Visa and Bridge Expand Stablecoin Card Reach

Visa and Bridge, a crypto startup acquired by Stripe, are broadening their stablecoin partnership by launching stablecoin-backed cards in 100 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa. This expansion follows an earlier commitment to roll out in Latin American locations.

The cards, currently active in 18 countries, allow consumers to utilize stablecoin balances from their crypto wallets for everyday purchases at Visa-accepting merchants. Companies like Phantom can create their own branded stablecoin debit cards through Bridge, with Visa providing the payment network.

This collaboration challenges the notion that stablecoins threaten established payment networks like Visa. Instead, it highlights growing integration between fintechs and legacy firms. Another stablecoin startup, Rain, also partners with Visa for similar card offerings.

Zach Abrams, CEO of Bridge, emphasized the enduring value of Visa's extensive merchant network. He anticipates stablecoins may eventually supplant card networks in agentic commerce, where AI agents make purchases at high velocity.

Furthermore, Bridge is participating in a Visa pilot program exploring stablecoin settlement on blockchains as an alternative to traditional bank transfers. Visa's head of crypto, Cuy Sheffield, expressed optimism about potentially moving trillions of dollars on-chain.