Binance Expands Crypto Card to Armenia and CIS Markets

Binance has officially rolled out its prepaid Mastercard crypto card in several Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, offering users seamless crypto-to-fiat payments and cashback perks.

Key Takeaways

• Binance launched its Mastercard crypto card in select CIS nations, including Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, enabling real-time crypto-to-fiat conversion at checkout.
• The card supports over 100 cryptocurrencies and offers up to 2% cashback on eligible purchases.
• A Valentine-themed promotion is live with token rewards like AMP, UNI, and DOT for referrals, trading, and top-ups.
• US prosecutors issued a warning about romance-related crypto scams around Valentine’s Day, advising caution with online-only relationships.

What Happened?

Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume, confirmed the launch of its Mastercard prepaid crypto card in select CIS countries. The card is now available to verified users in jurisdictions such as Armenia, expanding Binance’s crypto payment services beyond Europe.

Users can now pay with cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, ethereum, and stablecoins at any merchant that accepts Mastercard. Binance instantly converts crypto to local fiat at checkout, making transactions faster and more convenient.

Binance Card Details and Regional Access

With this expansion, Binance is targeting growing crypto user bases across the CIS region. The prepaid card lets users retain their crypto assets until the moment of purchase, ensuring flexibility and full control over their holdings.

Key card features include:

• Instant conversion of crypto to local fiat at point of sale.
• Supports 100+ tokens, including BTC, ETH, and stablecoins.
• 2% cashback on eligible purchases, up to $22.59 per month.
• In-store and online compatibility with all Mastercard merchants.
• No Binance administrative, annual, or processing fees, although third-party charges may still apply.

Supported funding methods:

• US dollar deposits via credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
• In Uzbekistan: deposits via Humo card network.
• In Kazakhstan: tenge deposits through local banks and Mastercard channels.

The card is only available to users who pass identity verification, including Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) procedures. Applicants must also hold an account with a participating crypto platform or bank.

Prior to this CIS rollout, Binance’s Mastercard crypto card had been introduced across 30 countries in the European Economic Area, including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. This new launch marks a significant expansion into post-Soviet markets.

Valentine’s Day Promo and Scam Alert

To boost adoption, Binance introduced a Valentine-themed campaign featuring token-based rewards with a pink-icon theme. The event incentivizes users through:

• Referral bonuses via the “Bring a Plus One” program.
• Top-up rewards under “Love at First Top-Up”.
• Spot and Futures trading challenges with token payouts.

Rewards include popular tokens like AMP, UNI, and DOT. The promotion runs for about one month or until the prize pool is fully distributed.

At the same time, US authorities have raised flags about crypto scams tied to online romance scams, particularly around Valentine’s Day. The US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio warned that fraudsters often pose as romantic interests and lure victims into sending crypto to fraudulent investment platforms.

US Attorney David Toepfer cautioned:

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

I find this rollout from Binance a smart and timely move. The ability to spend crypto directly in CIS countries without converting ahead of time is a huge convenience boost, especially in regions where fiat channels can be limited. From a user perspective, holding onto your crypto until the point of sale while getting cashback rewards is just smart finance.

But here’s the catch. While the Valentine’s promo adds a fun angle, the timing with scam warnings reminds me that education is still key in crypto. In my experience, many users new to crypto are drawn in by rewards and promos but overlook security. Always stay cautious and verify platforms before transacting, no matter how attractive the offer seems.

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