How Can I Spend Crypto Using My KAST Card in Mexico?

Key Takeaways

• KAST lets you easily spend, send, and receive dollars in Mexico through SPEI transfers, card payments, ATMs, and peer-to-peer transfers, with automatic currency conversion.
• Always choose MXN when paying with your KAST Card in Mexico so KAST applies live market rates instead of costly merchant conversions.
• Paying in USD at the terminal usually means higher fees, while choosing MXN can save you up to 10–15% per purchase.

How Can I Spend, Send and Receive Dollars in Mexico?

Yes! You can receive dollars, move pesos to and from Mexican banks, cash out money in ATMs, pay merchants online, in stores, or split bills with friends directly using KAST. Here's how:

1. SPEI Transfers: Send and receive funds using your CLABE.
2. KAST Card (Physical): Use your KAST card everywhere Visa is accepted. Tap at terminals or shop online⁠⁠. Transactions are processed through your KAST Card credit line, secured by your deposited balance.
3. Digital Wallets: Add your KAST card to Google Pay or Apple Pay for contactless payments.

Remember: KAST automatically converts any currency to dollars when it lands in your account. When you send funds, KAST converts them automatically to MXN if you're using SPEI, or to any international currency you select when using Global Payouts.

Let's focus on card payments. When you pay at a terminal in Mexico, the machine asks whether you want to pay in MXN or USD. This happens because your KAST Card is issued outside Mexico. And yes, choosing one over the other makes a real difference.

Example: Paying with Your KAST Card in Mexico (MXN vs USD at the Terminal)

Here’s an example based on a purchase in a local bakery in Mexico City. The total cost changes depending on whether you choose MXN or USD at the payment terminal.

Option 1: Paying in MXN (Recommended)

Option 2: Paying in USD (Merchant Conversion)

Cost Comparison Summary

Tip: Always Choose MXN at the Terminal

When the card terminal asks whether to pay in MXN (Peso) or USD (Dollar):

• Choose MXN, so KAST handles conversion using live market rates.
• Avoid USD - most merchants use Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which adds hidden markups.

Choosing MXN usually saves you up to 10–15% per purchase.

Ready to bridge the gap between crypto and everyday spending?