Mastercard and Chainlink Launch Direct Onchain Crypto Purchases for Cardholders

The announcement says Mastercard and Chainlink will let an estimated 3.5 billion cardholders buy crypto directly onchain, linking traditional card payments with blockchain-based settlement.

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Summary

Mastercard and Chainlink said they are enabling direct onchain crypto purchases for Mastercard’s estimated 3.5 billion cardholders. The announcement points to a bridge between traditional payment cards and blockchain networks, allowing users to buy digital assets through an onchain process rather than staying within a closed custodial system. The development is notable because it connects a global payments network with Chainlink’s blockchain infrastructure, a combination that can help simplify crypto access for mainstream users while expanding how payment rails interact with decentralized networks.

Terms & Concepts
  • onchain: A transaction or activity recorded directly on a blockchain, making it verifiable through the network’s ledger.
  • Chainlink: A blockchain infrastructure network known for oracle services (bringing external data onchain) and tools that connect blockchains with real-world systems.
  • cardholders: People who hold and use payment cards issued on a card network such as Mastercard to make purchases or transfers.