Mercuryo launches 'instant-open' Spend Mastercard integration with Ledger Live

Quick Take

Mercuryo has launched its Spend Mastercard on Ledger Live, enabling users to create Apple Pay or Google Pay-compatible virtual debit cards.
The Spend card is available for BTC and ETH initially, with stablecoins and other assets to follow.

Crypto payments infrastructure platform Mercuryo has integrated its Spend Mastercard with Ledger, enabling its hardware wallet users to spin up virtual debit cards to make purchases using their digital assets directly from self-custody.

The Spend card is available for Bitcoin and Ethereum upon launch, with stablecoins and other assets to be added in the coming months. The virtual cards are "instant-open" and "fee-free" via the Ledger Live companion app, with users' holdings automatically converted into fiat for merchants online or in-store — compatible with Apple Pay or Google Pay.

It requires additional KYC and AML verification procedures, and there are "minimal and transparent costs" involved in funding the accounts, according to a statement shared with The Block.

"We are delighted to launch Spend in Ledger, the preeminent non-custodial hardware wallet that has won a huge cult-like following among crypto enthusiasts, having made self-custody both accessible — and cool," Mercuryo co-founder and CEO Petr Kozyakov said. "Ledger, Mercuryo and Mastercard share the same vision of using state-of-the-art technology to deliver a seamless user experience, making this partnership a perfect fit."

"We are happy to see Mercuryo join the family of card programs compatible with Ledger, directly available and securely manageable from within Ledger Live," Ledger Executive Vice President of Consumer Services Jean-Francois Rochet added. "This is the second service provided by Mercuryo to Ledger Live users, after crypto purchase services. Card programs that offer the ability to integrate directly with self-custody give users the best possible experience. The Spend card, paired with the power of Mastercard’s global payments network, will bring Ledger users more choice to spend their crypto."

Mercuryo's Spend cards initially rolled out to users in the European Economic Area last September, now tapping into Ledger's more than 7 million users, with a monthly spending limit of €40,000 ($45,650). Mercuryo also plans to roll out Spend in other regions globally.

Ledger unveiled its own CL Card Mastercard for users in the UK and Europe in 2021 in collaboration with Baanx.

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