Chainlink LINK Jumps 14% on Mastercard Deal Bridging Crypto and Traditional Payments

Chainlink's LINK token surged 14% to $13.37 after announcing a strategic partnership with Mastercard. The collaboration will enable 3 billion cardholders to purchase cryptocurrencies directly on-chain using fiat currencies, leveraging Chainlink's oracle technology and Mastercard's global payments infrastructure.

"Consumers demand seamless access to digital assets," stated Raj Dhamodharan, Mastercard's blockchain lead. The integration represents a major advancement in institutional crypto adoption, combining regulatory compliance with technical innovation for mainstream onboarding.

The initiative employs a network of integrated partners to ensure compliant transactions. Market response was immediate, with LINK outperforming other major cryptocurrencies during the announcement window.