Mastercard Expands Stablecoin Payment Network Through New Partnership

Mastercard is deepening its involvement in the crypto space with a new global initiative that will allow users to spend stablecoins as easily as fiat.

The payments giant has teamed up with MoonPay to develop a stablecoin-backed card system, transforming how digital assets can be used for everyday purchases.

The service will operate through Iron, a payments infrastructure provider recently acquired by MoonPay, ensuring that stablecoin transactions are instantly converted into local currencies during checkout. This gives crypto holders a familiar spending experience while using blockchain-based assets behind the scenes.

While stablecoins continue gaining ground due to their fiat pegs and low volatility, regulators remain cautious. The U.S. SEC has offered partial guidance but left ambiguity around interest-bearing and algorithmic tokens. Still, Mastercard’s latest move shows that traditional finance isn’t waiting for full legal clarity before pushing forward.

READ MORE:

Standard Chartered Taps FalconX to Expand Institutional Crypto Access

This new rollout isn’t Mastercard’s first foray into digital currency payments. It follows an earlier initiative with OKX and Nuvei to build a crypto-friendly payment ecosystem, and a separate launch with Mercuryo in Europe, where a virtual Mastercard lets users spend crypto at over 90 million merchants.

Meanwhile, competitor Visa is also moving quickly. Its recent stablecoin pilot in Latin America spans six countries, with plans to expand into other global markets soon.

As both networks race to modernize payments with blockchain infrastructure, stablecoins are quietly transitioning from trading tools into mainstream financial instruments.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.