After a successful UK trial, MetaMask and Mastercard have announced a limited U.S. trial for their joint crypto debit card.
MetaMask users based in the United States can now sign-up to take part in this trial, with the hope that an equally successful U.S. trial could see MetaMask Card expand to other territories in 2025 – or even see a full release.
MetaMask Card allows its holders to spend their cryptocurrency anywhere in which Mastercard is accepted. This boosts the ability for popular cryptocurrencies – such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana – to become a true alternative to fiat currencies, opening the path to smooth, secure and efficient everyday use cases.
How does MetaMask Card work?
MetaMask and Mastercard have partnered with financial services firm Crypto Life to facilitate these everyday crypto purchases.
Holders of the MetaMask Card are able to use their crypto to purchase items as they would with any standard credit or debit card. Groceries, coffees, high-street retailers – everyday purchases can now be paid for directly in cryptocurrency, using secure payment systems that they are already familiar with.
For the retailer, payments with MetaMask Card are effectively treated the same as with any Mastercard purchase, with fiat currency deposited into their accounts as normal. As MetaMask Card also supports contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, these quick, efficient and secure payments are a boost to both holders and retailers.
In this pilot phase, MetaMask Card currently supports $USDC, $USDT, and $WETH – with hopes to expand to additional cryptocurrencies in future.
How do I apply for MetaMask Card?
Eligible U.S.-based MetaMask users can now join their counterparts in the UK and EU to take part in limited pilot of MetaMask Card.
To check if you’re eligible, head to MetaMask Portfolio, go to the new Card tab, and press Get Started. Here, users can apply for the limited MetaMask Card pilot, and set up their accounts if required.
Consensys, the firm behind MetaMask, have been bullish on the potential impact of MetaMask Card. Earlier in the year, Lorenzo Santos, Senior Product Manager at Consensys, said that MetaMask Card would “[give] people more freedom to spend their crypto” that would “[remove] the friction that has traditionally existed between the blockchain and real-world commerce.”
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