Introduction
In many parts of the world, converting your local currency into cryptocurrency is still a battle. Between unreliable peer-to-peer networks, unstable exchange rates, and vague regulatory frameworks, the journey from cash to crypto can often feel like more trouble than it’s worth. For those just trying to send money, preserve value, or access global financial tools, the process is unnecessarily complicated.
That’s the context that gave rise to Yellow Card, a platform purpose-built to make crypto access as seamless and trustworthy as possible for everyday users. By focusing on fiat-to-crypto conversions, Yellow Card is carving out a clear space for itself: practical, compliance-ready, and designed for utility.
What Is Yellow Card?
Yellow Card is a centralised crypto exchange service that enables users to buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), USDT, and USDC using their local currency. Unlike platforms that offer hundreds of tokens and complex trading interfaces, Yellow Card keeps its offering lean, emphasising accessibility, simplicity, and wide fiat support.
Product Overview
Founded in 2016 and officially launched in 2019, Yellow Card is a fintech company that operates a cryptocurrency exchange platform designed specifically for converting fiat to digital currencies and back. Unlike broader crypto exchanges that offer advanced trading tools, Yellow Card emphasises accessibility and simplicity, aiming to be the go-to on-ramp and off-ramp across the world.
The company operates in over 20 African countries, but its infrastructure and mission are globally relevant: empower users with fast, direct access to essential cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), and USD Coin (USDC).
Features and Functional Value
1. Fiat On-Ramps
Yellow Card supports multiple local payment methods, including bank transfers, mobile money, and card payments. This allows users to purchase USDT, BTC, or USDC directly with their national currencies.
2. Fiat Off-Ramps
Selling crypto for fiat can often feel like jumping through hoops, especially in regions with tight crypto regulations. Yellow Card enables users to sell their crypto and withdraw the equivalent fiat directly to their bank or mobile money account.
This feature removes the need for P2P platforms, which are often unreliable and risky. It also reduces the need for intermediaries or third-party escrow services.
3. Stablecoin Access and Use
The platform prominently features USDT and USDC, two stablecoins widely used for savings, remittances, and payments. Yellow Card acts as a reliable channel to access these stable assets.
In economies with volatile local currencies, access to dollar-pegged assets can function like a savings account, offering value protection without needing a traditional bank.
4. Compliance and KYC
Users are required to go through basic Know Your Customer (KYC) steps to use most of the platform’s services. This gives Yellow Card a layer of legitimacy, especially in regions where crypto-fiat conversions are heavily regulated.
KYC may deter privacy-focused users, but for those looking for reliability and regulatory safety, it’s a necessary trade-off.
5. Mobile-First Design
In many markets, mobile is the main access point for internet and financial services. A streamlined mobile UX isn’t optional, it’s foundational.
Yellow Card’s mobile-first approach means the entire experience is optimised for users who rely on smartphones as their primary device.
Geographic Reach
Yellow Card is currently active in over 20 countries across Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Uganda. Each region has tailored integrations with local payment providers, allowing for faster deposits and withdrawals.
This regional adaptability is one of Yellow Card’s strengths, it’s not a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, it’s a modular architecture that adapts to regulatory and financial infrastructure in each country.
Key Partnerships
Yellow Card has formed several strategic partnerships to improve liquidity, compliance, and payment processing:
- Yellow Card joined forces with Visa to advance stablecoin-based payment solutions across Africa. Their collaboration aims to enhance cross-border transactions and on‑ramps.
- Yellow Card partnered with Aptos to introduce zero-fee stablecoin transfers, extending its reach into programmable blockchain infrastructure.
- Blockchain.com, Worked together to provide wallet integrations and infrastructure support.
These partnerships reinforce Yellow Card’s goal: making crypto functional, not just theoretical, in everyday financial systems.
Achievements and Milestones
- Raised over $40 million in Series A and B funding rounds.
- First African crypto company to be licensed as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in multiple jurisdictions.
- Expanded to more than 20 countries with tailored local infrastructure.
- Handled millions of dollars in monthly volume across fiat-crypto transactions.
Product Architecture and Technology
Yellow Card’s platform is a custodial wallet system with backend integrations to global and local liquidity providers. The interface abstracts the technical complexity away from the user, ensuring a low-friction user experience.
This approach means users do not hold private keys directly, a tradeoff between ease-of-use and full control. But it allows Yellow Card to offer faster settlement, better customer support, and automated compliance tools.
APIs are also available for third-party developers to build on top of Yellow Card’s infrastructure, particularly for remittance or payroll applications.
Closing Thoughts
Yellow Card focuses on solving a narrow but critical part of the crypto infrastructure stack: entry and exit points. While it may lack the advanced features found on global exchanges, its strength lies in its simplicity and local relevance.
For everyday users, small business owners, or people receiving remittances in crypto, Yellow Card serves as a functional, regulated gateway between the crypto economy and the fiat world.
