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 Geminiโs 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 Geminiโs system, earning network yield of up to 6.77% while supporting transaction validation on Solanaโs high-performance blockchain.
The product, which follows Geminiโs earlier Bitcoin (BTC) and XRP card editions, offers up to 4% SOL back on gas, EV charging, and rideshare spending, and represents the firmโs latest move to blur the line between traditional credit utility and crypto-native incentives.
Geminiโs 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 exchangeโs staking system, which relies on Solanaโs 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 Solanaโs decentralized architecture.
Geminiโs rationale for selecting Solana hinges on its ecosystem momentum and performance data. The exchange highlighted Solanaโs โrobust and active communityโ 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 Geminiโs 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 networkโs fast settlement times and low transaction fees.
The announcement provided a modest boost to Geminiโs own stock, with shares climbing 5% during Mondayโs 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.
