MetaMask, in partnership with Mastercard and Baanx (Crypto Life), has launched the pilot of the MetaMask Card. This innovative Mastercard payment card allows users to make direct purchases using the crypto in their MetaMask wallets, wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Lorenzo Santos, Senior Product Manager at Consensys, commented on the launch, stating, “The MetaMask Card pilot gives people more freedom to spend their crypto. This card marks a significant step towards eliminating the barriers that have traditionally separated blockchain technology from everyday commerce. It’s a paradigm shift that brings together the best of both worlds.”
Echoing this sentiment, Simon Jones, Chief Commercial Officer at Baanx, added, “We are thrilled to partner with MetaMask, the leading web3 wallet, to drive the financial revolution forward by empowering users to act as their own bank.”
The pilot phase is currently available to a select group of users in the UK and the EU. To check eligibility, users can navigate to their MetaMask Portfolio and look for the “Card” tab in the left-hand navigation bar. Those eligible will be redirected to the Crypto Life platform to set up their account and MetaMask Card.
The introduction of the MetaMask Card addresses a longstanding issue in the crypto world—the cumbersome process of converting cryptocurrency to fiat for real-world spending. Traditionally, this process required several steps, such as transferring funds to an exchange and then to a bank, before being able to spend. This complexity has been a significant barrier to mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency as a practical currency.
The MetaMask Card simplifies this experience by eliminating the need for a bank. Unlike traditional crypto cards, which often operate like prepaid cards requiring fund transfers to third parties, the MetaMask Card functions as a debit card. This allows users to spend the crypto in their MetaMask wallet directly, maintaining control over their funds until the moment of payment. Utilising Mastercard’s global merchant network, combined with MetaMask’s security and the efficiency of Linea, secured by the Ethereum network, the card offers a swift, secure, and cost-effective spending experience, whether online or in-store.
The pilot phase offers a limited number of users in the UK and EU the opportunity to sign up for a MetaMask Card, which is also compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay for immediate use. Supported currencies at launch include USDC, USDT, and WETH on Linea. Looking to the future, the MetaMask Card is set to expand globally, with plans to reach additional regions. More updates on this development are expected soon.
