MasterCard has launched a suite of services to support its use of Stablecoin in its global payment network and is backed by partnerships with companies such as OKX, Nuvei, Circle, Metamask, Kraken and others.
The program includes wallet integration, issuance of cards, merchant acceptance and settlement tools, designed to support consumers and businesses to send, receive and spend Stablecoins.
Consumers will be able to use the overall card hook card to spend stable on traditional merchants, while participating businesses can choose to receive settlements at $USDC or other supported Stablecoins.
Source: MastercardHow to implement it?
To support Stablecoin transactions, MasterCard is deploying its encrypted credentials system – a verification layer that allows blockchain addresses to be linked to authenticated user identities. The system enables users in support areas to send and receive digital assets using usernames instead of long wallet addresses, thereby improving availability and reducing the risk of errors.
The company is also developing its Multi-Type Network (MTN), which is designed to support real-time settlement of token assets. Financial institutions and standard charters including JPMorgan Chase include the MTN pilot, which aims to bridge traditional bank accounts with on-chain payment traffic.
Work on these infrastructures suggests that Mastercard is moving beyond card-based payments to enable broader digital asset integration across banks and settlement systems.
Source: MastercardWhy is this important?
Mastercard enters Stablecoin infrastructure, which marks an obvious step in integrating digital assets into everyday financial systems. Although stablecoins have been widely used in cryptocurrency markets for transactions and hedging, their absorption in retail or commercial payments remains limited due to technical, regulatory and availability barriers.
By enabling direct settlement of stablecoins and providing infrastructure for issuance and acceptance, MasterCard is addressing some of these gaps. It is worth noting that the company offers merchants Stablecoin payment options through partnerships with payment platforms Nuvei and USDC issuer circles. This gives the business more flexibility in how to obtain funds regardless of the original payment method of the customer.
Additionally, MasterCard is expanding access to stablecoins to make daily spending. Through partnerships with wallet providers such as MetAmask and exchanges such as OKX and Kraken, customers will be able to use their digital asset balances through MasterCard-branded cards through over 150 million global merchant locations.
