Blackbird Launches FlyCard With 7 Percent Reward Rate
The new crypto-backed debit card aims to cut processing fees for restaurants while boosting dining rewards for frequent users.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Credit Cards
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Blackbird has launched the FlyCard, a crypto-backed debit card operating on the Visa network that aims to simplify rewards for diners. The card integrates with the company's existing restaurant payment platform to facilitate crypto-to-dollar conversions.
Why it matters
By utilizing blockchain technology, Blackbird aims to lower payment processing costs for the 2,500 restaurants currently using its system. This shift potentially changes how diners earn rewards and how merchants manage transaction overhead at the register.
The FlyCard allows users to earn up to 7 percent of their restaurant bill as points. Meanwhile, merchants benefit from the platform's processing fees of 2 percent to 3 percent, which compare to standard Visa transaction fees of 2.9 percent plus 30 cents.
The players
Blackbird
A restaurant payment and rewards platform that facilitates transactions and loyalty programs through blockchain technology.
Cross River Bank
A financial institution partnering with Blackbird to support the issuance of the FlyCard.
Visa
A global payment network providing the settlement infrastructure used by the FlyCard for debit transactions.
The details
The FlyCard is funded via a user's Blackbird account, which holds stablecoins that are utilized for transactions. Restaurants can convert $Fly crypto rewards into dollars through the platform's backend. The company also introduced an AI system called Birdie to provide personalized dining recommendations to its 400,000 users.
Timeline
Blackbird launched its platform in 2023.
The FlyCard and Birdie system were introduced on October 29, 2026.
Money Landscape
The introduction of the FlyCard marks a shift toward integrating blockchain-based stablecoins into everyday dining expenses. It follows a broader trend of fintech firms attempting to reduce merchant processing costs through alternative settlement networks.
If you dine at participating restaurants, you may be able to leverage the FlyCard to earn rewards of up to 7 percent on your bill. Speak with a financial professional to understand the risks associated with crypto-backed payment tools before integrating them into your primary budget.
The takeaway
Blackbird is testing whether blockchain-based rewards can reduce costs for both diners and restaurant owners. Keep an eye on how these transaction fee structures evolve, as they may eventually offer lower-cost payment alternatives for small businesses.
Further reading
For more information on how payment rewards impact your spending, visit Credit Cards.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inc..
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