Argentine Cryptocurrency Exchange Launches First Bitcoin-Supported Visa Credit Card

The Argentina-based cryptocurrency exchange Lemon has officially launched the country's first Bitcoin-supported Visa credit card, marking a shift from traditional crypto debit card models to collateralized lending. The product is now available to over 5.5 million Lemon users.

Unlike debit cards that automatically sell cryptocurrencies during transactions, Lemon's new card allows users to spend Argentine pesos while maintaining the integrity of their Bitcoin holdings.

How Bitcoin-Supported Credit Mode Works

The card operates on a collateral debt structure. Users lock in 0.01 Bitcoin as collateral (currently worth approximately $900 to $960 USD) and immediately receive a credit limit of 1,000,000 Argentine pesos. Transactions are settled in local currency, while Bitcoin remains securely stored and is not used passively. This design completely eliminates forced liquidation. Users can access short-term peso liquidity for daily expenses without selling their Bitcoin, allowing them to benefit fully from price fluctuations. Approval is based on collateral value and account history, with no credit checks or traditional banking requirements.

Under a partnership agreement with Rootstock, maintenance fees are waived for the first three months. Afterward, unless users purchase at least $150 USD worth of cryptocurrency each month, the card will incur a monthly fee of approximately 7,500 pesos.

Why Argentina Is a Natural Launch Market

Cryptocurrency adoption in Argentina continues to accelerate. As of January 2026, nearly 20% of the population (about 8.6 million people) actively use cryptocurrencies, the highest adoption rate in Latin America.

Lemon plans to expand the product's features in future phases. Its roadmap includes customizable collateral ratios and options for direct settlement of USD-denominated transactions using stablecoins like USDC and USDT.

The Bitcoin payment service launched now is based on Lemon's Visa service introduced in 2021, which initially offered Bitcoin cashback rewards. This time, the focus shifts from rewards to credit—converting users' Bitcoin holdings into a spending buffer without requiring users to give up their Bitcoin.

——Comment: What a crazy country! If all holders go into crypto trading, is there any hope for this country?