Mastercard introduces new end-to-end capabilities that can make stablecoin payments as seamless as everyday fiat transactions.
Partnering with crypto-focused companies like OKX and Nuvei, Mastercard is now creating a complete stablecoin support ecosystem, with components ranging from digital wallets to full checkout systems, to facilitate the use of this digital asset type across the globe.
In particular, Mastercard is helping integrate stablecoins into everyday financial systems. Through earlier collaborations with crypto platforms like MetaMask, Kraken, and Crypto.com, users can already earn, spend, and withdraw stablecoins using Mastercard cards at over 150 million merchants. A new OKX Card will further simplify access to digital funds.
For the merchant part of the acceptance process, Mastercard is working with Nuvei, Circle, and Paxos to allow settlements in stablecoins like USDC. It’s also improving cross-border payments by enabling secure, verified on-chain remittances through its Crypto Credential system. The solution replaces complex blockchain addresses with easy-to-remember credentials, such as usernames or emails. This approach enhances user experience and reduces errors in sending digital assets.
In addition, Mastercard’s Multi-Token Network (MTN) is powering real-time payments and tokenised asset use cases, already linked to major institutions like JPMorgan Chase and Standard Chartered. This blockchain-based platform supports the use of fully collateralised stablecoins, CBDCs, and tokenised bank deposits, providing a reliable bridging mechanism between traditional finance and digital asset infrastructure.
According to Mastercard’s Chief Product Officer, Jorn Lambert, the goal of its new initiative is to make using stablecoins as easy as any other payment method, unlocking choice, freedom, and efficiency for people and businesses around the world.
The financial services provider aims to satisfy public demand as stablecoins gradually shift from exclusive crypto tools to mainstream financial assets due to clearer regulations. Today, the stablecoin market is growing and becoming more institutionalised. At present, it is nearing the total value of $240 billion, steadily moving up since the beginning of the year. Furthermore, the total stablecoin transfer volume reached $27.6 trillion last year, surpassing the combined volume of Visa and Mastercard transactions for the same period.
One of the largest stablecoin issuers – Circle – is making official steps for its upcoming $5 billion IPO. Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (ICE) currently explores the use of Circle’s stablecoin USDC and its tokenised money market USYC for the sake of creating new financial products.
Just recently, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller acknowledged that stablecoins are a good thing for the United States’ payment system, though he doubted that the system could support numerous assets of this category. These developments only stress the importance of proper stablecoin infrastructure for daily needs. As stablecoins become more integrated into global financial systems, they are poised to play a pivotal role in the future of digital payments and financial inclusion.
