Global payments giant Visa is expanding its partnership with Stripe-owned Bridge to expand stablecoin-backed cards to more than 100 countries.
In a statement released on March 3, Visa confirmed that the expanded program will allow businesses and developers to issue cards linked to stablecoins, with transactions settled on-chain through Bridge’s partnership with Lead Bank.
The product was first launched in 2025 with targeted deployment in several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Argentina and Colombia. Since then, it has gradually expanded its global presence to operate in 18 countries.
Stablecoin Cards Evolve Toward Global Reach
The partnership is now preparing for its next stage of growth, with plans to expand coverage across Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East by the end of 2026. Through Bridge, businesses can issue Visa cards that allow customers to spend stablecoins directly at over 175 million merchants across the world.
These cards convert digital assets into payments that work like traditional debit cards, without requiring users to first transfer funds to a bank account.
Several major crypto platforms are already using the service. Bridge-powered cards have been integrated by wallet providers like Phantom and MetaMask, allowing millions of users to make everyday purchases using their cryptocurrency balances.
The expansion builds on Visa’s stablecoin settlement pilot, which allows partners to settle transactions on supported blockchains using stablecoins. The goal is faster settlements, greater transparency and lower costs than traditional banking systems.
According to Visa, the system enables faster reconciliation and more flexible settlement options for fintech companies and program managers operating across borders.
What the Expansion Means for Payments and Crypto
This broader rollout reflects Visa’s long-term drive to connect blockchain-based assets to its global payments network. Cuy Sheffield, head of crypto at Visa, said the initiative brings “speed, transparency and programmability” to settlement processes while maintaining institutional-grade security.
For Bridge and Stripe, the move supports their strategy of helping companies launch custom stablecoins that can be used directly in card programs. Bridge CEO Zach Abrams said the partnership allows companies to take more control of their financial infrastructure without rebuilding payment systems from scratch.
The expansion also shows growing confidence in stablecoins as a convenient payment tool rather than a niche crypto product. With cards already available in 18 countries and a roadmap to over 100, stablecoins are moving closer to mainstream consumer use.
At the same time, Visa is examining whether digital assets issued by Bridge could play a larger role in future settlement flows. If approved, this could introduce new avenues for moving funds across borders using blockchain technology.