Visa Teams Up with Bridge (Acquired by Stripe) to Launch Stablecoin-Backed Cards in Latin America

In a groundbreaking move set to reshape digital payments, Visa has announced a strategic partnership with Bridge, a stablecoin infrastructure company recently acquired by Stripe. The collaboration will bring to market a new Visa card linked to stablecoin balances, aimed at empowering developers to issue crypto-backed cards across Latin America.

New Stablecoin Visa Cards Rolling Out in Six Latin American Countries

The initial launch of this innovative product will span six countries in Latin America: Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Chile. With this new card, users will be able to spend stablecoins anywhere Visa is accepted, while merchants are paid in their local currency.

All behind-the-scenes processes like deducting stablecoin balances from user wallets and converting them into fiat will be handled automatically, making the experience seamless for both the consumer and the merchant.

Bridge to Power Real-Time Stablecoin-to-Fiat Conversions

Bridge, now operating under Stripe’s umbrella, will manage the backend infrastructure required to facilitate these transactions. When a user makes a purchase, Bridge’s system will instantly convert the stablecoin into the merchant’s local currency, allowing for real-time, frictionless payments using digital assets.

This mechanism ensures that while users enjoy the benefits of transacting in crypto, merchants still receive settlements in familiar fiat currencies, eliminating complexity and risk on the receiving end.

Stripe Acquisition Bolsters Bridge’s Capabilities

With Stripe’s acquisition of Bridge, the platform now has access to enhanced technological resources and global reach. This partnership enables developers to easily create and deploy Visa cards that are backed by stablecoins, paving the way for a new wave of payment apps that merge Web3 functionality with real-world utility.

Focus on Financial Inclusion in Volatile Economies

Latin America has become a hotbed for stablecoin adoption, driven by ongoing economic volatility and inflation in the region. By offering a crypto-to-fiat payment solution that feels just like using a traditional debit or credit card, Visa and Bridge aim to increase financial inclusion and bring digital currencies into everyday life.

This launch arrives amid increasing regulatory focus in the U.S. on stablecoin governance, signaling Visa’s commitment to advancing crypto innovation within compliant frameworks.

Global Expansion Plans Already in Motion

While the current rollout targets Latin America, Visa and Bridge have their sights set on global expansion, with plans to extend the stablecoin Visa card offering to Europe, Africa, and Asia in the near future.

This initiative aims to deliver faster, more affordable, and borderless payments by leveraging the stability of fiat-pegged digital currencies. Users can pay at any Visa-enabled merchant worldwide, while the underlying tech handles conversions effortlessly.

A Milestone in Crypto Payment Integration

Visa’s partnership with Bridge is a significant milestone in the evolution of crypto payments infrastructure. By seamlessly integrating stablecoins into everyday transactions, this new product bridges the gap between decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional retail commerce.

For users, it's a new level of payment flexibility. For merchants, it’s business as usual, no need to manage or understand crypto. And for the financial world, it represents a powerful step toward mainstream stablecoin adoption across the global economy.