Visa and Bridge’s stablecoin card program now live in 18 countries, with plans to reach over 100 by year-end.
Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, and Bridge, a leading stablecoin infrastructure platform and a Stripe company, have announced the expansion of their global card issuance product. Initially unveiled in 2025, the program now allows businesses and fintech developers to offer stablecoin-backed Visa cards, enabling consumers to make everyday purchases using stablecoin balances at any of Visa’s 175 million merchant locations.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Global Expansion: Bridge-enabled stablecoin-linked cards are now live in 18 countries, with plans to expand to over 100 countries by year-end.
- Stablecoin Settlement Pilot: Visa’s pilot program evaluates the benefits of stablecoin settlement for issuers and program managers.
- Operational Efficiency: The pilot aims to enhance operational efficiency through on-chain reconciliation and faster fund movement.
- Stablecoin Infrastructure: Bridge is enabling the stablecoin infrastructure behind Lead Bank, a key participant in Visa’s stablecoin settlement pilot.
Enabling Global Financial Inclusion
The expansion of Visa and Bridge’s stablecoin-linked card program is a significant step towards global financial inclusion. By allowing consumers to use stablecoins for everyday purchases, the program addresses the growing demand for digital currencies in various markets. Popular crypto platforms like Phantom and MetaMask are already leveraging these cards to enable millions of customers to spend stablecoins seamlessly.
Enhancing Settlement Optionality
Visa’s stablecoin settlement pilot is a critical component of this expansion. The pilot aims to evaluate how stablecoin settlement can enhance settlement optionality for issuers and program managers. Lead Bank, a key participant, is working with Bridge to facilitate on-chain reconciliation and faster fund movement. This initiative not only streamlines the settlement process but also introduces a new level of transparency and efficiency.
Simplifying Blockchain Interactions
The role of stablecoin infrastructure platforms like Bridge is pivotal in simplifying blockchain interactions for financial institutions. By providing a robust and user-friendly infrastructure, Bridge enables businesses to launch their own custom stablecoins and integrate them seamlessly into their card programs. This capability is crucial for businesses looking to own their financial stack and serve new markets more effectively.
Future Outlook
Visa is also evaluating potential support for Bridge-issued assets in future flows. This assessment will focus on how these assets can complement Visa’s global network and introduce a new settlement pathway for partners. The ongoing collaboration between Visa and Bridge underscores the commitment to innovation and the integration of stablecoins into the global payments ecosystem.
Conclusion
The expansion of Visa and Bridge’s stablecoin-linked card program represents a significant milestone in the evolution of digital payments. By enabling businesses and consumers to leverage stablecoins for everyday transactions, this partnership is paving the way for greater financial inclusion and operational efficiency. Join the conversation in the comments below.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.
About Bridge, a Stripe company
Bridge is the leading stablecoin infrastructure platform for moving money globally. Businesses use Bridge to easily receive, store, convert, issue, and spend stablecoins, enabling them to serve new markets and move money faster and cheaper across borders. Bridge was acquired by Stripe in February 2025.
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