What are the cards limits? Can you use it on ATMs? What are the ATM limits? Can the card be bought and used anonymously? How exactly does the card get loaded?
Current daily limit is $500 (see previous post).
ATMs currently don't work, because the card doesn't have a PIN. They specifically say they're working on making that happen.
I presume Shift is loading each card with $500, and topping it off as transactions settle each night. They then debit your Coinbase (or other wallet) account for the amount settled.
It is not anonymous, but it also wasn't crazy intrusive. I believe they asked for a physical address and an SSN - or perhaps just the last 4 digits, I don't recall. I don't remember doing the "three questions" that are traditionally associated with a more thorough background check, but it's possible I did.
I honestly wasn't expecting it to ship right away. I figured I'd throw $20 at the possibility of eventually getting a Bitcoin debit card, and if the company disappeared with my money I would just write it off as a gamble.
It's also intresting to note that while Shift might not have a DNA sample, Coinbase assuredly does. Shift has Blockchain.info on their list of suitable wallets, but it's currently inactive. Using that sort of service would limit your exposure of personal information. I'd personally very much like to see GreenAddress.it added to their list, but it would likely require additional coding on Gait's side to support it.