Visa and Stripe-owned stablecoin firm Bridge plan to expand their stablecoin-linked card issuance product to over 100 countries.
The product, first unveiled in 2025, was initially focused on Central and South American countries. The cards are now live in 18 countries, with plans to expand across Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East by the end of the year, according to an announcement on Tuesday.
Visa and Bridge’s stablecoin-linked cards enable users to make everyday purchases by drawing from their stablecoin balances in wallets like MetaMask and Phantom. The cards are accepted across Visa’s existing network of 175 million merchant locations.
The move comes amid a period of widespread stablecoin experimentation across the legacy financial services sector, particularly following the passage of the stablecoin-focused GENIUS Act in the U.S.
“This expansion of our work with Visa will enable businesses launching their own custom stablecoins to use them seamlessly within their card programs,” Zach Abrams, CEO and cofounder of Bridge, said in a statement.
Last year, the companies kicked off a stablecoin settlement pilot to test how Visa issuers and acquirers can use stablecoins for onchain payment settlement. Lead Bank, a pilot participant, is also using Bridge’s stablecoin infrastructure, according to the announcement.
“Visa is committed to meeting businesses where they operate, and increasingly, that’s onchain,” Visa Head of Crypto Cuy Sheffield said in a statement. “Expanding our work with Bridge gives us one more way to bring the speed, transparency and programmability of stablecoins directly into the settlement process. This milestone gives our partners greater choice in how they move value, and it reinforces Visa’s role as a trusted network connecting stablecoins and the global payments ecosystem.”
Stripe acquired Bridge for $1.1 billion and has since expanded its crypto-related offerings. In addition to releasing stablecoin issuance tools, the firm is also co-developing the payments-focused Tempo blockchain with Paradigm.
In February, Bridge joined the ranks of crypto-native firms to win conditional approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for a national bank charter, which enables the firm to custody crypto, issue stablecoins, and manage stablecoin reserves.
© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Stay ahead of the market by turning news insights into trading opportunities. With Coinhub Exchange, you can seamlessly buy, sell, and manage your digital assets, all in one secure platform. Take advantage of real-time market insights, deep liquidity, and fast execution for your favorite cryptocurrencies. Don’t just read about it — trade crypto now!
Disclaimer
The content of this article shown by Coinhub News, powered by The Block, is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Coinhub News and its affiliates are not a licensed financial advisor, legal advisor, broker, or tax advisor, and ... should not be considered as professional advice or a recommendation to engage in any specific investment, legal decision, or financial transaction. Cryptocurrency markets are highly speculative and volatile. Readers should perform their own independent research and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial or legal decisions. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Company of its affiliates. Additionally, the Company does not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, timeliness, reliability, or completeness of any information in this article. By accessing this content, you acknowledge that any reliance on the information contained in this article is solely at your own risk. The Company is not responsible for any financial losses, legal disputes, or other damages that may arise from reliance on this content or from any investment or legal decisions based on the information provided. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves substantial risks, including the risk of losing your entire investment, and you should carefully consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
Read more
