Switzerland-based cryptocurrency wallet provider Tangem has launched Tangem Pay, a virtual Visa card that directly connects to its hardware wallet, enabling users to spend USDC stablecoins at any merchant accepting Visa. This service integrates self-custody crypto storage with global payment accessibility.
The rollout, executed in partnership with U.S. payment infrastructure firm Paera, was announced on Wednesday. Tangem Pay allows users to spend their USDC stablecoins on the Polygon blockchain. According to Marcos Nunes, CEO of Tangem Pay, users can spend anywhere Visa is accepted, regardless of the local currency, once they deposit into their Tangem Pay account. The system also supports Apple Pay and Google Pay for instant transactions.
Card issuance is scheduled to begin in late November across the United States, Latin America, and major Asia-Pacific markets, with a European launch planned for 2026. The initial rollout covers 42 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States. Nunes stated that the virtual card is just the beginning, with plans to add new countries and incentives to make it users' primary card for daily spending.
Tangem describes the launch as part of its "store, grow and spend" roadmap, aiming to transform the hardware wallet into a comprehensive financial tool. By integrating Visa's network, the company targets users who want to securely hold their assets while transacting instantly in stablecoins.
Tangem's cards connect to a self-custody model, allowing users to retain control of their private keys, unlike custodial wallets. However, the Tangem Pay account still requires Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between traditional banking and digital assets, making it easier for everyday users to navigate and leverage the benefits of both worlds. The card embeds a private key within the chip and requires the physical card's use for every transaction, ensuring users maintain control of their assets.
The introduction of Tangem Pay extends the hardware wallet's functionality beyond storage, enabling users to spend USDC at Visa merchants without relinquishing self-custody. Tangem's Q1 2025 roadmap included the production and testing of Tangem Pay, emphasizing its potential as the world's first self-custodial payment solution. Tangem Pay is a payment system powered by VISA, which allows you to spend your crypto anywhere in the world from the safety of your cold wallet.
