual audit |
| Revolut | Super-app alternative | 200+ | Banking + crypto in one app, 65M users |
For more comparisons, see our guides to Crypto.com vs Coinbase, Cash App vs Revolut, Coinbase vs Cash App, and Crypto.com vs Kraken.
Crypto.com vs Cash App: Final Verdict
| Category | Winner | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptocurrency Selection | Crypto.com | 400+ vs Bitcoin + USDC |
| Trading Fees | Crypto.com | Zero fees (Level Up) vs 0.75%–3% |
| Trading Features | Crypto.com | Full exchange, futures, margin |
| Card Rewards | Crypto.com | Up to 6% CRO back vs merchant Boosts |
| Staking & Earning | Crypto.com | 20+ assets, up to 9.5% CRO yield |
| Security | Tie | $750M insurance vs FDIC + public company |
| User Experience | Cash App | 4.7 vs 4.2, simpler interface |
| Bitcoin Payments | Cash App | Lightning Network, merchant spending |
| Banking Services | Cash App | Direct deposit, P2P, borrowing, tax filing |
| Global Availability | Crypto.com | 100+ countries vs US/UK only |
| Overall Winner | Crypto.com | Superior for crypto; Cash App wins for banking |
Crypto.com is the better platform for cryptocurrency trading and investing in 2026. With its revamped Level Up program, it offers zero-fee trading on 400+ cryptocurrencies, up to 6% CRO cashback on its Visa Signature Credit Card, staking rewards up to 9.5%, and up to 5% APY on cash — all within a globally available platform serving 100+ million users. Cash App is the better choice for users who want a simple, all-in-one financial app with Bitcoin and USDC as secondary features alongside banking, peer-to-peer payments, stock investing, borrowing, and free tax filing.
For more platform comparisons, see our guides to the best crypto exchanges, Crypto.com review, and Revolut vs Crypto.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Crypto.com or Cash App?
Crypto.com is better for cryptocurrency trading — it supports 400+ coins, offers zero trading fees through its Level Up program (vs. Cash App's 0.75%–3% fees), and provides advanced trading tools, staking, and DeFi access. Cash App is better for users who want a simple all-in-one financial app with basic Bitcoin and USDC buying alongside banking, P2P payments, stock investing, and free tax filing.
Is Crypto.com cheaper than Cash App for buying Bitcoin?
Yes, Crypto.com is significantly cheaper. Level Up Plus members ($4.99/month) pay zero fees on crypto purchases up to $20K/month. Even without Level Up, Crypto.com's exchange charges 0.075%–0.15% in maker/taker fees. Cash App charges a service fee of 0.75%–3% plus a spread of up to 1%. For a $1,000 Bitcoin purchase, you could save $15–$40 by using Crypto.com.
Can I buy altcoins on Cash App?
No, Cash App only supports Bitcoin and USDC stablecoins (added in early 2026 on the Solana blockchain). Cash App does not support Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, or any other altcoins. If you want to trade altcoins, Crypto.com supports 400+ cryptocurrencies.
Is Cash App safe for buying Bitcoin?
Yes, Cash App is generally safe for buying Bitcoin. It is operated by Block, Inc., a publicly traded company on NYSE (ticker: XYZ) subject to SEC reporting requirements. USD balances are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 through partner banks, Bitcoin is held in cold storage by a partner custodian, and the app supports biometric login and two-factor authentication. Block, Inc. generated over $16 billion in revenue in 2024.
What is Crypto.com Level Up?
Level Up is Crypto.com's subscription-based rewards program launched in late 2025. It offers three paid tiers — Plus ($4.99/month), Pro ($29.99/month), and Private (CRO stake) — plus a free Basic tier. Benefits include zero trading fees on crypto purchases, zero-commission stock trading, up to 5% APY on cash balances, up to 6% CRO cashback on the Visa Signature Credit Card, and up to 9.5% CRO staking rewards.
Does Cash App support stablecoins?
Yes, as of early 2026 Cash App supports USDC stablecoin transfers on the Solana blockchain. This allows users to send and receive digital dollars nearly anywhere in seconds. Block, Inc. announced this feature in November 2025 alongside Bitcoin merchant payments via the Lightning Network.
Can I send Bitcoin from Cash App to Crypto.com?
Yes, Cash App supports Bitcoin withdrawals to external wallets. You can send Bitcoin from Cash App to your Crypto.com wallet by copying your Crypto.com BTC deposit address and initiating a withdrawal from Cash App. Cash App also supports free Lightning Network transfers for instant Bitcoin sends.
Which platform has better card rewards?
Crypto.com offers higher percentage-based rewards — up to 6% CRO cashback on its Visa Signature Credit Card for Private tier members, plus subscription rebates for Spotify, Netflix, Amazon, and Expedia. Cash App's Cash Card offers rotating merchant-specific "Boosts" (e.g., 10% off at Whole Foods) and Bitcoin round-ups on purchases. Crypto.com wins for consistent high-percentage rewards; Cash App wins for zero-cost, no-commitment merchant discounts.
