Once Bitten! A Bitcoin Podcast.

Living On A Bitcoin Standard In Europe. Felix Billert #573

Oct 30, 2025
Felix Billert, founder of Wavespace and creator of the innovative Wave Card, discusses the groundbreaking Bitcoin debit card that allows users to spend BTC directly from self-custody wallets and Lightning. He details the challenges of regulatory approvals and partnerships in Europe while expressing his vision for a Bitcoin standard lifestyle. Felix shares insights on unexpected user experiences, monetization strategies, and the importance of holding Bitcoin instead of fiat, encouraging a shift in spending behavior for true Bitcoin advocates.
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INSIGHT

Card That Spends Bitcoin From Self‑Custody

  • Wave Card links a Visa/Mastercard debit card to a user's Bitcoin so they can spend BTC globally.
  • It connects to self-custody wallets via NWC and spends over Lightning when possible.
INSIGHT

Physical Card Delays Are Mostly Regulatory

  • Launching physical cards is delayed by issuer approvals, design approvals, and minimum order quantities.
  • They switched from Visa to Mastercard to gain more control and card management features.
INSIGHT

Layered Partner Model For Compliance

  • Wave uses partners to handle licenses, card issuance, and banking rails rather than holding those licenses themselves.
  • This lets the startup focus on product while relying on regulated providers for compliance.
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