Visa has partnered with fintech infrastructure provider Bridge to integrate dollar-pegged stablecoins directly into the global Visa payment network. This collaboration allows users to spend major stablecoins like USDC and USDP at over 150 million merchant locations worldwide using a Visa card, without requiring merchants to adopt new technology or change their payment systems.
The service is initially launching in six Latin American countries—Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Chile—with plans to expand into Europe, Africa, and Asia by late 2025. Bridge’s API-first platform handles the entire process behind the scenes: real-time stablecoin-to-fiat conversion, transaction settlement, compliance, and banking coordination through Lead Bank.
How the Visa-Bridge Stablecoin Card System Works
The partnership is designed to make spending stablecoins as simple as using a traditional debit or credit card. Here’s how it works from end to end:
- Users hold supported stablecoins in a compatible digital wallet or app.
- When making a purchase, they use a Bridge-issued Visa card—either physically or through digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Bridge instantly converts the stablecoins into the local currency of the merchant at the point of sale.
- The transaction is processed through Visa’s standard payment rails, and the merchant receives fiat settlement as usual.
This process is made possible through Bridge’s unified API, which handles blockchain operations, liquidity management, compliance, and bank settlement in one integrated system.
The Role of Bridge’s Technology
Bridge serves as the middleware between blockchain-based assets and traditional finance. Its infrastructure includes:
- Smart Contract Execution: Automatically deducts the exact stablecoin amount from the user’s wallet when a transaction is made.
- Liquidity Pools: Partners with market makers to enable low-slippage stablecoin-to-fiat conversions.
- Real-Time Settlement: Works with Visa’s network to authorize and clear transactions instantly.
Merchants do not need to accept crypto directly—they receive fiat currency without any changes to their payment setup.
Benefits for Developers and Fintech Companies
Bridge offers a streamlined, programmable platform for companies that want to launch stablecoin-powered payment products without building complex infrastructure from scratch.
Simplified Integration and Global Reach
Developers can integrate once with Bridge’s API and rapidly deploy Visa-backed stablecoin cards across multiple regions. The initial launch covers Latin America, with more continents coming soon.
Customizable Card Programs
Through Bridge’s dashboard, issuers can configure:
- Dynamic fee structures
- Spending limits per user or card
- Multi-party settlement rules
- Whitelisted merchant categories
Built-In Compliance and Banking Support
By partnering with Lead Bank, Bridge handles KYC (Know Your Customer), AML (Anti-Money Laundering), and regulatory reporting. This reduces the compliance burden for fintechs and allows faster time-to-market.
What Users Can Expect
For consumers, the experience is designed to be seamless and familiar:
- Spend Directly from Crypto Wallets: No manual conversion or pre-loading required—use stablecoins straight from your self-custodied wallet.
- Broad Compatibility: Add the card to popular digital wallets for contactless in-store payments or online checkout.
- Transparency and Security: Each transaction is recorded on the blockchain, providing a clear audit trail. Users retain control of their funds until the moment of purchase.
- Potential Rewards: Some early programs are testing crypto-back rewards or NFT-based loyalty incentives.
Why Latin America Is the First Target Market
The choice to begin in six Latin American countries is strategic. The region faces several financial challenges that stablecoins can help address:
- High Remittance Fees: Cross-border transfers traditionally incur fees of 5% or more. Stablecoin-based transactions can significantly reduce these costs.
- Currency Volatility: Countries like Argentina and Venezuela experience high inflation, making dollar-pegged stablecoins an attractive store of value.
- Underbanked Population: Many people in these regions rely on mobile phones for financial services, making digital assets a practical solution.
This rollout serves as a real-world test before expanding into other markets with different regulatory and economic conditions.
Adoption Goals and Early Performance
At launch, the system supports over 150 million Visa merchants worldwide. Early projections indicate strong potential:
- The initial launch regions include approximately 60 million people who are underbanked or regularly send or receive remittances.
- Bridge aims to facilitate 1.16 billion stablecoin transactions by the end of 2025.
- Pilot data suggests users can save up to 30% on cross-border foreign exchange costs compared to traditional services.
The partnership is also working to keep conversion slippage below 0.5% through partnerships with more than 20 liquidity providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stablecoins are supported?
The system currently supports USDC and USDP, with plans to add more compliant, dollar-pegged stablecoins in the future.
Do merchants need to change their payment systems?
No. Transactions are processed through standard Visa terminals and online gateways. Merchants receive traditional currency and won’t notice a difference.
Can I use this card outside the launch countries?
The card can be used at any Visa-accepting merchant globally, but initial registration is limited to residents in the six Latin American countries. Global expansion is planned for late 2025.
Is this available for individual users or only businesses?
Both individuals and businesses can use the service. Fintech companies and developers can also use Bridge’s API to offer branded stablecoin card programs.
How are transactions settled?
Bridge converts stablecoins to fiat in real-time using liquidity partners. Settlement occurs through Visa’s network, and merchants are paid in their local currency.
Are there fees for users?
Fees vary based on the card issuer and program. Some providers may charge conversion or transaction fees, but these are generally lower than traditional remittance or currency exchange services.
This partnership between Visa and Bridge marks a significant step toward mainstream crypto adoption. By combining Visa’s vast merchant network with Bridge’s agile fintech infrastructure, users gain a practical way to spend stablecoins globally—while businesses can tap into new revenue models and customer engagement opportunities.
For those interested in launching a stablecard program, 👉 explore advanced integration options and developer resources to get started.