Cryptocurrency exchange Gate has partnered with payments provider Visa to launch a crypto-linked payment card across more than 40 countries and territories, enabling users to spend digital assets directly at physical and online merchants.
Key Takeaways:
- Gate and Visa are introducing a crypto-linked payment card across 40+ countries and territories.
- Digital assets held in Gate accounts automatically convert to fiat currency at the point of sale.
- Visa currently supports over 160 stablecoin-linked card programmes globally, with payment volume up nearly 200% year-over-year.
- Card functionality is integrated into the Gate app starting with version v8.39.0.
Real-Time Point-of-Sale Conversion Across Visa's Network
The new card product links Gate user accounts directly to Visa's global payment network, which encompasses over 175 million merchant locations across more than 200 countries and territories. When cardholders execute transactions for everyday expenses such as dining, travel, or retail shopping, the designated digital assets stored in their account automatically convert into fiat currency at the point of sale.
Users can apply for and manage the card within the Gate mobile application by updating to version v8.39.0, which enables the platform's Gate Money integrated financial service. Founded in 2013 by Dr. Han, Gate currently serves over 61 million users globally and supports trading across 5,300+ crypto assets and 12,800+ stock assets, alongside a 100% Proof of Reserves system.
Expanding Global Crypto Card Adoption
The initiative comes amid accelerated adoption of card-based crypto payments infrastructure. Global data highlights that more than 160 stablecoin-linked Visa card programmes are live globally, driving an increase in payment volume of nearly 200% year-over-year.
"Digital assets are gradually becoming part of everyday financial life," stated Dr. Han, Founder and CEO of Gate. Nischint Sanghavi, Head of Digital Currencies for APAC at Visa, noted that the partnership aims to expand payment choice by connecting new forms of value to established payment systems.
This global product expansion coincides with tightening global regulatory frameworks around digital asset issuers and stablecoin infrastructure, such as in Europe where ESMA set a 90-day deadline for EU crypto firms to phase out non-compliant stablecoins. At the same time, major trading platforms continue expanding their retail functionality across foreign markets, similar to how Coinbase unveiled 10x spot margin trading while restricting US retail access.
Why It Matters
This collaboration highlights the continuous push by major centralized exchanges to bridge digital asset balances with legacy financial rails. By enabling real-time fiat conversion at millions of point-of-sale terminals, exchanges can boost user retention and drive everyday utility without forcing customers to manually transfer funds to traditional bank accounts. Going forward, the primary factor to watch will be how seamlessly regional regulatory and compliance requirements are navigated across the 40+ target markets, particularly regarding local fiat off-ramps and consumer protection rules.
