Kraken Partners with Mastercard to Launch Crypto Debit Cards in the UK and Europe

Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has announced a new partnership with Mastercard to launch crypto debit cards across the United Kingdom and Europe. The move, revealed on April 8, marks a significant expansion of Kraken’s payment offerings, allowing users to directly spend their cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

This collaboration comes as Kraken continues to pursue a license under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), a regulatory framework that is expected to reshape the crypto landscape. The launch of the crypto debit cards will begin in the coming weeks, with a waitlist now open to potential customers eager to get their hands on the new product.

Building on Kraken Pay’s Growth

The partnership with Mastercard is part of Kraken ongoing effort to enhance its services, specifically building on the success of Kraken Pay. Launched in January 2025, Kraken Pay allows users to send over 300 crypto assets to multiple countries around the world. The service also introduces a unique paylink feature, enabling users to send payments via a simple URL.

Kraken has already seen impressive adoption of Kraken Pay, with more than 200,000 customers—out of its 15 million-strong user base—activating Kraktag, a unique user identifier. This allows users to receive funds without sharing full bank account details, improving both privacy and convenience.

A Step Toward Everyday Crypto Payments

David Ripley, Kraken co-CEO, emphasized the role of crypto in the future of payments, stating, "Crypto is evolving the payments industry, and we see a future where global commerce and everyday payments are underpinned by crypto." Ripley noted that many Kraken clients are eager to spend their crypto holdings for real-world goods and services.

The partnership with Mastercard is a major step in making that vision a reality. By providing users with a physical crypto debit card, Kraken and Mastercard aim to make it easier for individuals to integrate crypto into their daily lives. The move is expected to unlock greater utility for digital currencies, positioning them as an undeniably relevant tool for long-term financial transactions.