Visa and Bridge plan to roll out stablecoin-linked cards to more than 100 countries by the end of 2026.
Visa is a global payments technology company. Bridge is a stablecoin infrastructure platform acquired by Stripe that enables businesses and fintech developers to offer Visa cards backed by stablecoins.
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Why it matters:
- Visa and Bridge unveiled the stablecoin-linked card issuance product last year.
- The 100-country rollout would move stablecoin-linked cards from a niche product to a near-global payment option.
- Visa is also exploring the possibility of supporting Bridge-issued assets in future transactions. The evaluation will focus on how these assets could enhance Visa’s global network and create a new settlement option for partners.
The details:
- Visa and Bridge confirmed the expansion in an official announcement, targeting a 2026 rollout across Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
- The card is currently live in 18 countries. It allows customers to use stablecoin balances in their crypto wallets to make purchases at businesses that accept Visa.
- Crypto platforms such as Phantom and MetaMask are utilizing cards to allow millions of users to use stablecoins for their daily purchases seamlessly.
The big picture:
- The move reflects growing adoption of stablecoins as functional payment instruments rather than speculative assets.
- Recent reports suggest that Meta may also re-enter the stablecoin market.
