MetaMask Launches Pilot Phase for Blockchain Debit Card in Partnership with Mastercard and Baanx
The MetaMask Card has made its debut in a pilot program, initially accessible to a few thousand users across the EU and UK, with plans for a broader release later this year. This innovative card allows users to make purchases directly using their digital assets such as USDC, USDT, and wETH, which are held on the Layer-2 network Linea.
MetaMask, a widely used self-custodial wallet for the Ethereum (ETH) ecosystem, is collaborating with Mastercard and crypto payment specialist Baanx to roll out the blockchain-based debit card. According to CoinDesk, MetaMask announced that the card is initially part of a “limited pilot” aimed at EU and UK users, with intentions to expand availability for a full rollout and additional pilot programs in other regions in the coming quarters.
This launch reflects the growing convergence between traditional financial services and blockchain technology. As global entities embrace the tokenization of conventional assets like bonds, and asset managers begin offering crypto-based exchange-traded funds for bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH), payment giants are exploring ways to integrate blockchain into their operations.
Mastercard has been collaborating with Baanx on its Web3 payment solutions, bridging traditional payments with crypto platforms, including partnerships with hardware wallet provider Ledger and decentralized exchange 1inch. Meanwhile, Visa is working with Circle’s USDC stablecoin and the Solana (SOL) network to enhance cross-border payment efficiencies.
In March, CoinDesk first reported that MetaMask was testing a blockchain-based payment card through its partnership with Mastercard and Baanx.
Raj Dhamodharan, Mastercard’s executive vice president for blockchain and digital assets, stated, “We saw a significant opportunity to simplify and secure purchases for self-custody wallet users, making them more interoperable.” Simon Jones, chief commercial officer at Baanx, emphasized the importance of providing access to essential financial services for everyone, particularly in areas with high numbers of unbanked or underbanked populations.
The MetaMask Card functions like a standard debit card, permitting users to make purchases directly from their digital asset holdings within MetaMask’s self-custodial wallet, meaning users retain control of their funds until the transaction is completed.
“This gives people greater freedom to utilize their crypto assets for spending,” noted Lorenzo Santos, senior product manager at ConsenSys, the organization behind both MetaMask and the Linea blockchain.
