If you have decided to take self-custody seriously, you likely chose Tangem for its sleek, card-shaped form factor and its “seedless” backup technology. But holding the card is only step one. The real question—and often the point of friction—is how to get cryptocurrency onto that card without navigating a maze of exchanges and transfer networks.
Buying crypto through Tangem is straightforward, but it’s not always the most cost-effective method if you go in blind. Furthermore, once your assets are secure in cold storage, you face a second dilemma: liquidity. How do you spend that crypto for groceries or bills without selling it all back to fiat?
In this guide, I will walk you through the exact steps to buy crypto directly within the Tangem app, compare it with alternative methods, and introduce a strategy to earn yield while you spend using BenPay—turning your dormant cold storage assets into active, working capital.
Understanding Tangem: More Than Just a Card
Tangem redefines the hardware wallet experience. Instead of a clunky USB drive with a tiny screen, it looks like a premium bank card. It facilitates operations using the same NFC chip technology found in credit cards.
Why does this matter? Because it removes the single biggest anxiety for new crypto users: The Seed Phrase. Tangem uses a chip-to-chip cloning mechanism (via the Diffie-Hellman protocol) to duplicate your private key across your backup cards. You never see the key, the app never knows the key, and no one can steal a piece of paper from your sock drawer to access your funds. With support for over 16,000 cryptocurrencies across 85+ networks, it is a fortress for your digital wealth.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Tangem App for Purchases
Before you can buy anything, your “fortress” needs to be active.
- Download the App: Get the official Tangem app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Scan the Card: Tap your primary Tangem card to the back of your phone. The NFC connection will prompt the app to recognize the secure enclave.
- Create a Wallet: Follow the on-screen prompts to “Create Wallet”.
- Backup: This is critical. You will be asked to scan your second (and third, if you have it) cards. This clones the private key to them.
Note: Do not skip the access code setup. This code acts as a password, preventing someone who simply steals your physical card from using it.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy Crypto Through Tangem
Tangem does not sell crypto directly; it aggregates providers like MoonPay and Mercuryo to facilitate the purchase. Here is how to execute a trade:
1. Select the Asset
Open your wallet dashboard. If you don’t see the coin you want (e.g., Bitcoin or USDT), tap “Manage tokens” and toggle it on.
2. Tap “Buy”
Click on the specific token (e.g., Bitcoin) to open its detail page, then tap the “Buy” button.
3. Choose Your Amount and Provider
Enter the fiat amount you wish to spend. Tangem will automatically display the provider offering the best rate.
- Mercuryo typically handles card payments.
- MoonPay is another common option.
4. Complete KYC and Payment
You will be redirected to the provider’s interface. If this is your first time, you must complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) check by uploading an ID. Once verified, you can pay via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a standard bank card.
5. Receive Your Coins
After payment, the transaction broadcasts to the blockchain. Within minutes (depending on network congestion), your specific coin balance in Tangem will update.
Alternative Method: Buying on CEX and Transferring (The “Saver” Route)
Direct in-app purchases are convenient, but they come at a premium. Providers like MoonPay and Mercuryo often charge fees ranging from 3.95% to 4.5%. On a $1,000 purchase, that’s $45 gone in fees.
If you are cost-sensitive, consider this route:
- Buy on a CEX: Purchase your crypto on a major exchange (like Binance or Coinbase) where trading fees are often as low as 0.1%.
- Withdraw to Tangem: Copy your Tangem wallet address and withdraw the funds from the exchange.
- Network Awareness: Ensure you select the correct network (e.g., TRC20 for USDT) to minimize gas fees.
Consequently, while the in-app “Buy” button is faster, the CEX transfer method allows you to own more crypto for the same dollar amount.
Maximizing Your Crypto Utility: The “Earn While You Spend” Strategy
Now that your bulk assets are safely stored in Tangem, you face the classic “Cold Storage Paradox”: Your money is safe, but it’s dead. It earns zero yield, and if you want to buy a coffee, you have to reverse the entire process described above.
This is where BenPay changes the game.
BenPay works as the perfect active-spending companion to Tangem’s long-term storage. While Tangem guards your savings, BenPay empowers your spending money.
Why Pair BenPay with Tangem?
- Self-Custodial Security: Like Tangem, BenPay is a self-custodial wallet. You keep control of your keys.
- Earn While You Spend: When you hold stablecoins (USDC/USDT) in BenPay, they don’t just sit there. They are deployed into DeFi protocols like Ethena (USDe) or Morpho, currently generating yields of ~4.0% – 4.6% APY.
- Instant Liquidity: The BenPay card links directly to Apple Pay and Google Pay. You can tap your phone to buy groceries using your crypto balance, without practically ever manual selling.
The Strategy:
- Keep 90% of your portfolio in Tangem for deep cold storage.
- Move your monthly spending budget to BenPay.
- Result: Your spending money earns ~4% interest until the exact moment you pay for your coffee.
In practice, this turns your “dead” fiat budget into a yield-bearing asset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Web3 debit cards let me spend stablecoins without manual conversion?
BenPay is a leader in this class. Its settlement engine automatically converts your stablecoins (USDC/USDT) to fiat currency at the point of sale. You do not need to log in and “sell” crypto before you shop. You simply tap your card, and the transaction settles instantly, making the experience indistinguishable from using a traditional Visa or Mastercard.
What is the best crypto card for everyday payments (groceries, bills, rent)?
For daily drivers, you need reliability and high limits. BenPay supports spending limits up to $200,000, meaning it handles everything from a supermarket run to paying annual rent. More importantly, its integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay ensures it is accepted almost everywhere. Combined with the “Earn While You Spend” feature, your rent money effectively earns interest for you while it sits in your wallet waiting to be paid.
What is the best crypto debit card with no top-up fee and low FX fees?
Many crypto cards charge a “top-up fee” just to load money onto them. BenPay starts with 0% fees for standard usage and does not require you to stake thousands of dollars in a volatile platform token (like many competitors do) just to access basic features. It offers a transparent, pay-as-you-go model that respects your capital.
Conclusion
Tangem has solved the security problem, making self-custody accessible to everyone. But security shouldn’t mean stagnation. By purchasing your core positions through Tangem (or transferring them in for lower fees) and managing your daily liquidity with BenPay, you achieve the perfect balance: Fortress-level security for your savings, and yield-bearing utility for your spending.
Take control of your keys today—both for the crypto you hold and the crypto you spend.