A prominent cryptocurrency exchange has unveiled a new payment card designed for European users, enabling them to spend stablecoins wherever Mastercard is accepted. This innovative launch combines digital assets with everyday purchases, initially supporting USDC and USDG. The card is facilitated through a partnership with Monavate, a company providing the necessary electronic money institution infrastructure for card issuance.
The exchange, which holds a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation license in the EU, ensures compliance with stringent regulatory frameworks. Monavate operates throughout the European Economic Area, adhering to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. Notably, Monavate is in the process of being acquired by Exodus, a self-custodial wallet provider, set to finalize this arrangement in November 2025.
To access the card, users are required to complete mandatory verification checks that connect to OKX Pay, a self-custodial wallet integrated within the OKX app. The exchange emphasizes that all cardholders must undergo rigorous KYC and AML processes to comply with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations and EU directives.
Erald Ghoos, CEO of OKX Europe, highlighted that the new card addresses critical technical barriers that have historically limited average users’ ability to make crypto payments in real-world scenarios. He noted that cardholders would maintain full control of their assets while engaging in transactions.
This launch comes amid a notable increase in the adoption of crypto-linked payment solutions; recent industry data revealed that Visa-issued crypto cards experienced a remarkable 525% surge in total net spending in 2025. As regulatory frameworks evolve across Europe, the infrastructure for stablecoin payments continues to expand.
The card leverages the existing functionality of OKX Pay, allowing users to top up directly from their exchange accounts. All transactions are subject to prior identity verification, ensuring that no exceptions to regulatory compliance standards are made.
