Gemini is embedding core blockchain mechanics into consumer finance. The exchange said its new Solana credit card automatically stakes rewards, transforming everyday spending into direct participation in network security without any user intervention.
Summary
- Gemini launched a Solana Edition credit card that automatically stakes SOL rewards.
- The card offers up to 4% SOL back on gas, EV charging, and rideshare purchases.
- Its debut follows Gemini’s addition of USDT and USDC transfers on Solana.
On Oct. 20, Gemini announced the launch of its Solana Edition credit card, introducing an auto-staking feature that folds blockchain participation into everyday consumer spending.
The publicly traded exchange said cardholders who opt for Solana (SOL) rewards can now have them automatically staked within Gemini’s system, earning network yield of up to 6.77% while supporting transaction validation on Solana’s high-performance blockchain.
The product, which follows Gemini’s earlier Bitcoin (BTC) and XRP card editions, offers up to 4% SOL back on gas, EV charging, and rideshare spending, and represents the firm’s latest move to blur the line between traditional credit utility and crypto-native incentives.
Gemini’s Solana card and what it means for users
Gemini said new applicants can activate the feature during the card sign-up process, while existing cardholders can opt in through their rewards settings once they select Solana as their preferred asset.
The process happens within the exchange’s staking system, which relies on Solana’s underlying network of node operators and smart contracts. These validators add new blocks and receive staking rewards for securing the network, with Gemini acting as the intermediary between the user and Solana’s decentralized architecture.
Gemini’s rationale for selecting Solana hinges on its ecosystem momentum and performance data. The exchange highlighted Solana’s “robust and active community” and its standing as a top ecosystem for developers. Perhaps more compelling is the internal data Gemini is using to market the card: users who held SOL rewards for at least one year saw their value appreciate by 299.1%, according to a firm analysis from late July.
This card launch is the latest step in Gemini’s strategic deepening into the Solana ecosystem. It comes just days after the exchange enabled deposits and withdrawals for USDT and USDC on Solana, praising the network’s fast settlement times and low transaction fees.
The announcement provided a modest boost to Gemini’s own stock, with shares climbing 5% during Monday’s trading to $20.67 as of press time. This uptick offers a slight reprieve for the public company, which has seen its stock price decline since its Nasdaq IPO earlier this year. Gemini debuted at $28 per share, raising over $425 million, but has since faced market pressures alongside the broader crypto sector.
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