# Overview
Our product is a fast and simple crypto-backed card issuance solution designed for everyday spending.
It allows users to instantly issue virtual payment cards backed by cryptocurrency balances and use them for online and offline payments, including mobile wallet and NFC payments where supported.
StarPay offers different types of virtual cards to support both short-term and long-term payment use cases, including prepaid cards and reusable cards with a crypto-backed balance.
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## Key features
* **Instant card issuance**\
Users can issue a virtual payment card within seconds, without lengthy procedures or manual approval.
* **Immediate use**\
Once issued, the card is immediately ready and can be added to **Apple Pay** or **Google Pay**.
* **NFC payments supported**\
Pay with a smartphone or smartwatch anywhere NFC payments are accepted.
* **Crypto-backed balances**\
Each card is connected to a cryptocurrency balance. When a payment is made, the required amount is automatically converted, allowing users to spend crypto as easily as fiat.
* **Everyday use cases**\
Suitable for daily purchases, subscriptions, and travel-related expenses without typical cryptocurrency complexity.
* **Designed for different user types**\
Works for individuals, freelancers, teams, and businesses that need fast access to crypto-powered payments.
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**The core idea of the product is simplicity and speed:** instant card issuance, immediate availability in major mobile wallets, and seamless conversion of crypto to cover payments.
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## Cost and issuance
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Card issuance is based on a transparent percentage-based fee model.
* **0.2% issuance fee** applied to the card amount
* **Minimum fee:** $5
* **Maximum fee:** $500
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### Benefits
* Bridges the gap between blockchain assets and everyday payments by enabling direct card-based spending.
* Allows users to spend and manage cryptocurrency in real-life scenarios without additional complexity.
* Instant card availability, mobile wallet support, and a simple interface create a smooth and reliable payment experience.
# Card Issuance
Users can instantly issue a crypto-backed virtual payment card through a fully digital and automated process.
Card issuance is designed to be fast and frictionless, allowing users to start using the card almost immediately after creation. Once issued, the virtual card becomes available right away and can be used for supported online, mobile wallet, and NFC payments.
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### Card types
StarPay offers two virtual card types designed for different usage scenarios and user needs.
### Starpay Black
StarPay Black is a **prepaid virtual card** designed for quick and simple payments.
#### **Key characteristics:**
* Issued with a **predefined balance**
* Balance is spent until fully depleted
* **Cannot be topped up**
* Suitable for **one-time or short-term use**
* Ideal for fast online payments and subscriptions
#### **Issuance fee:**
* **0.2% of the card amount**
* Minimum fee: **$5**
* Maximum fee: **$500**
Once the balance is spent, the card becomes inactive.
### Starpay Platinum
StarPay Platinum is a **reusable virtual card** designed for long-term and continuous use.
**Key characteristics:**
* Linked to a **crypto-backed balance**
* **Can be topped up**
* Intended for ongoing payments and daily spending
* Suitable for subscriptions, recurring charges, and regular purchases
**Availability:**
* Available **exclusively to holders of $STARPAY tokens**
* Requires holding **10,000,000 $STARPAY**
StarPay Platinum provides extended functionality for users who need a persistent payment card with refill capability.
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## **How Card Issuance Works**
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### **Start card issuance**
Users can start the card issuance process immediately — no account creation or registration is required.
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### Confirm issuance fee
The system calculates the issuance fee based on the card amount and shows it before confirmation.
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### **Receive a virtual card instantly**
The virtual payment card is issued within seconds and becomes available for use immediately after creation.
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## Card Availability
Once issued, the virtual card is ready for immediate use, including:
* Online payments
* In-store payments via mobile wallets
* Subscriptions and recurring charges
The card can be added to **Apple Pay** and **Google Pay** immediately after issuance, allowing contactless payments where supported.
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The card is virtual only. Physical cards are not issued at this time.
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# Crypto Balance & Payments
Each issued card is directly linked to a crypto-backed balance, allowing users to spend cryptocurrency in real-world payment scenarios without manual conversions or additional steps.
Users can fund the card with supported cryptocurrencies. The available balance is updated in real time and shown alongside its fiat equivalent, providing clear visibility into available funds and spending amounts.
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## How Payments Work
When a card payment is made, the platform automatically converts the required amount of cryptocurrency into fiat currency at the moment of purchase.
The payment flow works as follows:
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### A payment is initiated
A card payment is initiated by the user, either online or via a supported payment method.
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### Available crypto balance is checked
The system verifies that the card’s crypto-backed balance is sufficient to cover the transaction amount.
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### Required amount is converted
The necessary amount of cryptocurrency is automatically converted at the current rate to complete the payment.
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### Merchant receives fiat
The merchant receives the payment in fiat currency, just like with a standard card transaction.
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### Crypto balance is updated
The card’s crypto-backed balance is updated instantly to reflect the completed transaction.
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This process happens in seconds and feels identical to paying with a traditional card.
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## Supported Payment Scenarios
The crypto-backed card can be used for:
* Online purchases
* In-store payments
* Contactless payments via mobile wallets
* Subscriptions and recurring charges
There is no need to pre-exchange crypto before making a payment. As long as sufficient balance is available, the card can be used seamlessly.
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## Transaction Visibility
Each card payment is recorded with clear and transparent transaction details, allowing users to easily track spending activity.
| Detail | Description |
| ------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Date & time | When the transaction occurred |
| Merchant | Where the payment was made |
| Fiat amount | Purchase amount in fiat |
| Crypto amount | Amount deducted from crypto balance |
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Make sure your balance covers the purchase amount plus any applicable conversion fees to avoid declined transactions.
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# Apple & Google pay
Our platform supports seamless integration with **Apple Pay** and **Google Pay**, giving users the ability to pay for goods and services using their mobile devices with convenience and security. Once a payment card is issued, it can be added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet in just a few taps, allowing users to start paying immediately.
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## Adding a card to a mobile wallet
* Apple Pay: Open Apple Wallet on your iPhone or Apple Watch, select “Add Card,” and follow the on-screen instructions.
* Google Pay: Open the Google Wallet app on your Android device, tap “Add to Wallet,” and complete the setup within seconds.
No waiting period or manual approval is required.
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## Where you can pay
After the card is added to a mobile wallet, it can be used for payments anywhere mobile wallet payments are supported, including:
* In-store purchases
* Online checkouts
* In-app payments
Mobile wallet payments allow transactions to be completed without manually entering card details.
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Card numbers are never shared with merchants. Transactions are protected using tokenization and device-specific account numbers. Payments are authorized through built-in device security such as Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint authentication, PIN codes, or passkeys.
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## Crypto-backed balance + mobile wallet
By combining a crypto-backed balance with mobile wallet functionality, the platform delivers a modern payment experience. Users can rely on their smartphone or smartwatch for daily spending while maintaining security and privacy. Apple Pay and Google Pay make spending crypto simple, fast, and accessible anywhere digital payments are supported.
# Mobile Wallets
The virtual card can be seamlessly integrated with **Apple Pay** and **Google Pay**, allowing users to make fast and secure payments using their mobile devices. Mobile wallet support enables contactless payments without the need for a physical card.
Once a card is issued, it can be added to a mobile wallet within seconds and used immediately for both online and in-store purchases.
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## Apple Pay
Apple Pay allows users to pay with their iPhone or Apple Watch anywhere contactless payments are supported.
### How to add the card to Apple Pay
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### Open Apple Wallet
Open **Apple Wallet** on your device.
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### Add Card
Tap **Add Card**.
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### Enter Card Details
Enter the virtual card details.
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### Verify
Complete the verification process.
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After the card is added, payments can be authorized using Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode. The actual card number is never shared with merchants, as Apple Pay uses tokenization to protect sensitive data.
## Google Pay
Google Pay enables contactless payments using Android smartphones and supported devices.
### How to add the card to Google Pay
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### Open Google Wallet
Open **Google Wallet**.
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### Add to Wallet
Tap **Add to Wallet**.
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### Enter Card Details
Enter the virtual card details.
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### Confirm Verification
Confirm verification.
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Payments are secured using device-level authentication such as fingerprint, PIN, or pattern lock.
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## Mobile Wallet Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Contactless payments | Pay with phone or smart watch |
| Tokenized payments | Card details are not shared during mobile wallet payments |
| Fast checkout | No need to enter card details |
| Wide acceptance | Works anywhere mobile payments are supported |
By combining crypto-backed cards with mobile wallets, users can spend cryptocurrency in a modern, convenient, and secure way.
# Security control
Security and user control are designed around the card itself and the payment flow, rather than user accounts.
The product relies on standard payment network mechanisms and mobile wallet protections to help ensure safe card usage while maintaining a simple, frictionless experience.
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## Card and payment protection
Card payments are processed using established payment network standards and modern protection mechanisms.
When cards are used via Apple Pay or Google Pay, additional device-level protections are applied by the mobile wallet, such as biometric authentication or device security settings.
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## Card Controls
Users have full control over their virtual card directly from the dashboard. Key control features include:
| Control | Description |
| ------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Freeze / unfreeze | Temporarily block or restore card usage |
| Spending limits | Apply limits to control spending amounts |
| Transaction history | Review completed card transactions |
| Card reissue | Generate new card details if needed |
Card controls can be used at any time without contacting support.
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Never share card details, verification codes, or device access with third parties. Mobile wallet security depends on device-level protections.
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## Transaction Protection
Each card transaction includes clear details such as merchant name, amount, and timing, helping users monitor activity and identify unexpected payments.
# Getting started
Getting started with the platform is designed to be fast and straightforward. Users can go from account creation to making their first payment in just a few minutes.
This guide walks through the basic steps required to start using a crypto-backed virtual payment card.
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### Start card issuance
Begin the card issuance process directly from the dashboard. Card issuance is fully digital and takes only a few seconds.
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### Pay the issuance amount
Pay the card issuance fee required to create the card.
For **Starpay Black**, a **0.2% issuance fee** applies based on the card amount:
* Minimum fee: **$5**
* Maximum fee: **$500**
Issuance conditions for **Starpay Platinum** may differ and are available to eligible users only..
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### Receive a virtual card
The virtual card is issued within seconds and becomes available for use immediately after creation.
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### Add the card to a mobile wallet
Optionally add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay to enable contactless payments using a smartphone or smartwatch.
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### Start paying
Use the virtual card for online purchases, in-store payments via mobile wallets, and subscriptions where supported.
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| Tip | Description |
| --------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Use stablecoins | Helps maintain predictable spending |
| Enable alerts | Stay informed about transactions |
| Monitor balance | Avoid declined payments |
Following these steps ensures a smooth and secure onboarding experience.
# Use Cases
The platform is designed to make cryptocurrency practical for everyday use by connecting crypto balances to a virtual payment card. Below are the most common and valuable ways users apply the card in real-life scenarios.
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## Everyday Purchases
Users can pay for groceries, cafes, retail shopping, and daily services using their crypto-backed card. Payments feel identical to traditional card payments, with automatic conversion at checkout and instant confirmation.
## Online Payments
The card works seamlessly for online purchases across e-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces. It can be used anywhere standard card payments are accepted, even if the merchant does not support crypto directly.
## Subscriptions and Recurring Charges
The card can be used for recurring payments such as streaming services, SaaS tools, cloud services, and digital subscriptions. Charges are processed automatically, drawing from the available crypto balance.
## Mobile and Contactless Payments
After adding the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay, users can pay with their smartphone or smart watch. This enables fast contactless payments in stores, public transport, and other NFC-enabled locations.
## Travel and International Spending
Crypto-backed cards can be used while traveling to pay for hotels, transportation, dining, and shopping abroad. Users do not need to exchange currency manually, as conversion happens automatically during payment.
## Freelancers and Remote Workers
Freelancers who receive income in cryptocurrency can use the card to spend earnings on everyday needs, software tools, and services without transferring funds through traditional banks.
## Business and Expense Management
The card can be used for business-related expenses such as software subscriptions, marketing services, and operational costs. Transaction history provides clear visibility into spending.
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| Scenario | Benefit |
| -------------- | -------------------------------- |
| Daily spending | Simple crypto payments |
| Subscriptions | Automatic recurring charges |
| Travel | No manual currency exchange |
| Freelancing | Direct spending of crypto income |
| Business use | Clear expense tracking |
By covering both personal and professional use cases, the platform turns cryptocurrency into a flexible and accessible payment method for real-world usage.
# Fees and limits
This section describes the fees and limits applied to StarPay virtual cards.\
Fees and limits vary depending on the card type.
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#### StarPay Black
StarPay Black cards use a **prepaid model** with a one-time issuance fee.
| Fee type | Description |
| -------------------- | ----------------------- |
| Card issuance fee | **0.2% of card amount** |
| Minimum issuance fee | **$5** |
| Maximum issuance fee | **$500** |
| Top-up fee | Not supported |
StarPay Black cards **cannot be topped up**.\
Once the balance is spent, the card becomes inactive.
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The initial balance is not a fee and remains fully usable for payments once the card is issued.
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## Spending Limits
Spending limits help protect users and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Limits may vary depending on verification level.
| Limit type | Amount |
| ------------------- | -------- |
| Minimum card amount | **$5** |
| Maximum card amount | **$500** |
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## Important Notes
Read important notes about payments and limits
* All payments are subject to available crypto balance
* Conversion rates are applied at the moment of payment
* Transactions may be declined if limits are exceeded
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Limits and fees may be updated over time. Any changes will be communicated through the platform interface.
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This transparent fee and limit structure allows users to plan spending confidently while using crypto for real-world payments.
# FAQ
Below are answers to the most common questions about using Starpay virtual cards.
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Which cryptocurrencies are supported?
Supported cryptocurrencies may vary depending on availability and network conditions.
The current list of supported assets is displayed during the card issuance process.
Is the card physical or virtual?
All Starpay cards are **virtual cards**.
They can be used for online payments and added to **Apple Pay** or **Google Pay** for contactless payments.
How fast is card issuance?
Card issuance is **instant**.
A virtual card is issued within seconds after completing the issuance process and becomes available for use immediately.
Can I add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Yes.
Once issued, the card can be added to **Apple Pay** or **Google Pay** right away and used for contactless payments where mobile wallets are supported.
Why was my transaction declined?
A transaction may be declined for several reasons, including:
* Insufficient available balance
* Merchant or category restrictions
* Temporary network or processing issues
* The card being inactive or frozen
If the issue persists, make sure the card is active and has sufficient balance before retrying.
Are there monthly or inactivity fees?
No.
Starpay does **not charge** monthly fees or inactivity fees.
Can I top up my card?
* **Starpay Black** cards **cannot be topped up** and are designed for prepaid, one-time or short-term use.
* **Starpay Platinum** cards **support top-ups** and are intended for long-term, ongoing usag
Who can access Starpay Platinum?
Starpay Platinum is available **exclusively to holders of $STARPAY tokens**.
A minimum holding of **10,000,000 $STARPAY** is required to access Platinum cards.