CoinCorner (coincorner.com) is a Bitcoin-focused company that has helped people and businesses buy, sell, send, receive and store Bitcoin since 2014. In the gift card space it's best known for The Bolt Card, a contactless Bitcoin Lightning debit card that also works as a gift card. At Bitnxt, we looked at how CoinCorner and The Bolt Card work and who they suit.
What Is CoinCorner?
CoinCorner says it serves more than 350,000 users in 15 international markets, including individuals, businesses, high-net-worth individuals, family offices and trusts. It has been covered by the BBC, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Independent and City AM. Its app has a 4.2-star rating on the App Store (308 ratings, at the time of writing).
The Bolt Card: A Bitcoin Gift Card
CoinCorner describes The Bolt Card as the world's first contactless Bitcoin debit card. It uses NFC, like a normal bank card, but runs on the Bitcoin Lightning Network, so you tap to pay with Bitcoin. It also works as a gift card: add Bitcoin from your wallet to a Bolt Card and give it to someone for a birthday, holiday or any other occasion.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
CoinCorner focuses only on Bitcoin:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Bitcoin Lightning Network, used by The Bolt Card
There are no altcoins or stablecoins. That keeps things simple for Bitcoin-only users but limits options for everyone else.
Other CoinCorner Services
- Buy Bitcoin: buy BTC with a debit card or bank transfer, with recurring buys available
- Send Globally: send money from the UK straight into bank accounts in countries such as the Philippines, Nigeria and Kenya
- Vault: multi-signature Bitcoin custody, with keys spread across jurisdictions and insurance underwritten by Lloyd's of London
- Personal and Business accounts: eMoney accounts with payments in GBP and EUR
- Stacking Accounts: sub-accounts for saving Bitcoin towards a goal
How to Gift Bitcoin with The Bolt Card
- Buy a Bolt Card from CoinCorner.
- Add Bitcoin to the card from your wallet over Lightning.
- Give the card as a gift.
- The recipient taps to pay wherever Lightning NFC payments are accepted.
Fees
CoinCorner says it doesn't charge a fee for Send Globally transfers, though third-party service fees may apply. Bitcoin buying fees, Bolt Card prices and network costs vary, so check CoinCorner's current pricing before buying.
Regions and Restrictions
CoinCorner serves 15 international markets, and its accounts support GBP and EUR. The Bolt Card can only be used where merchants accept Lightning contactless payments, which is still far less common than regular card payments.
Is CoinCorner Safe?
CoinCorner says it keeps keys offline in cold storage, uses multi-signature wallets, and offers the insured Vault service for larger holdings. As with any custodial platform, turn on your account security features and move long-term savings to storage you control or to the Vault.
Refunds and Support
Bitcoin payments can't be reversed. For account or card issues, use CoinCorner's Help Centre or contact form.
CoinCorner vs Other Crypto Gift Card Platforms
CoinCorner gives Bitcoin itself as a gift, on a tap-to-pay card. Gift Me Crypto offers gift cards in 15+ cryptocurrencies, while Bitrefill sells brand gift cards paid in crypto. Compare all options in the Bitnxt crypto gift cards directory.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Established Bitcoin company, operating since 2014
- The Bolt Card is a physical Bitcoin gift that also works as a tap-to-pay card
- Payments run over the fast Lightning Network
- Wide range of services, including insured Vault custody
- iOS and Android apps
Cons
- Bitcoin only, with no altcoins or stablecoins
- No brand gift cards such as Amazon or Steam
- Few merchants accept Lightning NFC payments
- Bitcoin's value can go up or down after you give the gift
Who Is CoinCorner For?
CoinCorner suits Bitcoin fans who want to give real BTC as a physical gift, Lightning users, and UK and European users who want one Bitcoin-focused platform. If you want brand gift cards or altcoins, look elsewhere.
Bitnxt Verdict
CoinCorner is a trusted, long-running Bitcoin platform, and The Bolt Card is one of the most distinctive ways to give Bitcoin. It's great for introducing friends and family to Lightning, but it isn't a brand gift card marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Bolt Card?
It's a contactless Bitcoin debit card from CoinCorner that runs on the Lightning Network. You can load it with Bitcoin and give it as a gift card.
Which cryptocurrencies does CoinCorner support?
Only Bitcoin (BTC), including Lightning payments.
Does CoinCorner sell Amazon or Steam gift cards?
No. CoinCorner focuses on Bitcoin. For brand gift cards paid in crypto, see platforms such as Bitrefill.
How long has CoinCorner been operating?
CoinCorner has provided Bitcoin services since 2014.
Where can I use a Bolt Card?
Wherever merchants accept Bitcoin Lightning contactless (NFC) payments.
Is CoinCorner safe?
CoinCorner says it uses cold storage and multi-signature wallets, and its Vault custody is insured through Lloyd's of London.
Disclaimer: This review is for information only and is not financial advice. Bitcoin is volatile, and services, fees and availability change often. Always check the latest details on CoinCorner before buying.
