Throughout 2025, Visa-issued crypto cards experienced a massive spike in usage, signaling a significant shi…

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Throughout 2025, Visa-issued crypto cards experienced a massive spike in usage, signaling a significant shift in how digital assets are utilized for everyday transactional purposes. According to performance data, the total net spend associated with these financial products increased by 525% over the course of last year. This rapid expansion highlights the growing consumer interest in bridging the gap between traditional payment rails and the blockchain ecosystem.

The scale of this growth is further illustrated by the monthly performance of specific payment solutions. For six crypto cards issued by various blockchain projects in partnership with Visa, the total net spend began the year at $14.6 million in January. By the end of December, this figure had climbed dramatically to $91.3 million. This trajectory suggests that the adoption of crypto-linked debit and credit cards is gaining substantial momentum as users integrate decentralized finance and stablecoins into their regular spending habits.

The market leader among these tracked cards was the offering from EtherFi, which recorded a total spend of $55.4 million, outmoding its competitors. The second-placed provider, Cypher, recorded a spend of $20.5 million. The consistent rise in monthly volume across these platforms underscores the increasing utility of digital assets beyond investment, as they become fully-fledged tools for financial transactions.

Context

The competitive landscape for Visa-partnered crypto cards is currently dominated by a few key players that have captured the majority of the market’s transaction volume. Among the six cards monitored, the offering from EtherFi emerged as the clear leader by a fair margin. Its total spend of $55.4 million demonstrates a high level of user engagement compared to second-placed Cypher, which recorded a total spend of $20.5 million. Together, these projects represent the bulk of the $91.3 million total net spend recorded by the end of the year.

This growth occurs as Visa continues to deepen its involvement in the digital asset sector. The company is actively ramping up its efforts regarding stablecoins, recognizing their role as a critical component of the modern global payment infrastructure. As part of this strategy, Visa has implemented the following:

• Support for stablecoins across four different blockchains.
• Infrastructure moves to broaden access for retail and institutional clients.
• Partnerships with decentralized finance projects like EtherFi and Cypher.

The focus on stablecoin integration is intended to facilitate more efficient transactions and broader access for clients looking for alternatives to traditional fiat-based settlement systems. By supporting four distinct blockchains, Visa provides a more versatile framework for partners and users alike.

Impact

The infrastructure developments spearheaded by Visa are designed to support a more robust and scalable crypto-payment ecosystem. One of the most significant moves in this direction occurred in mid-December when the firm launched a specialized stablecoin advisory team. This team is tasked with onboarding and assisting banks, merchants, and fintech companies in their efforts to launch and manage their own stablecoin products. By providing this level of expertise, Visa is positioning itself as a central consultant for the next generation of financial technology providers.

Furthermore, the fact that Visa now supports stablecoins across four blockchains indicates a commitment to multi-chain interoperability. This expansion allows for greater flexibility in how value is transferred and settled, potentially reducing the friction typically associated with cross-border or high-frequency payments. The 525% increase in net spend over the last year is a direct reflection of these technological enhancements and the growing trust that consumers and institutions place in blockchain-integrated solutions.

As the net spend grew from $14.6 million to over $91 million, it became clear that the infrastructure for retail crypto spending is maturing rapidly. This impact is felt across the fintech sector as more projects seek to emulate the success of leaders by leveraging Visa’s global network and its new advisory resources. These strategic moves suggest a focus on building a comprehensive suite of tools designed to support the crypto-payment landscape.

Outlook

Looking ahead, the trajectory for crypto-integrated payment solutions appears increasingly positive. Visa looks primed for more growth with its crypto cards in 2026, building upon the momentum established during the previous record-breaking year. The company’s decision to double down on its stablecoin ventures over the past few months serves as a strong indicator of its long-term strategy. By expanding its support to multiple blockchains and providing advisory services to external partners, Visa is creating an environment where crypto-based spending can continue to scale.

The transition from $14.6 million in January to $91.3 million by December suggests that the peak for these products has not yet been reached. If the 525% growth rate is an indication of future trends, the market for crypto cards could see even more substantial numbers in the coming year. As more banks and merchants engage with Visa’s stablecoin advisory team, the variety and accessibility of these cards are expected to increase.

This evolution will likely lead to a more diverse market, where existing projects will need to maintain their technological edges to remain competitive. The continued integration of blockchain technology into traditional payment rails suggests that the boundary between digital assets and everyday financial transactions will continue to blur throughout 2026 as Visa continues ramping up its stablecoin initiatives.