In a significant development for cryptocurrency users, Tangem has introduced Tangem Pay, a virtual Visa card that connects directly to its hardware wallet, allowing users to spend stablecoins at millions of merchants around the globe. The launch, carried out in partnership with US payment infrastructure firm Paera, enables users to deposit and utilize Circle’s USDC stablecoin on the Polygon network, as outlined in a recent announcement.
According to Tangem Pay CEO Marcos Nunes, once users deposit funds into their Tangem Pay accounts, they are free to use their cards anywhere Visa is accepted, regardless of local currencies. The new payment solution is also compatible with popular digital wallets, allowing for instant payments through Apple Pay and Google Pay.
The rollout of Tangem Pay is set to commence in late November, initially covering markets in the United States, Latin America, and several key countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with a planned European launch in 2026. The initial reach of the service is notable, offering access to users in 38 jurisdictions, including regions such as Australia, Brazil, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States.
Nunes has emphasized that the virtual card is merely a starting point, with the company already exploring expansions into new countries and potential incentives to enhance user engagement. This initiative aligns with Tangem’s mission of delivering a comprehensive self-custody experience through its hardware wallet, which is designed to enable users to “store, grow, and spend” their cryptocurrencies.
A crucial aspect of Tangem Pay is its adherence to regulatory standards, particularly concerning Know Your Customer (KYC) policies. While self-custodial wallets enable users to manage their cryptocurrency independently, the Tangem Pay account does require KYC verification. Nunes clarified that Tangem does not access user data related to their wallet; KYC processes only apply to funds held in the Tangem Pay account. In cases of regulatory concerns or illegal activity, the authority responsible for compliance, rather than Tangem itself, would manage any necessary disconnections from the payment network.
Moreover, the compliance and settlement functionalities for Tangem Pay are being facilitated by Rain, a payment infrastructure focused on stablecoin operations. This week, Rain revealed its plans to engage in a stablecoin-based settlement system developed in collaboration with Western Union’s upcoming Solana-based Digital Asset Network, set to launch in the first half of 2026.
As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, Tangem Pay aims to position itself as a leading payment solution, blending the benefits of self-custody with the convenience of mainstream payment networks.
