Cryptocurrency exchange OKX is enhancing its offerings in Europe with the launch of a new payment card, enabling users to utilize stablecoins for purchases at any merchant that accepts Mastercard. In a recent announcement, OKX revealed that the OKX Card, which is issued through its Electronic Money Institution (EMI) partner Monavate, will support transactions using popular stablecoins such as Circle’s USDC and Paxos-issued Global Dollar (USDG).
This initiative is part of a broader trend among cryptocurrency firms to facilitate the everyday use of stablecoins, especially in light of Europe’s advancing regulatory landscape. Erald Ghoos, CEO of OKX Europe, highlighted the card’s potential to simplify crypto transactions for consumers, stating, “With OKX Card, we’re making it simple for anyone in Europe to use crypto for real-world purchases.”
Regulatory compliance is a key feature of the OKX Card. Under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework, OKX is classified as a regulated crypto-asset service provider (CASP) within the European Union. The card operates under stringent oversight via Monavate, which adheres to rigorous Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) standards. Monavate, headquartered in the UK, is positioned in compliance with the regulatory requirements specific to the European Economic Area. Additionally, the EMI is set to be acquired by self-custodial wallet provider Exodus as part of a larger acquisition agreement announced back in November 2025.
In order to obtain the OKX Card, users must complete mandatory KYC checks, ensuring that the service aligns with both MiCA directives and EU AML regulations. This process reflects OKX’s commitment to regulatory adherence while providing a secure platform for users. Ghoos emphasized the importance of this tool, stating, “Fundamentally, most people have three financial needs: to pay and be paid, to accrue wealth, and to access credit. OKX Card provides a practical tool to meet the first of those.” He further noted that the card simplifies the ability for average users to engage in crypto transactions, which often come with technical challenges.
The introduction of the OKX Card underscores a significant step towards the mainstream acceptance of crypto-linked payment solutions. The growing interest in such offerings is evidenced by a reported 525% increase in total net spending on Visa-issued crypto cards in 2025, indicating a rising trend in the adoption of cryptocurrencies for everyday transactions.
