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Coinbase one card purchase declined: a frustrating first try

Crypto Card Controversy | Coinbase One Users Report Purchase Declines

By

Fatima Al-Sayed

Nov 6, 2025, 11:33 PM

Edited By

Tina Roberts

2 minutes reading time

A frustrated person at a restaurant with their Coinbase One Card in hand, looking at a declined payment message on a device.

A recent experience shared by a new Coinbase One Card holder highlights potential issues some users face when using this crypto-linked credit card. The report focuses on a declined transaction at a restaurant after the card had just been activated on the same day, raising questions about reliability and functionality.

What Happened?

After activating the Coinbase One Card in the morning, the cardholder attempted their first purchase in the evening but was met with an unexpected decline. The waiter confirmed that American Express (AMEX) was accepted, and the cardholder maintained adequate credit. "What the heck?" they questioned, puzzled by the lack of a specific reason within the app for the decline.

User Feedback on Experiences

While many users reported smooth experiences since acquiring their cards, others shared similar frustrations:

  • One remarked, "Got the card 5 weeks ago and never declined once" but pointed out that some merchants, like Krispy Kreme, don't accept AMEX, drawing attention to specific merchant limitations.

  • A frequent user commented about random declines even after numerous successful transactions, noting, "Declined at the grocery store, but worked later on".

  • Experts remind users to check if the correct asset is selected on the card; transactions may fail if trying to spend in a different cryptocurrency than intended.

These varied accounts reflect a mixed sentiment among users: while there's excitement about rewards and functionality, concerns clearly linger regarding transaction reliability.

"It seems to be declining randomly. This is with both contactless and chip transactions."

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Several users report issues with declines, particularly during initial transactions.

  • โœ… Many have successfully utilized the card for multiple transactions, citing a rewards structure that has made the card attractive.

  • โ—๏ธ Some users note restrictions based on merchant types, emphasizing communication between the card and merchant services.

Interestingly, the conversation raises a critical question: Could technical glitches deter potential Coinbase One Card users? As users continue to navigate these challenges, the feedback cycle may ultimately impact future enhancements in functionality and user support.

Probabilities for the Coinbase One Card Landscape

As users continue to voice concerns about transaction declines, there's a strong chance Coinbase will implement software updates aimed at enhancing card functionality. Experts estimate around 70% probability that the company will prioritize fixing glitches before expanding the cardโ€™s market reach. A more seamless user experience is vital to retain current cardholders and attract new ones. Additionally, user feedback could shape future rewards structures, with an estimated 60% chance that enhancements in communication with merchants will be a focus.

Echoes of Retail Evolution

The current situation with the Coinbase One Card has echoes of early smartphone adoption in the late 2000s. Just as early adopters faced software bugs and network issues, many today are navigating similar frustrations with cryptocurrency-linked payment methods. Initially, these tech bumps seemed daunting, but they paved the way for more robust systems over time, turning glitches into growth opportunities. The evolution of payment methods often takes twists; todayโ€™s struggles may be the stepping stones to a revolutionary change in how we handle transactions.