Pudgy Penguins x KAST Visa Crypto Card + Waitlist Rewards
Pengu Card just dropped — and it’s one of the cleanest “crypto-to-real-life spending” moves we’ve seen from a Web3 brand. It’s powered by KAST and runs on Visa, so the goal is simple: deposit crypto/stablecoins and spend like a normal card. There’s also a waitlist with a referral leaderboard, where top referrers can unlock a higher tier.
TL;DR Requirements
- KAST account (sign up with email)
- Complete KYC verification (ID check)
- Join the Pengu Card waitlist (name + email)
- Use the same email for waitlist and your KAST account
- Supported country/region (Visa-supported; compliance may vary)
- Internet access + smartphone (to use the KAST app and virtual card)
Below is our no-hype breakdown: what’s real, what’s “maybe,” and what you should watch out for.
| Verdict | Our Take |
|---|---|
| Worth joining the waitlist? | Yes if you want a Visa crypto card and you’re fine doing KYC in the KAST app. |
| Best for | People who already spend with stablecoins (USDC/USDT) and want “tap-to-pay” convenience without bouncing funds through a CEX. |
| Skip if | You don’t want custodial apps, you hate KYC, or you’re only here hoping for a token airdrop (none is promised). |
| Biggest catch | Rewards and fees always come with terms. Treat the 6–12% like “marketing until proven in your region + use case.” |
| Category | Score (10) | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Difficulty | 7 | Easy join flow, but KYC can slow you down. |
| Time Needed | 8 | Waitlist is quick. Referrals take real effort. |
| Reward Clarity | 8 | Tier cashback numbers are clearly stated (6/8/12). |
| Risk Level | 6 | Custody + compliance + region restrictions are the usual trade-offs. |
| Overall | 7.3 | Solid “real utility” play, but don’t treat it like a guaranteed airdrop. |
What is Pengu Card?
Pengu Card is a Pudgy Penguins-branded crypto card powered by KAST that lets you deposit cash, stablecoins, or crypto and spend anywhere Visa is accepted.
On the official Pengu Card page, KAST says you can deposit cash, USDC/USDT, or crypto, then spend at 150M+ merchants and ATMs worldwide.
Founder / leadership check: KAST lists Raagulan Pathy as CEO on its official “About” page. Pudgy Penguins lists Luca Netz as CEO on its official team page.
Also: Pengu Card is launching as a virtual card first (works online + in digital wallets), and a physical card is planned later.
Our Experience Joining Pengu Card
We ran a quick “join test” on the official waitlist flow. Here’s what stood out:
- The waitlist page is straightforward: it pushes you to use your KAST account email so the waitlist can match your account.
- The biggest friction point is KYC. KYC means “Know Your Customer” — it’s the identity check (ID + selfie) most finance apps require.
- After you join, the referral mechanic is simple: 1 signup = 1 referral, and rankings are based on successful referrals.
Time vs Reward: Is Pengu Card Worth It?
Let’s keep this real. The waitlist itself is fast. The “grind” starts if you want to compete for the leaderboard.
| Task | What you do | Typical time | Friction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Join waitlist | Enter name + email (use your KAST email) | 1–3 min | Low |
| Create/verify KAST | Sign up + complete KYC | 5–20 min | Medium |
| Referral push (optional) | Share your link + get signups | 30 min to “ongoing” | High |
Rewards (as stated): Standard = 6% cashback, Premium = 8%, Luxe = 12%.
How to get a “free” card (as stated): join the waitlist using a KAST account to get a free Standard Pengu Card. Top 10 referrers on the waitlist leaderboard get a free Premium card.
Our practical take: If you just want the Standard tier, it’s a low-effort signup. If you’re chasing Top 10, treat it like a marketing contest — you’ll need distribution (community, audience, friends) and consistent sharing.
Risks & Things to Watch
- KYC + jurisdiction limits: Availability can vary by region due to compliance rules, even if the headline says 170+ countries.
- Custody risk: Depositing into an app usually means the app (or its partners) holds funds on your behalf. Only deposit what you can afford to have locked up.
- Fees can exist: FX, ATM, chargeback, and limits are often where cards “get you.” If fees/limits aren’t shown yet, treat them as TBA.
- Rewards have terms: Cashback rates can come with caps, eligible categories, or exclusions. Read the final card terms before you go heavy.
- No token promises: This is a card + rewards ecosystem. There is no guaranteed token airdrop from joining the waitlist. DYOR.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Join Pengu Card
- Open the official Pengu Card waitlist page
- Enter your name + email. Use the same email as your KAST account so it matches correctly.
- Download the KAST app (App Store / Google Play from the official page).
- Create a KAST account and complete KYC (ID check).
- After you’re on the waitlist, grab your referral link inside the flow.
- Optional: compete for the leaderboard. Each successful signup via your link counts as 1 referral; Top 10 wins Premium (per the page).
- Wait for launch updates. Card starts virtual-first; physical later.
Join Pengu Card Waitlist (Referral Link)
Want the free Standard Pengu Card waitlist entry? Use the official waitlist page below and sign up with the same email you’ll use for your KAST account.
Referral disclosure: The link above contains a referral code. If you sign up through it, the referrer may receive leaderboard credit. Always verify you’re on the real KAST domain before entering info.
FAQs
Is Pengu Card a real Visa card?
Pengu Card is announced as a Visa-powered card through KAST, designed to work anywhere Visa is accepted. It launches as a virtual card first, with a physical card planned later.
Do I need a CEX to use Pengu Card?
Not necessarily. A “CEX” is a centralized exchange (like Binance or Coinbase). The Pengu Card flow is built around depositing into KAST and spending from there, so you don’t have to do a CEX withdrawal just to pay for stuff.
What are the Pengu Card reward tiers?
The official Pengu Card page lists: Standard (6% cashback), Premium (8% cashback), and Luxe (12% cashback). Terms and limits may apply, so read the final card rules when they’re published.
How do I get a free Pengu Card?
Per the waitlist page: join the waitlist using a verified KAST account email to get a free Standard Pengu Card. The Top 10 referrers on the leaderboard win a free Premium card.
Is Pengu Card available in my country?
KAST states it’s available in 170+ countries where Visa is accepted, but exact availability can still vary by jurisdiction and compliance rules. If you can’t complete onboarding, it may not be supported in your region yet.