Bitget Wallet has announced the expansion of its crypto card across African markets, bringing stablecoin-based payments to a growing user base seeking more flexible financial tools.
Powered by Mastercard and infrastructure provider Immersve, the Bitget Wallet Card allows users to spend crypto directly from a self-custodial wallet at hundreds of millions of merchants worldwide.
The card is issued digitally through the Bitget Wallet app as a USD-denominated payment solution, supporting both online and in-store purchases.
Users fund transactions with USDC, which is automatically converted into fiat at the point of sale, enabling a seamless payment experience without manual conversions.
Stablecoins drive real-world adoption
The expansion comes as demand for digital payment solutions grows across Africa, where users increasingly turn to stablecoins for storing and transferring value amid currency volatility and high cross-border costs.
Africa has emerged as one of the fastest-growing stablecoin markets globally and recorded the world’s highest interest in stablecoin-based salaries and payments. South Africa has seen stablecoin activity surpass Bitcoin trading volumes on several major platforms.
"Across many African markets, stablecoins are becoming a practical way to store and move value," said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. "Where cross-border payments are costly and currencies volatile, the ability to hold digital dollars and spend them seamlessly can make a real difference. The Bitget Wallet Card links self-custodied crypto to global payment rails, helping users move between onchain finance and everyday commerce."
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By leveraging Mastercard’s Digital First technology, users can apply for the card and integrate it into mobile wallets within minutes, enabling immediate access to global payment networks.
The move highlights a broader trend of integrating self-custody crypto solutions with traditional financial infrastructure, allowing users to move between onchain finance and everyday spending more efficiently.
Cashback for everyday spending
Alongside the rollout, Bitget Wallet has introduced a limited cashback campaign focused on groceries and dining at South African retailers and restaurant chains such as Pick 'n' Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, Nando’s, Steers, and KFC.
The card marks Bitget Wallet’s first self-custodial dollar card rollout in Africa, with additional expansion planned for markets including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.
As adoption accelerates, initiatives like the Bitget Wallet Card reflect the increasing role of stablecoins in real-world commerce, particularly in regions where traditional financial systems present limitations.
Dan Burgin
U.Today Editorial Team
