Visa and Bridge are partnering to launch stablecoin-linked Visa cards for seamless crypto-backed payments

Visa and Stripe-owned stablecoin platform Bridge have announced plans to launch stablecoin-linked Visa cards, aiming to make crypto-backed payments as seamless as traditional card purchases. 

The new product enables fintech developers to issue Visa cards that draw from stablecoin balances, with just a single API integration.

Stablecoin card access across Latin America

Initially launching in six Latin American countries — Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Chile — the program allows consumers to pay with stablecoins at over 150 million Visa-accepting merchants worldwide. 

Users can fund their cards with stablecoins, which Bridge converts into local fiat currencies at the point of sale. Merchants receive payments in their local currencies without any exposure to crypto.

“This is a massive unlock for developers,” said Zach Abrams, CEO of Bridge. “Everyone already knows how to use cards, and now everyone will be able to use stablecoins with just a tap.”

Visa’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, Jack Forestell, emphasized the company’s goal to integrate stablecoins securely into its global network, providing more financial options to consumers. 

Developers using Bridge will be able to manage card issuance and funds movement programmatically, with support from Lead Bank as the financial partner.

The product is expected to expand beyond Latin America to Europe, Africa, and Asia in the coming months, as interest in stablecoin-based payments continues to grow globally.