MetaMask and Mastercard Unveil Self-Custodial Crypto Card in U.S.

MetaMask, the leading Ethereum wallet, has officially rolled out its Mastercard-powered debit card across the United States, marking a major milestone in bridging decentralized finance with everyday payments. The announcement was made through MetaMask’s official channels and confirmed in industry reports.

A New Era of Crypto Spending

The MetaMask Card allows users to spend digital assets directly from their self-custodial wallets at millions of merchants worldwide. Unlike traditional crypto cards that require pre-loading funds onto an exchange, this card preserves user control until the moment of payment. Supported assets include USDC, USDT, ETH, and tokenized stablecoins, with seamless integration into Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Nationwide Availability

The card is now accessible in 49 U.S. states, including New York, with Vermont excluded at launch due to regulatory constraints. This expansion follows earlier pilots in Europe, Latin America, and Canada, signaling MetaMask’s ambition for global adoption.

Powered by Mastercard’s Network

Issued by Cross River Bank and enabled by fintech partner Monavate, the card leverages Mastercard’s global payment rails. This ensures compatibility with existing merchant infrastructure, allowing crypto holders to “tap and pay” anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Onchain Rewards and Premium Options

Beyond convenience, MetaMask promises:

• Onchain rewards for spending, reinforcing its crypto-native ethos
• A premium Metal Card edition in the works, offering enhanced benefits and design

MetaMask Card vs Traditional Crypto Cards

Feature	MetaMask Card	Typical Crypto Cards
Custody of Assets	Self-custodial (user retains control)	Custodial (exchange holds funds)
Payment Method	Direct from wallet	Pre-loaded balance
Rewards	Onchain crypto rewards	Fiat or exchange-based rewards
Global Acceptance	Mastercard network	Varies by issuer
Digital Wallet Support	Apple Pay, Google Pay	Limited

Why It Matters

This launch represents a strategic leap for mainstream crypto adoption:

• Self-Custody First: Users retain control of their private keys, aligning with Web3 principles
• Frictionless Payments: No need for conversions or pre-loading balances
• Mass Acceptance: Backed by Mastercard’s global merchant network

Source: MetaMask official announcement and Mastercard press release.