Crypto Cashback Rewards Explained
Companies have long used cashback reward programs to encourage customer engagement and loyalty. Offering incentives in digital currencies has become popular to lure tech-savvy customers interested in this new asset class.
Traditionally, customers are used to cashback and rewards programs that offer discounts, airline miles, or fiat in exchange for their purchases. Users can earn cash back in fiat currency or points with monetary value by applying for credit or debit cards. They can redeem points for different discounts and transactions.
Furthermore, consumers can register their cards on cashback websites and receive rewards for purchases, including groceries, electronics, insurance, and vacations. Users can accrue cashback rewards by using these websites’ platforms to make purchases.
The increasing number of digital natives who are familiar with cryptocurrencies and prefer to get their rewards in digital assets is the target market for cryptocurrency cashback programs. These programs frequently provide more rewards than conventional cashback plans to encourage adoption.
Examples of Crypto Cashback Offerings
Many businesses, including established corporations, new fintech models, and e-commerce platforms, now offer cryptocurrency cash rewards. Cashback programs take many forms, including flat-rate rewards based on minimum requirements and percentage-based rewards, such as 3% for dining and 1% for all other purchases.
Some programs offer tiered rewards based on spending or account balances, while others require a subscription fee or deposit to access. For instance, Venmo, owned by PayPal, offers credit cards that convert cashback rewards into cryptocurrency purchases.
Paystand, a B2B payments company, provides corporate expense cards that reward users with cryptocurrency. The prominent crypto trading platform Crypto.com has a well-established program that rewards users based on their activity and holdings on the exchange.
Other exchanges, such as Gemini, Coinbase, and Wirex, provide debit or credit cards with similar cashback benefits, depending on their business models. Club Swan offers a lifestyle and payment platform that includes concierge services and card purchase rewards.
However, these programs’ availability varies by region, so users should check to see if they are available in their area.
Sites and apps like StormX and CoinCorner also offer crypto cashback models, allowing users to shop at various retailers while earning cryptocurrency rewards. Nevertheless, users should carefully consider these programs’ fees and minimum requirements and conduct extensive research to make sound financial decisions.
Offbeat Crypto Rewards
Specialty rewards programs also use cryptocurrency incentives to reward social, gaming, or fitness-related activities. Users who participate in move-to-earn programs, like StepN and Sweatcoin, are rewarded with cryptocurrencies for walking and running.
These initiatives track user behavior through apps and award users with native tokens. Games like Axie Infinity allow players to earn cryptocurrency through their interests and pastimes.
Tax Implications
Users face several financial and tax reporting concerns when receiving cryptocurrency cashback rewards. Hence, they must seek professional financial and tax advice. Key areas to review are:
Capital Gains
If cryptocurrency rewards increase in value, selling them for fiat currency or exchanging them for another cryptocurrency could result in capital gains tax. The calculation of this tax can be complicated, depending on factors such as local tax laws and holding periods.
Cryptocurrency Volatility
Most tax laws consider cryptocurrency rewards income, and their market value determines their value at the time of receipt. Even if the value decreases over time, users are still responsible for taxes based on the initial receipt value.
Key Considerations
While cryptocurrency cashback rewards can be appealing, users should carefully consider the drawbacks. There are significant compliance and reporting requirements, particularly for individual tax affairs.
Tax Implications
Tax laws vary by jurisdiction and can be complex. The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides general guidance on cryptocurrency treatment.
The IRS treats such rewards as taxable income based on their fair market value at receipt and subject to capital gains tax upon disposal. Therefore, accurate record-keeping is critical for tracking rewards and transactions for proper tax reporting and compliance.
Conversion to Fiat and Off-Ramp
Based on the options offered by the rewards program, converting cryptocurrency earnings into fiat currencies may be expensive.
Wallet Security
Users who keep their cryptocurrency winnings in private wallets must implement strong security measures to guard against malware and hacking.
Conclusion
While crypto cashback rewards present attractive advantages, users should proceed cautiously and carefully while considering the associated complexities. Essential considerations include tax reporting and compliance requirements, the expenses of converting tokens to fiat, and the requirements for solid wallet security measures.