Ledger users can now spend crypto directly via new MasterCard-backed card

Ledger, Mercuryo and MasterCard partnered to launch a debit card enabling users to directly spend the token balances from their Ledger hardware wallet.

Ledger users will soon be able to spend their token balances anywhere in the world. On Wednesday, April 23, Mercuryo launched the Spend card, powered by Mastercard. The debit card is compatible with Ledger devices and automatically converts token balances to fiat whenever users make a card payment.

This effectively means Ledger users will be able to spend their crypto holdings without manually converting them to fiat. At the same time, they won’t need to rely on crypto exchanges, some of which offer similar services, allowing them to retain full custody of their funds.

Ledger, Mercuryo and Mastercard share the same vision of using state-of-the-art technology to deliver a seamless user experience, making this partnership a perfect fit.” Petr Kozyakov, Co-Founder and CEO at Mercuryo.

MasterCard brings global reach to Ledger hardware wallets

Thanks to its partnership with Mastercard, the Spend card will be accepted by over 150 million merchants in the payment provider’s global network. Moreover, the card can be added to Apple Pay and Google Pay, which adds another layer of convenience and security.

 “Card programs that offer the ability to integrate directly with self-custody give users the best possible experience. The Spend card, paired with the power of Mastercard’s global payments network, will bring Ledger users more choice to spend their crypto,” said Jean-Francois Rochet, Executive Vice President of Consumer Services at Ledger.

The card will also benefit from MasterCard’s consumer protections. This means that users that get false charges on the card will get the funds back. Still, this comes at a trade off, as users will have to pass KYC/AML checks in order to get the necessary approval for the debit card.