Short Description OKX launches a Mastercard-powered crypto card in Europe, enabling users to spend stablecoins like USDC & USDG at everyday merchants.
Read Time: 3 minutes 15 seconds
Main Article
OKX Launches Mastercard Crypto Card for Stablecoin Spending in Europe
In a major move to bridge digital assets with mainstream commerce, cryptocurrency exchange OKX has officially launched the OKX Card across Europe. Issued through its Electronic Money Institution (EMI) partner Monavate, the card allows users to directly spend major stablecoins like USDC and USDG at any merchant that accepts Mastercard. This launch underscores a growing industry push to transform stablecoins from trading vehicles into practical tools for real-world payments, leveraging Europe’s progressive Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework.
The card’s rollout is built on a foundation of strict regulatory compliance. While OKX operates as a regulated crypto-asset service provider under MiCA, the card itself is issued by Monavate, which adheres to rigorous EU Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer standards. Users must complete mandatory KYC verification to access the card, which is linked to the self-custodial OKX Pay wallet within the app. This hybrid model emphasizes user control of assets while ensuring the payment system operates within established financial regulations.
OKX Europe CEO Erald Ghoos stated the card simplifies using crypto for daily purchases, fulfilling a core vision of the ecosystem. This launch taps into surging demand for crypto-linked payments, as evidenced by a reported 525% increase in net spending on competitor Visa crypto cards in 2025. By providing a seamless conduit from stablecoin holdings to point-of-sale terminals, OKX aims to make crypto payments a routine financial activity for European users, further accelerating adoption.
Short Summary OKX’s new Mastercard, issued via Monavate, lets European users spend stablecoins like USDC at everyday retailers. This launch, rooted in MiCA compliance and mandatory KYC checks, marks a significant step in making crypto payments practical and mainstream. It reflects a broader trend of exchanges bridging digital assets with traditional finance through regulated, user-friendly tools.
