Visa and Bridge, the stablecoin infrastructure platform owned by Stripe, announced plans to expand their jointly developed stablecoin-linked card product to more than 100 countries by the end of 2026, a move that would transform what is currently a limited offering available in just 18 markets into a near-global payment option spanning Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
What Happened: Stablecoin Card Expansion
The two companies confirmed the rollout in an official announcement. The card, first unveiled last year, lets users spend stablecoin balances held in crypto wallets at any merchant that accepts Visa.
It is currently live in 18 countries. Crypto platforms such as Phantom and MetaMask already use the cards to let millions of customers make everyday purchases with stablecoins.
Visa is also evaluating whether to support Bridge-issued assets in future transactions, with the review focused on how such assets might fit into the company's global settlement network.
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Why It Matters: Stablecoins Go Mainstream
The planned expansion signals a broader shift in how the payments industry treats stablecoins — less as speculative instruments, more as functional tools for moving money. Scaling from 18 countries to more than 100 in roughly a year would give stablecoin-backed spending access to consumers across four continents.
The timing also coincides with renewed corporate interest in the sector. Recent reports suggest that Meta may re-enter the stablecoin market, adding another major technology company to a space that Visa and Stripe are already working to build out.
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