Visa Reports Sharp Growth in Crypto-Linked Card Payments
Visa Reports Sharp Growth in Crypto-Linked Card Payments
Prefer us on GoogleWEEX View
- The main variable to watch is whether this payment growth translates into broader issuer expansion beyond the more than 160 active crypto card programs Visa said were live in the second quarter of 2026.
- Another key point is the financing model behind these cards. Visa said it worked with Credit Coop on a structure that lets issuers meet payment obligations before charging end users, using a renewable stablecoin credit line backed by settlement receivables.
- Market participants should also watch whether blockchain-based settlement tools such as Spigot remain limited to operational financing or become a wider part of card-linked payment infrastructure.
The story is less about short-term trading and more about whether crypto cards and stablecoin credit rails can scale within mainstream payment networks.
Visa said payment volume through its programs exceeded $20 billion in 2026, rising more than 15-fold from 2025 as cryptocurrency-linked card usage expanded across its network.
According to the disclosed figures, the increase was tied to the expansion of crypto-linked cards on Visa’s network. The company said there were more than 160 active programs during the second quarter of 2026, while payment volume rose nearly 200% year over year.
Visa also described a financing arrangement developed with Credit Coop to support day-to-day card operations. Under that setup, card issuers can cover payment obligations before passing charges on to end users. The mechanism includes a renewable line of credit in stablecoins backed by receivables from settlements, with payment flows managed automatically through the Spigot smart contract.
Rain, identified as a Visa member, said it has financed more than $2 billion since August 2023, with over 2,000 capital turns and 7,000 refunds recorded on-chain. Credit Coop said its platform has processed more than $2.5 billion in loans across 3,000 credit operations.
Visa also said it processes nine out of every ten dollars spent globally with cards linked to digital assets. The disclosure did not provide a fuller methodological breakdown for that claim or specify how broadly the reported $20 billion figure maps across all digital-asset-linked card activity on its network.
Why It Matters
The update adds to the case that stablecoins and crypto wallets are being used not only for trading and on-chain transfers, but also for consumer payment flows connected to established card networks. That makes crypto payment adoption easier to track through operational data rather than product announcements alone.
It also highlights a second layer of market development: the infrastructure needed to finance and settle those transactions. If stablecoin-denominated credit lines and smart-contract-based payment routing continue to support card issuers at scale, the link between traditional payment rails and blockchain-based settlement could deepen.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and doesn't constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Any events, rewards, online promotions, or related information mentioned herein should not be considered a recommendation, solicitation, or invitation to purchase, sell, trade, or otherwise deal in any crypto assets. Crypto assets are highly volatile and may result in loss. The availability of WEEX services, products, and related events may vary by region. You are responsible for ensuring that your participation is in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.
About WEEX View
WEEX View is a crypto analysis and intelligence hub, covering the latest in Web3, AI, and global markets. Get independent research and in-depth insights to stay ahead of market trends and trading opportunities.
Latest articles
MoreVisa Stablecoin Settlement Run Rate Tops $20 Billion
Visa said its stablecoin settlement run rate now exceeds $20 billion annually, up from $3.5 billion about ten months ago, as it expands stablecoin-linked card programs and launches a revolving credit product with Credit Coop.
VAST Raises About 3 Billion RMB in Series B Financing
AI 3D company VAST said it completed Series B and B+ financing totaling about 3 billion RMB, led by Matrix Partners, and released its Tripo P2.0 model as it expands infrastructure and commercialization.
Tether, Fasanara Capital Launch $400 Million Private Credit Fund
Tether and Fasanara Capital have launched StableFund, a $400 million private credit fund targeting short-term, asset-backed financing for small and medium-sized enterprises, with a goal of attracting $3 billion in third-party institutional capital.
U.S. Bancorp Tests USBDC Stablecoin for Cross-Border Transfers
U.S. Bancorp said it completed a cross-border payment pilot using its USBDC stablecoin on Stellar between institutions in North America and Europe, while testing issuance, redemption, freezing and recovery functions on its internal digital asset platform.
-- Price
