Visa and Bridge Expand Stablecoin Card Program to Over 100 Countries in 2026

• How Are Visa and Bridge Revolutionizing Payments with Stablecoins?
• Why Are Stablecoin Payments Outpacing Trading in Emerging Markets?
• What’s Driving Consumer Interest in Stablecoin-Finance Integration?
• How Is Blockchain Becoming Visa’s Core Infrastructure?
• Frequently Asked Questions

In a groundbreaking move, Visa and Bridge have announced the expansion of their stablecoin-backed card program to over 100 countries by the end of 2026. This initiative, which initially launched in 18 countries, now includes Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. The program allows users to spend stablecoins at over 175 million Visa merchants worldwide. The partnership also introduces blockchain-based settlement, marking a significant shift in traditional payment infrastructure. With stablecoin adoption surging in emerging markets, this expansion could redefine global financial inclusion.

How Are Visa and Bridge Revolutionizing Payments with Stablecoins?

Two of the biggest names in payments are joining forces to bring cryptocurrency to everyday consumers. On March 3, 2026, Visa and Bridge revealed that their stablecoin card program WOULD be available in over 100 countries by year-end. Bridge, a Stripe-owned stablecoin infrastructure provider, currently operates Visa-backed stablecoin cards in 18 countries. This expansion will now cover Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.

Cardholders can use these cards to pay directly with their stablecoin balances at any of Visa’s 175+ million global merchants. Crypto platforms like Phantom and MetaMask already leverage Bridge’s infrastructure to enable users to spend stablecoins for daily purchases. The Bridge team acted swiftly to launch these Visa cards after the program’s inception in 2025.

Why Are Stablecoin Payments Outpacing Trading in Emerging Markets?

The expansion coincides with a dramatic rise in stablecoin usage across Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Traditional remittance channels in these regions are often costly, slow, or restricted. According to the 2026 "Stablecoin Utility Report" by YouGov (commissioned by BVNK in collaboration with Coinbase and Artemis), stablecoin payments now surpass trading volumes in emerging markets.

The study surveyed over 4,600 early adopters and crypto-native users across 15 countries. In emerging markets, 68% of crypto users reported holding stablecoins—a figure that jumps to 79% in Africa. Even high-income countries like the U.S., UK, and Europe are catching on, with 45% of crypto users owning stablecoins. Average holdings in these regions were ~$1,000, far above the $85 average in emerging markets.

What’s Driving Consumer Interest in Stablecoin-Finance Integration?

The report highlights strong consumer demand for linking stablecoins to everyday financial services. 77% of respondents said they’d open a stablecoin wallet if their bank or fintech app offered one, while 71% would use a linked debit card to spend stablecoins. Bridge CEO Zach Abrams framed this as part of a multi-year journey: "We’re helping businesses own their financial infrastructure." The expansion will enable companies running custom stablecoins to integrate directly with card programs.

How Is Blockchain Becoming Visa’s Core Infrastructure?

Beyond cards, a separate Bridge-Lead Bank partnership allows Visa issuers in the stablecoin settlement pilot to settle transactions directly on compatible blockchains. This disrupts traditional banking reconciliation by moving it on-chain. Visa’s three pilot objectives are:

• Expanding settlement options for issuers
• Reducing administrative work via on-chain reconciliation
• Exploring how platforms like Bridge can make blockchain more accessible to banks

Visa’s hybrid payment system combines blockchain with traditional networks to reduce friction and boost cross-border efficiency. Cuy Sheffield, Visa’s crypto lead, stated: "We’re committed to meeting businesses where they operate—increasingly, that’s on-chain."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are included in the Visa-Bridge expansion?

The program will expand from 18 countries to over 100, including Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.

How many merchants accept these stablecoin cards?

Over 175 million Visa merchants globally, including major retailers and online platforms.

What’s the average stablecoin holding in high-income vs. emerging markets?

~$1,000 in high-income countries vs. $85 in emerging markets (per the 2026 Stablecoin Utility Report).