Crypto wallet Bitget is launching a zero-fee crypto card in the UK and EU which allows users to pay in cryptocurrency across the more than 150 million merchants accepting Mastercard worldwide.

The initiative, created in collaboration with Mastercard and multi-cloud specialist Immersve, enables consumers to pay with real-time, onchain payments by connecting Web3 wallets with Mastercard's global network.

Bitget chief marketing officer Jamie Elkaleh said that the move comes as most existing cryptocurrency cards rely on deposit flows, high fees or delayed settlements.

The Bitget Wallet Card aims to solve these issues with a zero annual and top-up fee structure, instant digital approval, direct onchain top-ups and a fully self-depositing experience, seeking to remove friction between Web3 wallets and the real world.

Elkaleh said the launch comes at a time when both users and the payment infrastructure are ready to boost everyday cryptocurrency spending.

Citing data from the European Central Bank, he said that cryptocurrency card transactions of less than €10 now account for 45 per cent of activity, reflecting the growing micro-spending behaviour once dominated by cash.

“Moreover, 40 per cent of crypto card transactions occur online, nearly double the average for euro-area cards, signalling that users increasingly expect digital-native payment experiences,” he added.

Talking about the partnership between the three firms, Elkaleh said: “Bitget Wallet powers the onchain interface and user-controlled experience; Immersve acts as the licensed issuer, providing settlement rails and regulatory infrastructure; and Mastercard enables access to a global merchant network.”

The marketing head said that the introduction in the UK and EU was “intentional”.

“These are highly regulated but also digitally mature markets where users are already comfortable with card payments, wallet apps, and FinTech tools,” he added.

The company said it’s also planning to launch the crypto card in Latin America, Australia and New Zealand.

“In Latin America, we see high adoption of stablecoins for remittances and everyday transactions; in Australia and New Zealand, the regulatory landscape is more clearly defined, and consumer familiarity with digital finance makes them ideal next-stage markets,” Elkaleh said.

---