Overview
Ready (formerly Argent) is a self-custodial Mastercard built on Starknet, with two tiers: Lite (plastic) and Metal (16g, gold or silver finish). The defining feature is that your USDC stays in your own Starknet wallet until the moment a transaction is approved — the card issuer never holds your funds. Ready uses the official Mastercard exchange rate with no FX markup on the Metal tier. The card is currently available in the EEA and the UK.
Who Ready is best for
Ready is best for self-custody-minded users in Europe or the UK who hold USDC on Starknet and want a metal card without giving up control of their funds. If you're outside Europe/UK, Ready isn't available to you. If you don't use USDC or aren't comfortable with the Starknet ecosystem, look at simpler USD-funded options like Nexo or ether.fi Cash.
Fees, in detail
FX fees: Lite charges 1% on non-base-currency spending; Metal is 0% (both use the official Mastercard rate with no markup). The Lite physical card has a $6.99 shipping fee; Metal carries a $120/yr annual fee paid upfront (no auto-renewal). Free ATM withdrawal allowance is $200/mo on Lite and $800/mo on Metal.
Cashback and rewards
Cashback rates: Lite earns 0.5% in STRK (Starknet's native token), Metal earns 3% in STRK with a ~$150/month cap. Ready ran a 10% intro boost for the first 30 days of card activation and operates periodic 4–6% 'boost hour' tiers — check the in-app calendar. Cashback is paid in STRK, so the USD value moves with Starknet's market.
Standout features
- Self-custodial — USDC stays in your Starknet wallet
- No annual fee on Lite ($120/yr upfront on Metal, no auto-renewal)
- Google Pay supported (Apple Pay support coming)
- Free ATM allowances: $200/mo Lite, $800/mo Metal
- Metal tier is 16g metal in gold or silver
- Uses official Mastercard exchange rates with no markup
Pros
- Truly self-custodial — your USDC never leaves your wallet pre-tap
- Metal tier offers genuine 0% FX with no hidden markup
- No auto-renewing annual fee on Metal — pay once for the year
- Real cashback rate (3%) on Metal, paid in STRK
Cons
- USDC-only on Starknet — narrow asset support
- Apple Pay not yet supported (Google Pay only)
- EEA and UK only — not available elsewhere
How to sign up
Tap the Sign Up button on this page and choose your platform. Install the Ready Wallet app (formerly Argent), set up your self-custodial wallet, fund it with USDC on Starknet, and order Lite or Metal from inside the app.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Ready Lite and Ready Metal?
Lite is a plastic card with 1% FX fee and 0.5% STRK cashback, no annual fee. Metal is a 16g metal card with 0% FX fee, 3% STRK cashback (capped ~$150/mo), and a $120/yr upfront fee.
Is Ready custodial?
No. Your USDC stays in your own self-custody Starknet wallet until the moment a card transaction is approved. The card issuer never holds your funds.
Where is Ready available?
Currently in the EEA and the UK. The card is not available in other regions.
Does Ready support Apple Pay?
Not yet. Google Pay is supported; Apple Pay support is on the roadmap.
What currency does Ready use?
USDC only, settled on Starknet. You hold and spend USDC directly from your self-custody wallet.
