The planned Bitcoin rewards card marks traditional finance’s deepest crypto integration yet, targeting Amex’s premium user base. By converting select spending categories into BTC accruals, the partners aim to normalize cryptocurrency in everyday commerce.
This initiative coincides with Coinbase’s push into derivatives trading, creating a full-spectrum financial services offering. However, the exchange’s simultaneous delisting of smaller tokens like Helium Mobile signals a strategic focus on institutional-grade assets.
The card’s success could pressure rivals to accelerate crypto integrations, though regulatory scrutiny remains a key hurdle. Banking partners are particularly cautious about transaction mix monitoring requirements under new anti-money laundering rules.
