Mastercard and MoonPay Drop Crypto Bombshell: Stablecoin Cards Now Accepted at 150M+ Merchants

Traditional finance just got a blockchain-powered uppercut. Mastercard and MoonPay’s new stablecoin-linked cards let users spend crypto anywhere Visa/MC are accepted—no more begging merchants to ’enable crypto payments.’

The play: By pegging to fiat but settling on-chain, they’ve hacked the system. Suddenly, your USDC spends like USD at Starbucks—while cutting out the 3-day ACH delays banks love to milk for float revenue.

Cynic’s corner: Watch legacy banks suddenly discover ’blockchain innovation’ now that their card network overlords are eating the crypto lunch.

• Mastercard and MoonPay have partnered to enable stablecoin spending at over 150 million global merchants.
• Enterprises can now issue Mastercard-branded cards directly linked to stablecoin wallets.
• Iron’s API infrastructure will streamline global payouts and crypto-fiat conversions.

Mastercard is deepening its crypto engagement by partnering with MoonPay to enable stablecoin-based payments across its extensive global network. This latest move allows enterprises and fintechs to offer Mastercard-branded cards directly linked to customers’ stablecoin balances.

They will automatically be converted into local fiat currencies, enabling payment abilities for over 150 million merchants around the globe. The initiative is a turning point in bringing blockchain technology into the mainstream of finance, with spending of digital currency made easier and more user-friendly.

#Stablecoins, meet 150M+ checkout counters. Enterprises and #fintechs can now offer Mastercard-branded cards linked to consumers’ stablecoin balances — unlocking new ways to pay and be paid.
In partnership with @moonpay, we’re combining our trusted global #payments network with… pic.twitter.com/WMX6sqclze

Supported by Iron’s solid API-driven infrastructure, purchased by MoonPay in March of 2024, the cards are expected to offer frictionless on-ramp and off-ramp solutions for end users as well as businesses.

Iron’s infrastructure is built with the purpose of turning basic crypto wallets into digital accounts, essentially granting users traditional banking functionalities like disbursements, gig economy payments, and settlement with merchants.

Scott Abrahams, Executive Vice President of Global Partnerships with Mastercard, underscored the scope and credibility the payments giant brings to the effort.

Together with MoonPay’s network of over 500 integrations, including large exchanges and wallets, this partnership is perfectly poised to build a connection between stablecoins and mainstream commerce on a worldwide scale.

Mastercard and MoonPay Bridge Crypto and Fiat

The integration is extensive in scope. MoonPay’s network reaches out to over 100 million active users of cryptocurrencies and is integrated with over 500 platforms, including leading wallets and exchanges.

This extensive network offers a foundational platform for Mastercard’s stablecoin plans, with 20 million wallets now transacting stablecoins monthly and 120 million users with balances denominated in these digital currencies.

This intersection of fiat payments and digital asset infrastructure is anticipated to positively impact merchants, creators, and contractors, especially in underserved areas with the use of stablecoins providing quicker and less expensive means compared to traditional banking systems.

Whether it is an on-the-ground seller in Southeast Asia or a freelancer in Eastern Europe, users are going to be able to receive direct payouts and spend their money with stablecoin-backed cards.

Crypto Wallets Now Function as Global Bank Accounts

Iron’s APIs are the foundation of this revolution. Neobanks, platforms, and businesses are now able to process real-time stablecoin-to-fiat payments through programmatic interfaces. This simplifies cross-border payments, enhances financial inclusion, and reduces settlement times.

MoonPay CEO Ivan Soto-Wright explained that the partnership is a MOVE in the direction of utility-based crypto products. Through Mastercard’s worldwide presence and regulatory infrastructure, combined with MoonPay’s crypto infrastructure, the partnership lays the groundwork for widespread stablecoin adoption in daily usage.

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