The cryptocurrency landscape in the United States is undergoing a transformative shift as Coinbase, one of the most prominent regulated digital asset platforms, unveils two groundbreaking financial products designed to bridge traditional finance with the evolving crypto economy. At its annual crypto summit on June 12, the company announced the launch of CFTC-compliant perpetual futures contracts for retail investors and a new American Express co-branded credit card offering up to 4% Bitcoin cashback—a move that signals deeper integration of crypto into everyday spending and advanced trading.
These innovations are not just product launches—they represent a strategic expansion of Coinbase’s ecosystem, targeting both active traders seeking leveraged exposure and consumers looking to earn crypto rewards through daily purchases.
Building a Complementary Crypto Financial Ecosystem
Max Branzburg, Head of Consumer and Business Products at Coinbase, emphasized the importance of meeting user demand within a compliant framework. He noted that 75% of global cryptocurrency trading volume comes from derivatives markets, highlighting the growing appetite for sophisticated financial instruments. While Coinbase’s international platform saw $5 billion in retail perpetual futures volume in May alone, U.S. users previously had limited access to similar services due to regulatory constraints.
The introduction of regulated perpetual futures and a high-reward Bitcoin credit card directly addresses this gap. By aligning with U.S. regulatory standards—particularly those set by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)—Coinbase aims to keep American capital within domestic, transparent markets rather than pushing users toward offshore, unregulated exchanges.
This dual-product rollout reflects a broader vision: creating an all-in-one platform where users can trade, save, spend, and earn in cryptocurrency—all under strict compliance protocols.
Understanding Coinbase’s New Perpetual Futures Offering
Perpetual futures are a popular derivative instrument in the crypto world, allowing traders to gain leveraged exposure to digital assets without an expiration date. Unlike traditional futures contracts, which settle on a fixed date, perpetuals are kept in line with spot prices through a mechanism called funding rates—periodic payments exchanged between long and short positions.
Coinbase’s new offering mirrors this model but operates within U.S. regulatory guardrails. Key features include:
- CFTC compliance: Ensures oversight, transparency, and investor protection.
- Regulated margin and clearing: Trades are settled through approved clearinghouses, reducing counterparty risk.
- Retail accessibility: For the first time, individual U.S. investors can access perpetual contracts without relying on offshore platforms.
Branzburg stressed that the goal isn’t to replicate offshore conditions but to provide a domestic alternative that meets both market demand and legal requirements. “Coinbase doesn’t intend to make crypto derivatives trading a non-U.S. phenomenon,” he said. With this launch, the company hopes to reduce the incentive for American traders to migrate their activity overseas—a trend that has long concerned regulators.
👉 See how compliant crypto derivatives are changing the game for U.S. investors.
The Coinbase One Credit Card: Earn Bitcoin on Every Purchase
In parallel, Coinbase is redefining how consumers interact with cryptocurrency through everyday spending. The new Coinbase One credit card, set for release in the fall, is issued by First Electronic Bank and powered by the American Express network. It offers users a compelling incentive: up to 4% cashback in Bitcoin on every transaction.
Rewards are deposited directly into the user’s Coinbase wallet—no conversion hassles, no foreign transaction fees. For high-volume spenders or those with significant holdings on the platform, reward tiers may increase further, creating a loyalty loop that benefits active users.
Who Is This Card For?
The card is currently exclusive to Coinbase One members, a premium subscription tier priced at $49.99 per year. In addition to the credit card, members enjoy several value-added benefits:
- Zero fees on the first $500 of spot trades each month
- 4.5% annual yield on up to $10,000 worth of USDC
- 5% higher staking rewards across supported assets
- $10 monthly gas subsidy for Base network wallet transactions
This tiered model positions Coinbase as more than just an exchange—it’s evolving into a full-service crypto-native financial platform, blending banking, investing, and payments.
Core Keywords Driving Adoption
This strategic expansion revolves around several key themes that resonate with both retail users and institutional observers:
- Bitcoin cashback credit card
- U.S. crypto derivatives
- CFTC-compliant perpetual futures
- Coinbase One membership
- Crypto rewards
- Regulated crypto trading
- Bitcoin rewards
- American Express crypto card
These keywords reflect growing interest in compliant, user-friendly crypto products that integrate seamlessly into real-world financial behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a perpetual futures contract?
A perpetual futures contract is a type of derivative that allows traders to speculate on the price of an asset—like Bitcoin—without an expiration date. It uses funding rates to align its price with the underlying spot market, enabling continuous trading with leverage.
Are these new Coinbase products available to all U.S. residents?
The perpetual futures product will be available to retail investors across the U.S., subject to regulatory approval and platform eligibility. However, the Bitcoin cashback credit card is currently limited to Coinbase One subscribers, who must pay an annual fee of $49.99.
How do I earn 4% Bitcoin cashback?
Cardholders automatically earn up to 4% back in Bitcoin on every purchase made with the Coinbase One card. The exact percentage depends on your spending category and membership status. Rewards are settled directly into your Coinbase wallet.
Is the credit card safe and widely accepted?
Yes. The card is issued by First Electronic Bank and runs on the American Express network, meaning it can be used anywhere Amex is accepted—globally and online. There are no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travelers.
How does this impact the broader crypto market?
By offering regulated derivatives and consumer-facing crypto rewards, Coinbase strengthens the legitimacy and utility of digital assets in mainstream finance. These moves could encourage wider adoption while keeping activity within compliant U.S. frameworks.
Can I lose money trading perpetual futures?
Yes. Perpetual futures involve leverage, which amplifies both gains and losses. They are suitable for experienced traders who understand risk management. Coinbase provides educational resources and risk controls to help users trade responsibly.
With these dual launches, Coinbase is setting a new benchmark for how crypto platforms can serve U.S. users—offering powerful trading tools and innovative spending rewards, all within a regulated environment. As the line between traditional finance and digital assets continues to blur, products like these may soon become standard in American wallets and investment portfolios alike.