The exchange’s card will be issued through an electronic money institution that operates on Mastercard’s network
Crypto exchange OKX has rolled out a new payment card in Europe that allows users to spend stablecoins anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The launch marks another step toward making crypto usable for everyday purchases across the region.
The OKX Card is issued through Monavate, an Electronic Money Institution that operates on Mastercard’s global network. At launch, the card supports payments using Circle’s USDC and the Paxos-issued Global Dollar (USDG), giving users a way to pay directly from their crypto balances.
The card is tied to OKX Pay, a self-custodial wallet available inside the OKX app. Users can top up their wallet from the exchange and then use the card for in-store or online purchases, without converting funds manually before paying.
Regulation plays a central role in the rollout. OKX is registered as a crypto-asset service provider in the European Union under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. The card itself falls under Monavate’s regulatory oversight, which includes full compliance with EU Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer rules.
Access to the card is limited to verified users. Customers must complete identity checks before they can activate and use the card, a requirement OKX says is necessary to meet MiCA standards and broader EU financial regulations.
OKX Europe CEO Erald Ghoos said the card is designed to make crypto spending simple and practical. He noted that while crypto was built around payments, technical barriers have often slowed adoption for everyday use.
The launch comes as interest in crypto-linked payment cards continues to grow in Europe. With stablecoins gaining traction under clearer regulation, products like the OKX Card signal a push to bring digital assets closer to daily financial habits.
