Research note · official sources
KAST vs Gnosis Pay: compare the transaction path, not the maximum reward
These cards solve different problems. This comparison examines the provider-documented cost, reward, custody, and eligibility conditions instead of naming one universal winner.
The most important finding
Maximum rewards are not directly comparable. Gnosis ties its headline to GNO holdings, eligible spend caps, and programme conditions. KAST ties higher rates to paid tiers and KAST Points. A user should calculate the realistic tier and transaction currency before comparing either headline.
Evidence table
Four questions that change the answer
How is the card funded and controlled?
Gnosis Pay
Gnosis Pay describes its Visa debit card as self-custodial and linked to a Safe smart account.
KAST
KAST describes an account-based card that spends from the user's KAST balance and supports stablecoin deposits and other funding routes.
Decision impact
Users prioritising on-chain control may prefer the Gnosis model. Users prioritising an account-style stablecoin product may find KAST operationally familiar.
What does the provider publish about FX?
Gnosis Pay
The current product page advertises no foreign-exchange fees for its stated payment setup, with Monerium identified as the supporting rail.
KAST
KAST's detailed fee guide lists a 0.5%–1.75% FX fee for non-USD card spend, depending on country and transaction context.
Decision impact
For non-USD spend, verify that your Gnosis funding path meets the no-FX conditions. With KAST, model the published percentage before counting rewards.
What is the reward headline actually tied to?
Gnosis Pay
Gnosis advertises up to 5% in GNO. The detailed programme guide ties rates and weekly eligible-spend caps to GNO holdings and an OG NFT bonus.
KAST
KAST's card page lists 2% Standard, 5% Premium/Limited, and 8% Luxe in KAST Points for the documented reward season. Higher tiers carry substantial prices.
Decision impact
Neither maximum rate is a universal cash return. The asset, holding requirement, cap, tier price, and programme period all change net value.
Does '170+ countries' mean residents everywhere can apply?
Gnosis Pay
The applicant must confirm that onboarding is offered for the user's residence before ordering.
KAST
No. KAST's own availability guide says the card is not available in every country and directs applicants to the country dropdown during sign-up.
Decision impact
Merchant acceptance and resident onboarding are different facts. A card may work at merchants in a country without accepting residents of that country.
When Gnosis Pay may fit better
- You specifically value a Safe-linked self-custodial card model.
- Your documented funding and spending route qualifies for the provider's no-FX position.
- You understand GNO reward conditions and will verify the currently active programme.
- The provider accepts applicants in your jurisdiction.
When KAST may fit better
- You want an account-style product centred on stablecoin deposits and card spending.
- You are comfortable pricing the 0.5%–1.75% non-USD FX range into your use case.
- The Standard tier's documented economics work without relying on a premium reward headline.
- Your country appears in the current applicant sign-up flow.
A date conflict worth checking
The Gnosis product page currently advertises up to 5% cashback. The detailed intermediary programme article states an end date of June 30, 2026. Because this review date is later, we do not assume that the older programme terms remain active unchanged. Confirm the programme shown inside the product before assigning any value to the reward headline.
Primary sources checked
These links go directly to the provider documents used for this note. They are citations, not affiliate destinations.
Conclusion
Gnosis Pay has the stronger documented proposition for a user who prioritises its self-custodial Safe model and can confirm the relevant fee and reward conditions. KAST has a broader account-style product with clearly documented tier pricing, but non-USD FX and paid reward tiers materially change the result. Neither card should be selected from the maximum reward percentage alone.