(19 March 2026 – Global) Visa has expanded its partnership with Bridge, a leading stablecoin infrastructure provider enabling businesses and fintech developers to issue stablecoin-backed Visa cards across a wider range of markets.
Bridge operates a platform that connects businesses and developers to stablecoin payment flows and card issuance and is owned by Stripe. Visa and Bridge have expanded a global card issuance product first unveiled in 2025.
Visa also positioned stablecoin-backed cards as a potential bridge between digital asset balances and everyday spending, particularly in travel and trade, including payments to overseas suppliers.
Visa card issuance connected to the programme is currently available in 18 countries while the companies plan to expand issuance to more than 100 markets, including Australia and New Zealand.
“Stablecoins could help make cross-border payments as seamless as sending a text. How are Australians thinking about the future of global money movement?” commented Visa Group Country Manager Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, Alan Machet.
“Stablecoins can help move money nearly instantly and securely across the world, using Visa’s trusted network. Stablecoins can help make international payments as seamless as sending a text – that’s an obvious benefit for time-pressed small businesses
stated Visa Oceania Head of Product, Anthony Jones.
“Our infrastructure helps add enterprise-grade security, compliance, and fraud protection to digital asset movement, supporting a new foundation for secure global money movement that delivers real-world benefits to businesses and consumers.”
“As infrastructure around stablecoins becomes more secure and convenient, this represents a significant opportunity to improve cross-border payments by making them as seamless and transparent as domestic transactions.”
The announcement comes as key rival Mastercard announces its own deal to acquire BVNK, a major stablecoin infrastructure provider in the UK in a deal valued at US$1.8 billion. The acquisition is designed to expand Mastercard’s end-to-end capabilities for digital assets and to strengthen its role in value movement across multiple currencies, payment rails and geographic regions.