In a bold step towards mainstream crypto adoption, Chainlink has partnered with global payments giant Mastercard to allow its 3 billion cardholders to buy cryptocurrencies directly onchain. This groundbreaking partnership could simplify crypto for the masses, especially those new to Web3 and digital assets.
Making Crypto Easy for Everyone
Buying cryptocurrency has often been confusing and technical for everyday users. From setting up wallets to understanding gas fees and exchanges, the process can seem daunting. But this integration between Chainlink and Mastercard changes the game.
Using the technology of several Web3 partners, including Swapper Finance, XSwap, Shift4 Payments, and ZeroHash, the process of buying crypto will become simple, fast, and user-friendly. ZeroHash, a key infrastructure provider in this setup, enables users to convert fiat currencies like dollars or euros into cryptocurrencies with ease.
A spokesperson from Chainlink Labs explained that the solution is non-custodial, meaning users keep control of their assets, and it uses account abstraction to make the experience intuitive. In simple terms, this technology removes many of the technical steps, making it easier for anyone to get started with crypto, not just experienced users.
Mastercard’s Ongoing Crypto Push
This isn’t Mastercard’s first move into the world of crypto. The company has been actively exploring blockchain and digital assets since 2024. It previously partnered with Kraken, one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges, to launch crypto debit cards in the UK and Europe. These cards allow users to spend their crypto holdings just like cash.
In another major step, Mastercard teamed up with MetaMask, a popular crypto wallet, to release a self-custody crypto card. The company also shared that 30% of its 2024 transactions were tokenised showing how seriously it takes the digital asset future.
Mastercard’s Executive Vice President for Blockchain, Raj Dhamodharan, summed up their vision well:
“People want to be able to easily connect to the digital assets ecosystem, and vice versa.”
Chainlink’s Role in Web3 Innovation
Chainlink is well-known in the blockchain world for providing decentralised oracles, technology that allows smart contracts to securely interact with real-world data. In this partnership, Chainlink plays a crucial role in connecting traditional payment systems (like Mastercard) with Web3 services.
By working with partners like Swapper Finance, which already offers a live non-custodial app, Chainlink is helping make crypto not just accessible, but also secure and transparent. The focus is on compliance, user control, and ease of use, three key pillars to drive mass adoption.
Visa Isn’t Sitting Still Either
Mastercard’s rival, Visa, is also investing heavily in crypto. In late 2024, it joined forces with Coinbase, allowing users to make instant crypto withdrawals and deposits. Visa has also launched its own Web3 digital asset platform and supported stablecoin payment solutions through investments in platforms like BVNK.
This healthy competition between Mastercard and Visa is a good sign for the industry, as it means faster innovation and better services for users.
With Mastercard’s 3 billion users now gaining access to simplified crypto buying, the digital asset world is becoming more inclusive and user-friendly than ever before. Thanks to Chainlink and its partners, even those with no previous crypto experience can confidently step into the Web3 space.
This move could be a turning point for crypto adoption, helping bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain innovation. As more trusted brands like Mastercard get involved, the future of digital payments looks both exciting and accessible.
