Karta vs SurfCash
short answerBoth are web3-native neobanks. SurfCash pays yield on balances. Compare custody, license, FX markup and fees field by field below.
Karta: Telegram-first self-custody card (Rain-issued); settles on Tempo; no US.
SurfCash: USDC → VietQR/PromptPay/PIX in ~10s; 0.5% fee; the rails cards can't touch.
Side by side
| Karta | SurfCash | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | web3-native | web3-native |
| Audience | travel & digital nomads | travel & digital nomads |
| HQ | Redwood City, US | — |
| Founded | 2020 | 2025 |
| Custody | MPC self-custodial | Self-custodial |
| Regulation | Self-custodial software | Self-custodial software |
| License detail | Self-custodial (MPC via Privy); Visa issued by Rain | Self-custodial (BVI entity); decentralized protocols + licensed local partners; Circle Alliance |
| Card | Visa · Virtual + physical | No card |
| Cashback | — | — |
| Yield | — | Up to 15% (Perena) |
| FX markup | — | — |
| Services | — | — |
| Stablecoins | Yes | Yes |
| KYC | Card only | No |
| Regions | North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa, MENA, Asia, Oceania | Asia |
| Reported users | — | — |
go deeperFull profiles: Karta · SurfCash — or run your own comparison of up to four in the directory.
Figures compiled from public sources, for comparison only — not financial advice. "Up to" rates change constantly; always confirm with the issuer. Spotted an error? Suggest a fix.