TLDR
- Bridge and Visa are scaling stablecoin-powered Visa cards from 18 nations to over 100 by late 2026
- Users can pay at 175 million Visa merchant locations using crypto wallets including MetaMask and Phantom
- Stablecoin settlement through Visa reached $4.6 billion on an annualized basis in December 2025
- Onchain settlement is now operational through Lead Bank partnership, enabling direct stablecoin transaction processing
- In February 2026, Bridge secured conditional approval for a US national banking charter
Visa and Bridge, which Stripe owns, are bringing stablecoin-connected payment cards to over 100 nations worldwide before 2026 ends. The initiative launched in Latin American markets during 2025 and currently operates across 18 countries.
These payment cards enable consumers to make regular purchases using stablecoin holdings stored in cryptocurrency wallets. The system integrates with wallets including MetaMask and Phantom. Businesses receive payments in their native currencies, mirroring conventional card payment processing.
The worldwide rollout will encompass European nations, Asia-Pacific territories, African countries, and Middle Eastern markets. Users can utilize these cards at Visa’s established merchant network spanning 175 million locations globally.
Stripe completed its acquisition of Bridge for $1.1 billion. Following the acquisition, Bridge has expanded its stablecoin technology platform and submitted an application for US national banking authorization.
In February 2026, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency granted Bridge conditional authorization. This regulatory approval permits Bridge to hold cryptocurrency assets, create stablecoins, and oversee stablecoin reserve management.
Four stablecoins are currently supported: Circle’s USDC, the euro-denominated EURC, PayPal USD, and the Paxos Global Dollar. These digital currencies operate on four distinct blockchain platforms: Solana, Ethereum, Stellar, and Avalanche.
Stablecoin Settlement Goes Onchain
A significant advancement in the program allows settlement to occur directly using stablecoins. Bridge’s collaboration with Lead Bank, an independent commercial banking institution participating in Visa’s experimental program, makes this possible.
Previously, Bridge transformed stablecoin holdings into traditional currency before completing transactions. The updated system processes settlements onchain directly through Visa’s infrastructure.
Cuy Sheffield, who leads Visa’s cryptocurrency division, explained the company prioritizes operating where commerce happens, which increasingly means blockchain networks.
By December 2025, Visa’s stablecoin settlement volume hit an annualized rate of $4.6 billion.
Custom Stablecoins Enter the Picture
Visa is exploring integration of Bridge-created stablecoins into its network. These represent digital currencies that companies design and control through Bridge’s technology platform, eliminating dependence on external issuers like Tether or Circle.
Zach Abrams, Bridge’s CEO, explained this capability would allow companies to incorporate proprietary stablecoins into their card offerings.
Mastercard has similarly entered this market segment. The company recently launched stablecoin card payment functionality in the United States via the MetaMask self-custody wallet.
Stripe is simultaneously building Tempo, a blockchain network designed for payments, alongside investment company Paradigm. The GENIUS Act, US legislation targeting stablecoin regulation, has become law and encouraged traditional financial institutions to explore this technology more actively.
Bridge’s conditional national banking charter authorization in February 2026 represents the latest milestone in this evolving landscape.
