Contributor, Benzinga
November 12, 2021
Embily
Overall Rating:
securely through Embily's website

Crypto-critics often talk about the commoditization of this asset class, comparing it to gold. Yet, modern problems sometimes require 1960s solutions, and Embily tackles this issue with its crypto debit card.

By connecting your crypto wallet with an Embily Card, you manage your funds conveniently — paying in-store, online or withdrawing from an ATM — just like you would with a typical bank-issued fiat money debit card.

Embily originated in Estonia. It is regulated and available within the European Economic Area (EEA) and is quickly expanding into other markets.

Pros
  • Regulated
  • Simple
  • Competitive fees
Cons
  • Not available outside of Europe
  • No iOS or Android app
  • No Google Pay

Embily Ratings at a Glance

Customer Service
Pricing
User Benefits
User Experience
Overall

Embily Customer Service

The concept behind Embily is relatively simple — use a physical or virtual debit card for making purchases or withdrawing funds in more than 80 countries worldwide. Users can manage up to 5 cards and connect them to Apple Pay for contactless payments. The company runs 24/7 support via live chat through human operators. Additionally, it also has social media channels including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram. 

Embily is headquartered in Estonia and regulated within the European Union. Estonia has been one of the leading innovators in the digital business space, launching an e-Residency program as early as 2014. This regulation makes it available in all the EU countries but also Norway and the U.K.

Embily Pricing

Embily charges no hidden fees or fluctuating exchange rates at the moment of transaction. There is no need to hold any tokens, and the card delivery is free (5 to14 days on average). The monthly service charge is 2 euros per card, the load fee is 1% and the foreign exchange markup for spending outside of the card’s currency is a standard 1.50%.

A physical plastic card costs 5 euros and includes worldwide delivery, while a virtual card costs only 1 euro. The company also runs a referral program offering referral fees and bonuses of  0.1% for all future top-ups. Additionally, referrals receive bonuses for the same amount after their first deposits.

Card delivery is free and the monthly fee is set at a competitive 2 euros per month, while the loading fee is 1% — basically the commission fee. FX mark-up is in line with industry standards at 1.50%.

embily

Mobile App 

Embily currently doesn’t have a mobile app. According to its FAQ, the app is in the testing phase, and both iOS and Android apps will be available in the next few months. So far, you can connect the card with Apple Pay for smooth transactions.

Embily’s instructions for making a guide on how to create shortcuts to their web platform on mobile devices are helpful.

Embily User Benefits

If you are a crypto trader, you’re earning cryptocurrency and may need to convert it into fiat money to spend. Exchange fees can rack up fast, so you could be saving a considerable sum in the long run. A well-formed subculture in 2021, crypto enthusiasts often prefer to hold a portion of their wealth in crypto without converting it to fiat money. Yet, life is unpredictable and unexpected expenditures can manifest at any moment. Having a crypto debit card adds another protective layer to your finances.

Like traders, investors earn income from crypto. A debit card provides an option to spend some of that income. Perhaps the price rose over 10% in a single day and you want to boost your holiday shopping budget? It is an easy process with a crypto debit card connected to the wallet.

As a freelancer, you need to have a convenient way to meet daily expenditures if you’re earning wages in crypto. A debit card bypasses the traditional process, saving time and fees.

Embily’s most notable benefit is transparency. Monthly membership is reasonable, and spending limits are generous with reasonable options to expand them.

Embily User Experience

Using the Embily platform is a smooth experience. As you can see from the screenshot below, the interface is clean, and navigation is intuitive. A special bonus is an extensive database of frequently asked questions, guides and manuals explaining the most common concerns in detail.

Embily Web Platform, Source: Embily

Embily vs. Competitors

Embily
Best For
  • Anyone Paid in Crypto
securely through Embily's website

When comparing Embily to other services, the main differentiator is its transparency. The company is clear about costs, which is an honorable trait in the crypto market — a market that is still young, turbulent and often unregulated.

Having EU regulation is another big plus, especially since it comes from Estonia, known for its digital innovations.

Embily Overall

Embily scores 4.5/5 on the Benzinga rating scale based on competitive prices, reasonable fees, excellent customer support and intuitive interface. Furthermore, strong regulatory and compliance efforts show seriousness. On the other hand, Embily can find ways to improve. First, mobile apps are a standard in 2021, and the company is slightly behind on that plan. Adding a cash back option would be another benefit. Finally, the service is not yet available in the U.S, which is a vast, competitive market. Hopefully, Embily can operate in the U.S. soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Is crypto good for beginners?

A

Although cryptocurrencies are a concept that traces back to the 1980s, they are relatively young in practical applications. Thus, beginners need to be careful not to fall for scams — the latest story being the Squid Token.

Yet, armed with common sense and basic precautions, there is no reason to avoid this fast-growing asset class. You can read more in Benzinga’s guide to cryptocurrency trading.

Q

Can cryptocurrency be converted to cash?

A

It is straightforward to convert cryptocurrency to cash using an exchange. This process is similar to classical brick-and-mortar fiat currency exchanges, albeit in a digital setting.

After you have deposited your cryptocurrency with exchange and made a withdrawal, the exchange will credit your bank account with an equivalent sum in cash. For this service, the exchange will charge you a fee — usually proportional to the size of the withdrawal.

User Reviews

Alexander

How do you use this product to boost your finances?

Smooth service!

Elena

How do you use this product to boost your finances?

Nice and easy for everyday payments. No need to buy and hold tokens.

Madi

How do you use this product to boost your finances?

Everything is ok, but only 9 coins (

Kirill Ronzhin

How do you use this product to boost your finances?

Works well

Cyril

How do you use this product to boost your finances?

The fastest way to change crypto to Euros that I have tried. Get virtual card in 10 minutes, added to Apple Pay and topped up in USDT (trc20). Funds where on the cards balance in 5 minutes. Very useful when you need to cash out some crypto to cash.

Joshua

How do you use this product to boost your finances?

poor customer support, app not working properly

Submit Your One Minute Opinion

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Stjepan Kalinic

About Stjepan Kalinic

Forex, Equity Analysis, and Financial Education