US payment goliaths Visa and Mastercard are pausing the launch of certain [crypto-based services and products](/news/article/visa-crypto-wallet-plans-outlined) in the wake of numerous high-profile collapses in the crypto industry, such as [FTX](/news/article/ftx-funds-political-donations-to-be-recovered) and BlockFi.

The bankruptcies/shortcomings of several major players in the industry, current market conditions, and [increased regulatory scrutiny](/news/article/imf-crypto-regulation-g20-summit) have led Visa and Mastercard to change their plans with immediate effect.

## Why have Visa, Mastercard pushed back the launch of crypto services and products?

Over the past few years, card giants such as Visa and [Mastercard explored partnerships](/news/article/mastercard-start-path) with leading crypto firms. They set up dedicated teams to survey and potentially integrate blockchain technology into their products and services.

In April 2022, Mastercard and Nexo teamed up to launch the world’s first [crypto-backed payment card](/news/article/nexo-card-or-binance-card).

In October 2022, [Visa announced](/news/article/visa-crypto-consulting) global debit card agreements with disgraced cryptocurrency exchange FTX as part of an expanded partnership. Following the downfall of the crypto trading platform a few weeks later, Visa terminated the partnership in November.

In 2021, American Express said it would consider using cryptocurrency to redeem reward points.

An unnamed American Express spokesperson said that while the organisation continues to explore the significant use cases of blockchain technology, crypto will not replace their "core payment and lending services", "in the near term".

While Visa and Mastercard have put a halt to [crypto service and product](/news/article/visa-bitcoin-debit-card-review) rollout at the time of writing, they are optimistic about the future of blockchain technology. Their cryptocurrency-centric strategy and focus remain unchanged.

In a conversation with [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/), a Visa spokesperson said the high-profile failures seen recently in the sector act as "an important reminder" that there is a long way to go before cryptocurrency is "part of mainstream payments and financial services".

Talking to Reuters, a Mastercard spokesperson commented on how the company intends to continue to apply blockchain technology to “build more efficient systems” that “help address current pain points”.
It should be noted that the delayed launch of cryptocurrency services and products by massive payment corporations like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express and the halt on the forging of new partnerships is not a poor reflection of blockchain technology. Instead, it is a sign of the times.

With [global crypto regulatory frameworks](/news/article/australia-crypto-regulation) being built as we speak, it makes the utmost sense to explore blockchain technology further and play the waiting game while the market settles and consumer/investor confidence rebuilds itself.


visa and mastercard cards with red filter

Visa, Mastercard Pause Crypto Services Launch 

I am here to tell you about two famous crypto card offerings from [Nexo](https://nexo.io/) and [Binance](https://www.binance.com/en) and which one you should pick.

Crypto cards are becoming famous among people as there is a rapid growth of popularity in cryptocurrency. Now people have the option to purchase anything they like with cryptocurrencies. But what are crypto cards, you might wonder?

Crypto cards are just like any regular bank debit or credit card used to pay for goods or services and earn crypto cashback. These cards are issued by crypto exchange companies partnering with the card payment companies like Visa or Mastercard.

## Nexo card

Nexo was founded in 2018 by Antoni Trenchev and others and claims to manage $15 billion worth of assets. 

The card was launched on 13 April, 2022, by partnering with Mastercard. You can use this card like a credit card without selling your crypto assets stored in your account. To put it in simple words, Nexo gives you fiat money to spend on goods and services, but instead of converting your crypto balance to fiat, it uses them as security for you to pay later. The card is accepted in 92 million stores globally where Mastercard is authorized, enabling users to spend up to 90% of the value of their crypto holdings in currency.

## Additional Features of Nexo card:

•	You earn up to 2% rewards/cashback on every transaction or ATM withdrawal.

•	It is available with Android or IOS, where you can control the card's settings.

•	You can pay interest in Crypto or fiat money.

•	Credit interest starts with 0% APR.

![nexo 1.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/nexo_1_cf897ec697.png)
  
## Binance Card

[Binance](/news/article/guide-to-binance-uk), founded by Changpeng Zhao in 2017, is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges. The card was launched in early 2022 by partnering with Visa and offers a crypto debit card. Crypto debit card converts your crypto balance into merchant's currency in real-time when you buy any item. This means you need to have an adequate balance in your account wallet when using your card. Binance card is accepted in more than a 60+million stores worldwide. 

## Additional Features of Binance card:

•	You earn up to 8% BNB cashback on every transaction.

•	It is supported by Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

•	Lowest fees in the market.

•	Hold cryptocurrency and only exchange it when you swipe your card.

![nexo card 2.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/nexo_card_2_11326f3a3b.png)
  
Both crypto cards have various features depending upon the need. I hope this helps you to decide which one to choose.


Nexo Card or Binance Card?

The credit card giant [Mastercard](/news/article/crypto-trading-services-mastercard) has been running an accelerator program for startups since 2014. It has recently announced that this year, applications from 7 FinTech startups have been accepted for [Mastercard Start Path](https://startpath.mastercard.com/spglobal/home.html). The firm intends to promote innovation in blockchain, FinTech, and the web3 space with this move.

The upcoming cohort of firms that have joined the program is quite diversified. They are from four countries: the United States, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and Colombia.  

## Blockchain companies accepted in Mastercard Start Path

There are a few known names among the companies that will be joining the program. One of them is Abu Dhabi-based [Fasset](https://fasset.com/), which is a digital asset gateway service provider. 

The credit card company, previously, has also worked with it to provide digital solutions in Indonesia. Another firm from the UAE is Take Back the Mic ([TBTM Studios](https://tbtm.app/)). It allows entertainment platforms to leverage blockchain technology.

There are three companies from the US: [Loot Bolt](https://lootbolt.com/), [Uptop](https://www.uptop.xyz/), and Quadrata. Loot Bolt provides services related to web3-based payment systems. Uptop offers a platform for brands to manage their customer relations, and [Quadrata](https://quadrata.com/) allows blockchain-based solutions for preserving privacy.

From Singapore, the [Digital Treasures Center (DTC)](https://dtcpayment.com/) will be part of the program. And from Colombia, [Stable](https://www.stable-app.com/), a stablecoin startup, is accepted. 

## What’s the goal of Start Path?

Start Path was launched in 2014 to help startups get the initial funds and expand. It is a yearly program that lasts for six months. So far, this initiative has boosted the performance of over 350 firms, some of which have also reached unicorn status. 

Last year, Mastercard decided to launch a crypto division for this program. It was to support web3 and [crypto projects](/news/article/crypto-app-mastercard-nft) by investing in them. It helps companies build a community of developers and bring more innovation to the industry. 

However, this credit card corporation is not the first to take such an initiative. Many corporations like [Binance](/news/article/guide-to-binance-uk), [Disney](/news/article/matic-disney-collab), and others also run accelerator programs. 




7 FinTech startups joined Mastercard Start Path

One of the leading names among credit card companies, [Mastercard](https://www.mastercard.com/global/en.html), has announced plans to enter the crypto space. On Monday, the company [revealed](https://www.mastercard.com/news/press/2022/october/mastercard-to-bring-crypto-trading-capabilities-to-banks/) that it would be working to offer cryptocurrency trading services to its customers. The program is named Crypto Source and is aimed to facilitate digital asset trading between banks and investors. 

[Mastercard](/news/article/mastercard-crypto-asia) will be deploying a suite for the banks that will allow them to introduce secure trading services. It will likely incorporate transaction monitoring, analytics, AML compliance, biometric verification, and formidable cybersecurity.

## Paxos join forces with crypto Mastercard 

[Paxos Trust Company](https://paxos.com/) is an eminent name for providing infrastructure for cryptocurrency trades. Also, it is the first firm licensed by the Department of Financial Services of New York. The firm has joined forces with the crypto Mastercard to assist its trade program. 

Paxos will be playing the role of a broker and custodian for the banks. On the other hand, the credit card company will use its infrastructure to connect the banks' interfaces with these services. The companies say they will develop a seamless experience for buying and selling digital currencies.

## Why is the credit card giant entering the crypto space?

The company observed in its [new payments index](https://www.theblock.co/post/163036/awareness-of-crypto-is-high-but-trust-needs-to-be-built-mastercard-research-finds) that around 29% of the participants were cryptocurrency holders. Also, it was discovered that 65% of them would prefer virtual asset services from a trusted financial firm. 

This is one of the reasons the company has introduced its trade program with Paxos.
 
President of Cyber and Intelligence at Mastercard, Ajay Bhalla, said while sharing his thoughts on the program, "We are announcing today a connected approach to services that will help bring users safely and securely into the cryptocurrency ecosystem."

For the security of this program, the company has unique technology to build trust. However, it is not the first such initiative.

Previously, it introduced products like Ekata and CipherTrace, which are quite prominent for their security. 

Partnering with Crypto App, the company also launched its first [NFT debit card](/news/article/crypto-app-mastercard-nft) last month. This lets users personalise their NFT avatars with cards and spend fiat and digital assets.



Crypto Trading Services offered by Mastercard

Mastercard and the crypto app 'hi' [launched the first NFT customisable debit cards](https://www.mastercard.com/news/europe/en/newsroom/press-releases/en/2022/september-2022/hi-launches-world-s-first-nft-customizable-card-with-mastercard/). With the launch of customisable debit cards, users can personalise their cards' with the NFT avatars they own.

## Crypto app and Mastercard partnership

On September 25, in a [hi blog post](https://resources.hi.com/video-announcing-the-worlds-first-nft-card-with-mastercard/), the crypto and fiat app 'hi' announced a new partnership with Mastercard to launch customisable debit cards, allowing users to design their cards with NFT avatars.

![mastercard.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/mastercard_d3ff63ad2a.png)

With this new partnership, users can now add popular NFT avatars to their cards, such as CryptoPunks, [Apes](/news/article/how-to-buy-monkey-nft), Goblins, or any other they own, as long as it meets Mastercard design standards.

The new hi [debit card](/news/article/crypto-debit-card-uk) will enable crypto enthusiasts to spend fiat and digital assets, such as $Hi, $BTC, $ETH, and $USDT, at over 90 million locations worldwide that accept Mastercard crypto payments.

It will also allow users to spend money from their IBAN accounts in various fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies. Users will receive crypto rewards when making online purchases and will have access to several digital subscriptions, travel benefits like hotel discounts, and more.

Furthermore, it will allow members in the United Kingdom and Europe to deposit their paychecks directly into the card via their banks and split fiat in their preferred cryptocurrency.

The card will operate on the buy-now-convert-later functionality, eliminating the need to convert digital assets into fiat currency. Thanks to the implemented functionality, customers won't miss out on any potential returns from the cryptocurrency market.

## How to get your exclusive NFT debit card?

The NFT customisable debit cards are exclusive for hi members only. The crypto app ['hi' released the steps to join the waitlist](https://resources.hi.com/join-the-card-waitlist/) to get the exclusive NFT debit card. 

Users can head over to the card page in the hi mobile app. They will be required to choose a card tier, each offering different benefits. 

To access the NFT card benefits, the user must purchase and stake their native token, HI. To gain access to the benefits, users must stake at least 100 HI tokens or 10 EUR and fulfil the platform's know your customer (KYC) requirements. 






Crypto app and Mastercard launch first NFT card

[Mastercard](https://www.mastercard.co.uk/en-gb.html) has obviously decided to broaden its cryptocurrency sector by going on a hiring spree. According to their ads on LinkedIn.com, the UK and Irish branches of the global card operator plan to hire crypto training directors, managers of blockchain and digital assets, senior data scientists and others.

Even though it’s still not official, it seems that with crypto hiring, Mastercard is recognising digital assets as an important part of the payments world. 

“We are seeing this fact play out on the Mastercard network, with people using cards to buy crypto assets,” the company said previously.
Users, especially in the UK are rapidly making use of crypto cards in order to trade with cryptocurrencies, make a profit and convert crypto to traditional currencies for spending.

To be clear, this data is not of any individuals — it's anonymised and in aggregate — but the trend is unmistakable.
The company already supports several cryptocurrencies on its network and has previously partnered with Wirex and BitPay. 

## Crypto adoption to happen ‘very soon’

However, the current discovery isn’t something we should be surprised by. On the recent webinar during Avalanche’s Powering Business with Blockchain series, the Mastercard’s VP of new product development and innovation, Harold Bossé stated that the global adoption of [blockchain](/news/category/blockchain-news) technology and cryptocurrencies will happen “sooner rather than later”.

“There are millions of individuals today consuming and sending digital assets around the world,” Bossé said. 
“They are early adopters and new adopters, but we have switched toward mass markets, and that will be a very important aspect for financial institutions to move into the space.”

Still, he commented that crypto sector stands before numerous challenges such as lack of knowledge among the management, speed, costs, regulations, etc. All of this is halting companies who perhaps would like to enter the market. Since Mastercard is clearly hiring professionals for its crypto segment to extend its payment services offering, there is no question that this could energize the dying credit card market. 




Mastercard crypto hiring spree in the UK

Mastercard and [Bakkt](/news/tag/bakkt) have [announced](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211025005487/en/Mastercard-and-Bakkt-Partner-to-Offer-Innovative-Crypto-and-Loyalty-Solutions) that they are joining forces to enable crypto card payments. The aim is to make it easier for banks and financial firms to offer and accept crypto payments.

The partnership will roll out in the next few months. The project aims to pave the way for firms that want to offer crypto by letting them use [Mastercard’s network](/news/article/mastercard-crypto-asia) of banks and other financial institutions.

## Mastercard Look to Make Crypto Easier

"To spend cryptocurrency globally today, you need a very complex ecosystem," said Kelly Loefller, CEO at Bakkt, and chief market and corporate development officer at Mastercard.

"We will continue to work with merchants and consumers to make it easy for them to use cryptocurrency."

"Cryptocurrency is going to play a foundational role in the future of our new payment system. We feel that by joining forces, we'll be able to deliver more value".

## Some Reluctant to Trade Crypto

The new system is also designed to appeal to institutional investors who are still reluctant to trade crypto because of volatility and complexities.

"Every asset class can benefit from a more efficient and speedier processing cycle," Loefller said.

"That's what we're trying to accomplish here." 

Increasingly promising news of investment in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is spreading throughout the traditional banking world, with this being one of many collaborations. There have also been rumours that Mastercard will hire new staff as part of their expanding interest in cryptocurrency over the coming years. Is this the first of many crypto collaborations for major companies? We will have to wait and see. 



Mastercard & Bakkt Partner to Accept Crypto

Crypto payment cards are on the way for the Asia Pacific region, thanks to partnerships involving Mastercard.

Mastercard has partnered with Amber, Bitkub and CoinJar, cryptocurrency service providers in Asia Pacific, to launch crypto-funded Mastercard payment cards. This will make it easier for consumers and corporates to spend cryptocurrency on physical or digital Mastercard payment cards

The agreements mean that, for the first time, consumers and businesses in the region can apply for crypto-linked Mastercard credit, debit or pre-paid cards. The cards allow them to instantly convert cryptocurrencies into fiat currency, which can be spent everywhere Mastercard is accepted.

## Mastercard Crypto Program

Mastercard’s partners are based in Thailand and Australia, offering cryptocurrency purchase and exchange services. The companies are the first APAC-based cryptocurrency platforms to join [Mastercard’s global Crypto Card Program](/news/article/mastercard-uk-hiring), designed to make it simpler and faster for crypto firms to bring secure, compliant payment cards to market.

Digital currencies are not currently widely accepted, so this crypto payment card converts the holder’s cryptocurrency to fiat, rather than transferring crypto to the merchant.

It will work online and offline, with currency always entering the Mastercard network as fiat currency.

Rama Sridhar, Executive Vice President, Digital & Emerging Partnerships and New Payment Flows, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, said: ‘Cryptocurrencies are many things to people; an investment, a disruptive technology, or a unique financial tool.

‘As interest and attention surges from all quarters, their real-world applications are now emerging beyond the speculative. In collaboration with these partners that adhere to the same core principles that Mastercard does – that any digital currency must offer stability, regulatory compliance and consumer protection – Mastercard is expanding what’s possible with cryptocurrencies to give people even greater choice and flexibility in how they pay.’

Michael Wu, Founder and CEO of Amber Group, added: ‘Amber Group is committed to serving clients with best-in-class technology and innovative product offerings. By joining forces with Mastercard, we will leverage our combined technology, solutions, and expertise to offer users in applicable jurisdictions a more streamlined digital finance experience.’

## A Sophisticated Card Solution

Founder and Group CEO of Bitkub. Jirayut Srupsrisopa. said: ‘Thailand is one of the most crypto-oriented markets in Asia Pacific, and so turning that broad asset ownership into something which is usable in an everyday context is a major step forward for Bitkub and our customers.

‘To make this happen, we are very pleased to be connected to Mastercard via our valued payments partner 2C2P to create a sophisticated card solution that allows crypto users to make payments by converting cryptocurrency to traditional fiat currency. I believe that our strong partnership will accelerate consumers’ use of crypto as a means of commerce, making payments more efficient and facilitating new economic activity for businesses worldwide.’

CoinJar CEO. Asher Tan. concluded: ‘As one of the world’s longest-running crypto exchanges, we’re thrilled to partner with a global giant like Mastercard to make cryptocurrency more accessible and useful than it’s ever been before.’

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