Visa and Bridge Launch Stablecoin-Backed Cards to Expand Crypto Payments Across Latin America
Visa and Bridge Team Up to Bring Stablecoin-Backed Payment Cards to Latin America
In a move that signals growing momentum for cryptocurrency adoption in everyday transactions, Visa has partnered with Bridge, a crypto infrastructure startup recently acquired by Stripe, to launch a new product that allows stablecoin-backed cards to be issued through Visa’s global network.
The collaboration aims to empower developers building on Bridge’s platform to create Visa cards that draw from users’ stablecoin balances. Cardholders will be able to pay at any merchant worldwide that accepts Visa—making crypto spending as easy as a tap.
Behind the scenes, Bridge handles the key technical challenge: converting stablecoins into local fiat currencies so merchants receive traditional payments, while users spend from their digital assets. This ensures a smooth, transparent experience on both ends of the transaction.
The initiative is rolling out first in Latin America, with launch markets including Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Chile—regions where inflation and currency instability have driven strong interest in dollar-backed stablecoins like USDC. Merchants in these countries will receive payments in their local currency, while consumers can spend in stablecoins without worrying about conversion hurdles.
Jack Forestell, Visa’s Chief Product and Strategy Officer, emphasized the goal of seamless integration: “We’re focused on integrating stablecoins into Visa’s existing network and products in a frictionless and secure way. Partnering with Bridge represents a significant move in helping to make stablecoins usable in everyday life, giving consumers more choice in how they manage and spend their money.”
Bridge CEO Zach Abrams added that this partnership represents a “massive unlock” for developers and users alike. “Everyone already knows how to use cards for payments, and now everyone will be able to use stablecoins with just a tap of their card,” he said.
The collaboration not only reflects a practical step toward making crypto spending more accessible, but also offers a glimpse into how traditional financial giants and fintech upstarts are co-creating bridges between decentralized finance and the mainstream economy.