Costs, licensing, consumer protection Privacy, self-custody, censorship resistance

Column

Column

4.5/5 2.4/5 · Data verified on

Column is a fully chartered bank rather than an intermediary, with API-configurable FX markup, a crypto-friendly approach and FedNow/RTP support. It is built for B2B use and available only in the US.

61
Transparency: Medium
61/100 · see methodology
61
Data exposure: Medium
61/100 · lower is better for sovereignty · methodology

Data & conditions

Service type Card issuing / BaaS
Pricing model Hybrid
Card networks Visa
Card types debit, virtual
Fiat rails ACH, SWIFT
Stablecoins USDC
Certifications SOC2-T2
SDK Any via OpenAPI spec
Fund custody Self-custody (funds in your control)
KYC Full
Supported countries US · 1+ countries
Regulator OCC
OAM Italy registration No
Segment B2B
MiCA / License status National Bank Charter OCC national bank charter (US)

Strengths

  • true bank (not intermediario); FX markup configurabile via API; crypto-friendly; FedNow/RTP.
  • Self-custody: funds stay in your wallet — the platform cannot touch them.

Weaknesses

  • B2B; US-only.
  • Full KYC required: verified identity, zero pseudonymity.
  • Subject to regulation (OCC national bank charter (US)): reporting to authorities and freezes on order.

Verdict

A C ★ 4.5/5 ★ 2.4/5

It is among the category's highest scores (tier A) because Column is a fully chartered OCC bank, not a mere intermediary: that means less counterparty and sudden-freeze risk than sponsor-bank models. API-configurable FX markup and FedNow/RTP support add cost transparency; it remains a US-only B2B product, which is why it falls short of full marks for the European consumer.

The crypto-friendly approach is welcome, but through this lens Column is still a regulated bank with full KYC: holding a banking charter, an outright virtue for protection, is exactly what pulls it away from a trustless, self-custody logic. It is worth little to those seeking privacy and no intermediaries.

Privacy & anonymity 30% 1.3
Fund control 20% 5.0
Censorship resistance 20% 1.5

Promp's editorial rating based on real fees and net annual cost. Promp reviews third-party products independently.

"Sovereignty" rating: score computed on privacy/anonymity (30%), fund control (20%), censorship resistance (20%), trustless/auditability (20%) and costs (10%). Same data, different weights.

FAQ

What service does Column offer?

Column is a Card Issuing & BaaS service with a hybrid model pricing.

What compliance does Column hold?

Certifications: SOC2-T2.

How much does it cost to integrate Column?

Pricing model: a hybrid model. Per-unit fees are not published: they depend on volume and contract.

Does Column support stablecoins?

Supported stablecoins are not documented.

Who is Column for?

Target: B2B. SDKs and integrations are not publicly documented.

Sources

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Update history

✓ Terms unchanged since Jul 19, 2026

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