Gemini launches Solana credit card with auto-staking rewards
5 min read
Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, officially launched its Solana-themed credit card today, introducing an innovative auto-staking mechanism that allows cardholders to earn up to 4% back in SOL tokens on everyday purchases. The card's standout feature enables automatic staking of rewards for an estimated Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of up to 6.77%, marking a significant advancement in crypto rewards programs.
The launch comes as Solana traded at $187.62 on Monday, showing modest gains following the announcement. This represents a recovery from recent volatility that saw SOL fluctuate between lows near $173 and highs around $250 in recent weeks.
- Gemini launched a Solana edition of its credit card that gives up to 4% back in SOL on everyday purchases, with category tiers like 4% on gas/EV/rideshare, 3% on dining, 2% on groceries, and 1% on other spend, issued on the Mastercard network with no annual fee.
- The card’s standout feature is auto-staking: SOL rewards can be automatically staked on Gemini for an estimated yield up to 6.77% APY, with the option to unstake anytime, turning routine spending into passive yield.
- This move expands Gemini’s crypto card lineup (joining Bitcoin and XRP editions) and aims to differentiate from rivals by integrating yield, tapping Solana’s fast-growing ecosystem and its engaged developer and user community.
Bridging Traditional Finance and Crypto
The Solana edition joins Gemini's existing Bitcoin and XRP credit cards, all offering up to 4% cashback in cryptocurrency rewards. According to Gemini, cardholders can earn 4% back on gas, electric vehicle charging, and rideshare purchases, 3% on dining, 2% on groceries, and 1% on all other purchases.[1][2][3]
"Launching a Solana edition of the Gemini Credit Card was a logical choice given Solana's momentum and the robust and active community it built as one of the top ecosystems for new developers," Gemini stated.[3][4]
The auto-staking feature represents the card's primary innovation, available to all current and future Gemini Credit Card holders. Users can opt to automatically stake their earned SOL tokens directly on the Gemini platform, generating yields of up to 6.77% APY. Customers can unstake tokens at any time, though withdrawal times can range from hours to several days.[5][3]
Market Competition and Adoption
The launch intensifies competition in the growing crypto credit card market, which analysts project will reach $9 billion by 2034. Gemini's auto-staking feature differentiates it from competitors like Coinbase and Crypto.com, which offer traditional crypto cashback without integrated yield generation.[1][2][3]
Gemini, which went public on Nasdaq in September 2025 at $28 per share, has seen significant growth in its credit card program. According to Mizuho analysts, card sign-ups ballooned to nearly 31,000 in August from 8,000 the year prior. The exchange currently manages over $21 billion in assets with 1.5 million active users.[4][5]
Historical data from Gemini shows that users who selected Solana as their reward token and held it for at least a year saw returns of approximately 300% since 2021. The card carries no annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or crypto reward fees, and is issued by WebBank as part of the Mastercard World Elite program.[6][7][8]
The launch represents Gemini's deepening integration with the Solana ecosystem, following recent additions of USDC and USDT transfers on the Solana network and institutional staking services. As crypto exchanges continue developing user-friendly financial instruments to bridge traditional finance with digital assets, Gemini's auto-staking innovation could set new standards for passive crypto accumulation through everyday spending.[9][10]
Reference sources:
[1](https://markets.financialcontent.com/stocks/article/breakingcrypto-2025-10-20-gemini-unveils-solana-rewards-credit-card-with-auto-staking-a-new-era-for-crypto-rewards)[2](https://blog.quicknode.com/top-10-crypto-credit-debit-cards-2025/)[3](https://www.investopedia.com/the-best-bitcoin-debit-cards-8782795)[4](https://www.tradingview.com/news/the_block:e2a1b9d77094b:0-gemini-launches-solana-credit-card-with-sol-token-rewards-and-staking/)[5](https://www.investors.com/news/gemini-ipo-gemi-stock-winklevoss-crypto-exchange-nasdaq/)[6](https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/gemini-credit-card-solana-crypto-staking)[7](https://cryptodnes.bg/en/gemini-makes-earning-crypto-effortless-with-its-solana-credit-card/)[8](https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/10/20/crypto-exchange-gemini-launches-solana-themed-credit-card-with-auto-staking-rewards)[9](https://solanafloor.com/news/gemini-introduces-solana-edition-of-its-credit-card)[10](https://www.edgen.tech/news/crypto/gemini-unveils-solana-credit-card-with-auto-staking-feature)[1](https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/10/20/crypto-exchange-gemini-launches-solana-themed-credit-card-with-auto-staking-rewards)[2](https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/gemini-credit-card-solana-crypto-staking)[3](https://crypto-economy.com/gemini-launches-innovative-solana-credit-card-with-auto-staking-rewards/)[4](https://www.tradingview.com/news/the_block:e2a1b9d77094b:0-gemini-launches-solana-credit-card-with-sol-token-rewards-and-staking/)[5](https://www.edgen.tech/news/crypto/gemini-unveils-solana-credit-card-with-auto-staking-feature)