TLDR
- Bridge, acquired by Stripe, and Visa plan to extend stablecoin-powered payment cards from 18 to over 100 countries by late 2026
- Users can make purchases directly from crypto wallets including MetaMask and Phantom across 175 million Visa-accepting merchants worldwide
- Stablecoin settlement through Visa reached an annualized volume of $4.6 billion by December 2025
- Onchain settlement capability is now active through Lead Bank, enabling direct stablecoin transaction processing
- In February 2026, Bridge secured conditional approval for a national bank charter in the United States
Visa and Bridge, now under Stripe’s ownership, are preparing to launch stablecoin-connected payment cards across more than 100 nations before 2026 ends. Initially launched in Latin American markets during 2025, the service currently operates in 18 countries.
These innovative cards enable consumers to spend their stablecoin holdings stored in cryptocurrency wallets for routine purchases. Compatible wallets include MetaMask and Phantom. Businesses receive payments in their preferred local currency, making transactions seamless and identical to conventional card payments.
The global rollout will encompass regions including Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. All transactions will be processed through Visa’s established merchant network of 175 million locations worldwide.
Stripe completed its acquisition of Bridge for $1.1 billion. Following the acquisition, Bridge has expanded its stablecoin payment infrastructure and pursued regulatory approval for banking operations in the United States.
In February 2026, Bridge obtained conditional authorization from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. This regulatory clearance permits Bridge to hold cryptocurrency in custody, create stablecoins, and oversee stablecoin reserve management.
The payment system accommodates four distinct stablecoins: Circle’s USDC, the euro-denominated EURC, PayPal USD, and Paxos Global Dollar. These digital currencies operate on four blockchain platforms: Solana, Ethereum, Stellar, and Avalanche.
Stablecoin Settlement Goes Onchain
A significant enhancement to the payment system enables transactions to settle directly using stablecoins. Bridge’s collaboration with Lead Bank, an independent commercial banking institution participating in Visa’s experimental program, powers this capability.
Previously, Bridge’s system required converting stablecoin balances to traditional fiat currency before completing transactions. The updated infrastructure allows these payments to settle onchain directly through Visa’s network.
Cuy Sheffield, Visa’s crypto division leader, explained that the company prioritizes serving businesses where they operate, and blockchain-based operations are becoming increasingly prevalent.
By December 2025, Visa’s stablecoin settlement activity achieved an annualized transaction volume of $4.6 billion.
Custom Stablecoins Enter the Picture
Visa is exploring compatibility with Bridge-created stablecoins. These are digital currencies that companies can design and administer through Bridge’s technology platform, eliminating dependence on external issuers like Tether or Circle.
Zach Abrams, CEO of Bridge, noted this functionality would empower companies to integrate proprietary stablecoins into their payment card offerings.
Mastercard has similarly entered this emerging market. The company recently launched stablecoin-enabled card payments in America through MetaMask’s self-custodial wallet platform.
Stripe is simultaneously building Tempo, a blockchain network optimized for payments, in partnership with Paradigm, a cryptocurrency investment firm. The GENIUS Act, recently enacted US legislation focused on stablecoin regulation, has encouraged traditional financial institutions to explore opportunities in this sector.
Bridge’s conditional national bank charter approval in February 2026 represents the latest milestone in this evolving narrative.
