Gemini Launches Solana Credit Card With Auto Staking for SOL Rewards

Gemini has launched a new Solana-themed credit card that allows users to earn Solana (SOL) on purchases and automatically stake rewards for additional yield. The card, part of the Mastercard network, provides up to 4% back in SOL on eligible transactions, with the option to stake those rewards at up to 6.77% annual percentage yield (APY).

This new product follows Gemini’s earlier XRP Edition and Bitcoin-branded credit cards, reflecting the exchange’s ongoing strategy to integrate crypto rewards into everyday spending while leveraging popular blockchain ecosystems.

Gemini Credit Card Expansion

Gemini, the New York-based exchange, has steadily grown its credit card offerings as a key driver of user engagement. According to Mizuho analysts, card sign-ups increased from 8,000 in August 2024 to nearly 31,000 in August 2025. The Solana Credit Card extends this strategy, targeting users within the fast-growing Solana ecosystem.

The card allows users to select SOL as their preferred rewards token. Purchases earn category-based rewards:

• 4% back on gas, EV charging, and rideshare
• 3% back on dining
• 2% back on groceries
• 1% back on all other purchases

Additionally, through Gemini’s Vault Rewards program, certain merchants can offer up to 10% back depending on monthly spending thresholds and active promotions.

Auto-Staking Solana Rewards

A key feature of the Solana Credit Card is automatic staking. Users can opt in at sign-up or later from their account settings. Rewards are staked directly on Gemini’s platform, eliminating the need for manual transfers or third-party wallets. Staked SOL earns up to 6.77% APY, with flexibility to unstake at any time. Withdrawal times may vary from a few hours to several days.

Gemini reports that users who have selected Solana as their rewards token and held it for at least one year since 2021 have seen appreciation of around 300% as of July 2025. 

Solana Ecosystem Integration

The Solana Credit Card builds on Gemini’s broader integration with the blockchain. The exchange recently enabled USDC and USDT transfers on the Solana network, offering faster transactions and lower fees. Gemini describes Solana as one of the top ecosystems for developer activity and user engagement, citing its robust community and rapid adoption of decentralized applications.

Gemini aims to provide a blockchain-native utility for everyday spending while also encouraging users to take part in staking.

Existing Card Benefits

The Solana Credit Card maintains the core benefits of Gemini’s credit products:

• Compatibility with over 50 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ether
• Instant crypto rewards
• No annual or foreign transaction fees
• Discounts and partner benefits with platforms like Booking.com and Lyft

Corporate and Regulatory Developments

Gemini continues to expand its global footprint and regulatory compliance. In May 2025, the firm obtained a MiFID II license in Malta, enabling the sale of cryptocurrency derivatives across the European Union.

The exchange’s co-founders, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, remain active in political and investment arenas, donating $21 million in Bitcoin to support U.S. pro-crypto initiatives. Nasdaq’s $50 million investment ahead of Gemini’s September 2025 IPO signals institutional confidence in the exchange’s operations and product development.

Technical and Tokenomics Considerations

The Solana Credit Card is integrated with Gemini’s Vault Rewards and staking systems, reflecting the exchange’s approach to on-chain tokenomics:

• Instant crediting of SOL rewards to the user’s account
• Optional automatic staking with on-platform management
• Yield rates dynamically calculated based on staking protocols and network performance

This allows users to combine transactional utility with yield generation, reinforcing Solana’s role as both a spending and investment asset.

Conclusion

The Gemini Solana Credit Card provides an integrated solution for users to earn and stake SOL directly from everyday purchases. It combines familiar credit card functionality with blockchain-native incentives, including automatic staking, high-yield opportunities, and merchant-specific reward programs. 

The card maintains Gemini’s core advantages of broad cryptocurrency support, zero annual fees, and partner benefits while extending engagement with the Solana ecosystem.

Resources

1. Gemini’s announcement about Solana Credit card: https://www.gemini.com/blog/gemini-releases-solana-edition-of-the-gemini-credit-card-and-automatic

2. Gemini stock projected for 25% upside driven by crypto reward card 'flywheel' and EU license - report by The Block: https://www.theblock.co/post/373714/gemini-stock-projected-25-upside-driven-crypto-reward-card-flywheel-eu-license

3. Nasdaq to invest $50 million in Winklevoss-founded crypto exchange Gemini - report by CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/09/nasdaq-to-invest-50-million-in-winklevoss-founded-crypto-exchange-gemini.html

4. Gemini launches Solana credit card with automatic staking rewards - report by Blockworks: https://blockworks.co/news/gemini-solana-credit-card