{"id":58453,"date":"2026-05-29T08:54:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T08:54:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bitrabo.com\/discover\/?p=58453"},"modified":"2026-05-29T08:54:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T08:54:26","slug":"crypto-card-payments-surge-to-nearly-8-billion-in-volume","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bitrabo.com\/discover\/crypto-card-payments-surge-to-nearly-8-billion-in-volume\/","title":{"rendered":"Crypto Card Payments Surge to Nearly $8 Billion in Volume"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Visa and Bridge, a fintech company under Stripe, are set to introduce stablecoin-linked payment cards in over 100 countries by the end of 2026. The initial launch has already encompassed 18 nations across Latin America.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Why Established Financial Systems Are Dominating the Crypto Payment Sector<\/span><\/h2>\n

Everyday purchases such as grocery shopping and dining are increasingly utilizing crypto-linked cards. Data from the OKX European card product reveals that, in January, supermarket transactions accounted for more than 25% of all purchases via the OKX card, with restaurants making up 18% and online shopping 13%.<\/p>\n

This data indicates a substantial shift within the payments landscape. Monthly transaction volume for crypto-linked debit and credit cards has surged by 230% year-over-year, reaching a total of $7.8 billion this month, according to The Kobeissi Letter, a prominent market research source.<\/p>\n

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BREAKING: Cumulative crypto card payment volumes have hit an all-time high of $7.8 billion, with monthly volumes increasing by +230% since May 2025.<\/p>\n

The rapid adoption of crypto cards in 2026 is largely due to enhanced access to stablecoins as a payment method.<\/p>\n

For more\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/nLIW0QCkys<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) May 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

<\/span>How Stablecoins Are Fueling This Growth<\/span><\/h2>\n

The rise of stablecoins is essential to understanding this trend. More cardholders now have the ability to use dollar-pegged digital assets for transactions, enabling faster adoption compared to previous years.<\/p>\n

The Kobeissi Letter highlights that the increasing ability to spend stablecoins just as one would with cash has been critical. These cards utilize established payment networks rather than replacing them.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Visa has established a formidable presence in this market, accounting for approximately 90% of crypto card transaction volumes, facilitated through partnerships with blockchain-based firms. One notable partner is Jupiter Global, associated with the Jupiter decentralized exchange on the Solana network.<\/p>\n

In January, OKX introduced its stablecoin card for European users<\/a>, utilizing the Mastercard<\/a> network. Data from this card provides valuable insights into how individuals are incorporating digital assets into their daily expenditures.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Strategic Expansion Plans Indicate Wider Intentions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Chile are part of the Visa-Bridge initial rollout. Reports suggest that expansion plans include regions in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East, with targeted timelines for rollouts set before the end of the year.<\/p>\n

The overarching trend illustrates that crypto payments are becoming integrated into routine transactions without disrupting existing financial giants. Companies like Visa<\/a> and Mastercard are not being replaced; rather, they are essential in providing the foundational infrastructure for new payment methods.<\/p>\n

Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView<\/em><\/p>\n