Lemon Launches Argentina's First Bitcoin-Backed Credit Card

Lemon, an Argentine cryptocurrency exchange, has rolled out what it claims is the country's first VISA credit card backed by Bitcoin. The card, announced on July 3, 2026, lets users finance peso-denominated purchases using a credit limit secured by their BTC holdings, without having to liquidate their savings.

In its initial phase, the product operates with fixed amounts. Users receive a credit card with a monthly limit of 1 million Argentine pesos (roughly $700 at current rates) by depositing a corresponding amount of Bitcoin as collateral. "We created a simple way to access credit in pesos using Bitcoin as collateral, without needing a credit history," said Marcelo Cavazzoli, founder and CEO of Lemon. He added that Bitcoin is "the best store of value ever created in human history and the fundamental piece for the new digital economy."

Lemon plans to expand the card's flexibility in a later phase, allowing users to configure both the collateral amount and the credit limit. The company is also developing a feature that would let users pay dollar-denominated purchases directly with digital dollars (stablecoins such as USDC or USDT).

Cardholders receive exclusive benefits, including commission-free purchases of digital dollars, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 30 other cryptocurrencies (limited to buys; exchanges and sells excluded). Other perks include early access to new app features, personalized support via Telegram, and a market newsletter with portfolio P&L summaries.

For the first three months after launch, the maintenance fee is waived by Rootstock, a protocol enabling applications on the Bitcoin network. After that, the monthly fee will be about 7,500 Argentine pesos (≈ $5), which will be waived for users who buy more than $150 per month in crypto (digital dollars, Bitcoin, etc.).

Users can acquire Bitcoin on Lemon starting from 100 pesos by depositing fiat via CBU or CVU and using the “Change” function in the app. They can also deposit BTC from other wallets over Lightning Network, the native Bitcoin network, Rootstock, or BNB Chain (BEP-20). Existing Lemon users can already earn Bitcoin on everyday peso spending via QR payments or the VISA Lemon Card.

According to Lemon, Bitcoin is the most “hodled” asset among its users in Argentina, surpassing crypto dollars and the peso. With this card, the company aims to turn that savings vehicle into a practical financial tool, enabling users to hold Bitcoin as a long-term store of value while accessing peso credit for daily expenses.