The global financial landscape is witnessing a renewed shift toward cryptocurrency integration, with signs that VISA may be softening its stance on crypto-enabled payment cards. After a temporary suspension of services, European partner Wave Crest Holding is preparing to relaunch physical and virtual crypto-linked cards in April—marking a pivotal moment for digital asset adoption in mainstream finance.
This move signals a potential reversal of earlier restrictions and reflects growing confidence in regulated crypto-fiat bridges. As more users demand seamless ways to spend digital currencies in everyday transactions, the revival of these services could pave the way for broader financial innovation across Europe and beyond.
The Temporary Crypto Card Freeze
In early January, VISA made headlines by halting all transactions tied to bitcoin-powered prepaid and virtual cards issued through Wave Crest Holding, an authorized EU partner. This decision effectively suspended crypto debit card functionality across much of Europe, impacting major crypto payment platforms such as BitPay, Cryptopay.me, Coinsbank, TenX, Wirex, and AdvCash.
At the time, VISA cited internal operational changes and shifts in authorization protocols as the reason behind the suspension. As a result, users lost access to key features like ATM withdrawals and point-of-sale (POS) purchases using cryptocurrency-backed cards. The freeze was seen by many in the industry as a setback for crypto mainstreaming—especially at a time when consumer interest in spending digital assets was on the rise.
However, the disruption appears to have been short-lived.
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A Strategic Relaunch with Contis Partnership
Recent developments suggest that VISA and Wave Crest are not stepping back from crypto—but rather refining their approach. Wave Crest has now partnered with Contis, a licensed fintech platform offering white-label banking solutions, to roll out a new generation of multi-currency crypto-enabled cards.
Under this collaboration, Contis will provide a compliant banking layer through its Canvas platform—a fully regulated infrastructure that supports multi-currency accounts and real-time conversion from crypto to fiat. One of the key advantages of this integration is the inclusion of a "buffer account," which acts as an intermediary between digital assets and traditional payment rails, ensuring smoother transaction processing while meeting regulatory standards.
As confirmed by Dmitry Lazarichev, CEO and founder of Wirex, non-contact physical cards supporting payments in GBP, EUR, and USD will become available starting in April. Virtual card services were already launched on March 20, with additional physical card options expected by mid-May.
Regulatory Compliance Meets Innovation
A critical factor behind this relaunch is regulatory readiness. Contis holds Principal Member status with VISA Europe and is authorized to operate in 31 European Economic Area (EEA) countries. This broad licensing framework ensures that the new card offerings comply with anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), and electronic money regulations—key concerns for both financial institutions and regulators.
By leveraging Contis’ established compliance infrastructure, Wave Crest can offer crypto-linked cards without compromising on security or regulatory adherence. This model represents a balanced approach: enabling innovation while maintaining the trust of traditional financial gatekeepers like VISA.
Targeted Rollout: Starting in Europe, Expanding Globally
Initially, these crypto-enabled cards will only be available to residents within the European Economic Area. However, Lazarichev indicated that expansion into select Asian markets is planned within the next one to two months. This phased rollout strategy allows providers to monitor system performance, manage risk, and adapt to regional regulatory environments before scaling globally.
The focus on EEA-first deployment underscores the region's role as a testing ground for fintech innovation—particularly in areas involving digital assets and cross-border payments.
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Why This Matters for Crypto Adoption
The return of VISA-compatible crypto cards is more than just a service restoration—it’s a signal of maturation in the digital asset ecosystem. These cards allow users to convert cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum into spendable fiat currency at merchants worldwide, removing one of the biggest barriers to adoption: usability.
For consumers, it means greater flexibility. They can hold their wealth in digital assets while still enjoying the convenience of contactless payments, online shopping, and international travel—all without manually converting funds beforehand.
For the industry, it reinforces the idea that crypto can coexist with traditional finance when built on secure, compliant infrastructure. It also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships between fintechs, payment networks, and regulatory-compliant banking providers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did VISA stop crypto card transactions earlier in 2025?
A: VISA paused services due to internal operational changes and updated authorization protocols. The move was not a rejection of cryptocurrency but a temporary measure to ensure compliance and system stability.
Q: Can anyone apply for these new crypto-linked cards?
A: Currently, only residents of European Economic Area countries can order the cards. Expansion to select Asian markets is expected within 1–2 months.
Q: How do crypto-to-fiat conversions work with these cards?
A: When you make a purchase, your cryptocurrency is automatically converted into fiat currency (like EUR or USD) via a buffer account managed by Contis, enabling instant transaction processing at any VISA-accepting merchant.
Q: Are virtual cards already available?
A: Yes, virtual card services went live on March 20, allowing immediate use for online payments. Physical contactless cards will follow starting in April.
Q: What makes this relaunch different from previous attempts?
A: This version uses Contis’ fully licensed banking infrastructure and buffer account system, improving compliance, transaction reliability, and scalability—addressing many of the issues that led to the earlier suspension.
Q: Will these cards support multiple cryptocurrencies?
A: While specific supported assets may vary by provider (e.g., Wirex), the platform is designed to handle multiple digital currencies convertible into GBP, EUR, or USD at point of sale.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of Crypto Payments
The reactivation of crypto-enabled VISA cards through Wave Crest and Contis marks a turning point—not just for European users but for the global evolution of digital finance. It demonstrates that even during periods of regulatory scrutiny or operational pauses, progress continues behind the scenes.
As infrastructure becomes more robust and partnerships more strategic, we can expect wider acceptance of cryptocurrency in daily life. Whether it's buying groceries, booking flights, or splitting bills with friends, seamless crypto spending is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s becoming a reality.
With continued innovation and responsible scaling, 2025 could be remembered as the year crypto payments transitioned from niche experimentation to mainstream utility.