Visa Partners with Stripe’s Bridge to Launch Stablecoin Cards in Over 100 Nations

TLDR

• Bridge, now owned by Stripe, is partnering with Visa to bring stablecoin-enabled payment cards to over 100 nations by late 2026
• Users can make purchases at 175 million Visa-accepting merchants using crypto wallets including MetaMask and Phantom
• Stablecoin transactions through Visa reached an annualized volume of $4.6 billion by December 2025
• Direct onchain settlement is now operational through Lead Bank’s participation in the program
• Bridge secured conditional national bank charter approval from US regulators in February 2026

The partnership between Visa and Bridge, Stripe’s recently acquired subsidiary, is set to deliver stablecoin-connected payment cards to consumers in more than 100 nations before 2026 concludes. Initially launched across Latin American markets in 2025, the service currently operates in 18 countries.

These innovative cards enable consumers to complete everyday transactions using digital currency stored in their cryptocurrency wallets. Compatible wallets include popular options like MetaMask and Phantom. Businesses receiving payments get funds in their local fiat currency, maintaining the familiar transaction experience.

The geographic rollout will encompass European nations, Asia-Pacific territories, African markets, and Middle Eastern countries. All 175 million merchant locations within Visa’s established network will support these payment cards.

Stripe completed its $1.1 billion acquisition of Bridge, which has subsequently expanded its stablecoin operations and pursued US banking authorization.

Regulatory approval came from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in February 2026, granting Bridge conditional authorization. This regulatory green light permits Bridge to hold cryptocurrency, create stablecoins, and oversee stablecoin reserve management.

The payment system accommodates four distinct stablecoins: Circle’s USDC, the euro-backed EURC, PayPal USD, and Paxos’s Global Dollar. These digital currencies operate on four different blockchain platforms: Solana, Ethereum, Stellar, and Avalanche.

Stablecoin Settlement Goes Onchain

A significant enhancement to this initiative allows transactions to complete directly using stablecoins. Bridge’s collaboration with Lead Bank, a commercial banking institution participating in Visa’s experimental program, makes this possible.

Previously, Bridge’s system required converting stablecoin holdings to traditional currency before finalizing transactions. The updated infrastructure enables settlement to occur entirely onchain through Visa’s network.

Cuy Sheffield, who leads Visa’s cryptocurrency division, explained that the payment giant is positioning itself where commerce is increasingly happening—which now includes blockchain networks.

By December 2025, Visa’s stablecoin settlement activity had achieved an annualized processing volume of $4.6 billion.

Custom Stablecoins Enter the Picture

Visa is exploring compatibility with Bridge-created stablecoins. These are proprietary digital currencies that companies design and operate using Bridge’s platform, offering an alternative to established issuers like Tether or Circle.

Zach Abrams, serving as Bridge’s CEO, indicated this capability would empower companies to integrate their own branded stablecoins into card payment programs.

Mastercard has similarly entered this market segment. The competing payment network recently activated stablecoin card functionality within the United States through MetaMask’s non-custodial wallet service.

Stripe is simultaneously working with investment firm Paradigm on Tempo, a blockchain network designed specifically for payment processing. The GENIUS Act, landmark US legislation addressing stablecoin regulation, has been enacted and is encouraging traditional financial institutions to explore this technology space.

Bridge’s conditional banking charter approval from US regulators in February 2026 represents the latest milestone in this evolving narrative.

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