THAT vs Crypto Debit Cards: What’s the Difference?

In the world of digital payments, crypto debit cards have long been seen as the go-to tool for bridging the gap between crypto and the real world. But as crypto matures, so must the solutions we use.

THAT isn’t just another card workaround. It’s an entirely new way of spending crypto—directly, instantly, and natively. In this article, we break down the key differences between THAT and traditional crypto debit cards, and why THAT is the infrastructure for the future of everyday transactions.

What Is a Crypto Debit Card?

Crypto debit cards are payment cards issued by companies that let you spend your crypto by converting it to fiat currency at the point of sale. They typically run on major payment networks like Visa or Mastercard and are accepted wherever those networks are. When you make a purchase with a crypto debit card, your crypto is either:

• Pre-converted into fiat and held in a custodial wallet until spent, or
• Converted at the point of transaction into fiat currency, which is then sent to the merchant.

This model helps bring some real-world utility to crypto—but it comes with compromises.

What Is THAT?

THAT is a natively spendable cryptocurrency designed for everyday use. It enables real-time crypto payments, directly from wallet to merchant, without the need for conversion into fiat. That means no middlemen, no conversions, no cards. Just real-time crypto payments between buyers and businesses. The goal isn’t to build a workaround for crypto spending—it’s to make crypto spending seamless and direct, like using cash.

With the THAT App, users can pay for real-world goods and services directly with THAT, receive discounts for doing so, and interact with merchants in a peer-to-peer ecosystem that’s fast, open, and borderless.

From the THAT Whitepaper:

“We’re building the most user-friendly, merchant-ready, and globally accepted digital currency—one that can be used as easily as cash, but without the limitations of traditional money.”

Key Differences

Let’s take a closer look at how THAT compares to crypto debit cards across six key areas:

1. Custody & Control

• Crypto Debit Cards: Require you to deposit your crypto with a centralized issuer. Your assets are held in a custodial wallet and managed on your behalf.
• THAT: You own your funds. The THAT Wallet is non-custodial—your keys, your coins. No banks. No third parties.

2. Payment Settlement

• Crypto Debit Cards: Spend crypto by converting it into fiat, then paying the merchant in local currency.
• THAT: Transactions are direct and on-chain. Merchants receive THAT, not fiat, giving them access to the benefits of crypto too.

3. Speed and Simplicity

• Crypto Debit Cards: Transaction speeds depend on card processors and fiat payment rails.
• THAT: Transactions are settled on-chain in real time. Powered by Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks.

4. Regulatory Limitations

• Crypto Debit Cards: Often limited by regional restrictions, compliance requirements, and can be frozen or revoked without warning.
• THAT: Operates on decentralized rails. The THAT Wallet is globally accessible—wherever there’s internet, there’s crypto utility.

5. Merchant Utility

• Crypto Debit Cards: Merchants never touch crypto—they receive fiat. That doesn’t build a crypto economy.
• THAT: Merchants can accept THAT, offer native discounts, and opt to hold, swap, or cash out on their terms.

6. Fees and Friction

• Crypto Debit Cards: Users face card fees, conversion fees, ATM withdrawal fees, and more.
• THAT: Minimal on-chain transaction fees. No issuer, no hidden charges.

A New Era of Spending

Crypto debit cards helped bridge a gap—but they still depend on traditional systems. They turn your crypto back into fiat before you ever use it.

THAT doesn’t convert. It replaces.

By enabling direct payments, instant settlement, and true ownership, THAT finally delivers on crypto’s promise: real money without borders.

Ready to Join the Movement?

The THAT Wallet is coming soon—bringing you a better way to spend, send, and use crypto in the real world. No cards. No conversions. Just real-time crypto payments that work the way money should. Stay tuned for launch updates at that.website and be the first to experience what it means to put the currency back in cryptocurrency.