A new Mastercard offering is making it easier and safer for European crypto users to spend their digital assets directly from their self-custodial wallets. The card, launched in collaboration with fintech platform Mercuryo, provides an innovative solution that shields users from the risks and high costs associated with traditional crypto off-ramping methods.
Introducing “Spend”: A Multi-Chain Crypto Card
Mercuryo has partnered with Mastercard to introduce “Spend,” a new crypto card designed for everyday use. Acting much like a traditional debit card, it allows users to make purchases at over 90 million merchants worldwide—whether they’re using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or any standard payment system connected to the Mastercard network.
According to Mercuryo, the Spend card will soon be available through leading Web3 wallets, making it easier than ever for users to manage their crypto assets. This card is a significant shift from previous crypto payment options, which often relied on centralized exchanges. Instead, Spend allows for direct conversion of crypto to fiat from users’ own wallets, preserving the decentralized nature that crypto enthusiasts value.
Why the Spend Card is a Game Changer
One of the standout features of the Spend card is its ability to seamlessly integrate with multiple blockchain ecosystems, including Ethereum, Solana, Injective, Near, ZKSync, Polkadot, and TON. Users can maintain separate balances between their wallet and the Spend card, topping up the latter instantly by converting crypto into fiat with just a few taps.
This is a marked improvement over traditional off-ramping methods, which often require 1-2 business days for funds to transfer into a bank account. Mercuryo’s solution is designed to be fast, cost-effective, and globally accepted, offering a smoother experience for crypto spenders.
Mastercard’s Continued Expansion into Crypto
The Spend card is currently available within the European Economic Area (EEA), with plans to expand globally in the near future. This is just the latest in Mastercard’s series of moves into the crypto space.
For instance, in August, Ethereum’s popular mobile wallet Metamask introduced its own debit card in partnership with Mastercard, allowing users to spend Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies at various retailers. Earlier in June, Mastercard also launched “Crypto Credential,” a service that simplifies cross-border transfers for crypto users in Europe and Latin America, making transactions as easy as sending to a memorable alias rather than a complex blockchain address.
As Mastercard continues to innovate, it’s clear that the company is committed to integrating cryptocurrency into everyday financial life, making digital assets more accessible and usable for everyone.