EMURGO and Wirex Launch First Cardano Card, Expanding ADA Use in Crypto Payments

Cardano Card: A New Era for ADA Spending

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  EMURGO and Wirex have launched the first Cardano Card, enabling global spending with ADA and other cryptocurrencies.
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  Cardholders gain access to over 685 cryptocurrencies, can earn up to 8% cashback, and utilize various DeFi features.
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  A non-custodial version of the Cardano Card is planned for release in 2026, offering users complete control over their assets.

EMURGO, the commercial arm of the Cardano blockchain, has partnered with digital payments platform Wirex to launch the first-ever Cardano Card. This announcement was made at the Cardano Summit 2025. The multi-chain crypto card is available in plastic, metal, and virtual formats and integrates directly with the Wirex app. This integration provides over six million users worldwide with instant access to spend ADA and other cryptocurrencies for everyday transactions.

This launch marks a significant step for Cardano into the digital payments sector, effectively bridging on-chain finance with mainstream fintech. Cardano Card holders can access Wirex's comprehensive crypto ecosystem, which includes yield-generating X-Accounts, structured trading products, and lending services. The card supports more than 685 cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, such as ADA, BTC, ETH, and USDC, and can be used wherever Visa is accepted.

Driving Adoption Through Utility and Rewards

Users of the Cardano Card are eligible to earn up to 8% crypto cashback, receive referral bonuses, and benefit from low foreign exchange fees and ATM access. EMURGO has confirmed that a portion of the profits generated will be allocated to the Cardano Treasury, thereby supporting the growth of the ecosystem. The next phase of this project, scheduled for 2026, will introduce a non-custodial Cardano Card. This version will provide users with complete control over their digital assets while simultaneously granting them access to DeFi features such as loans and yield farming.

Mainstream Expansion and ADA's Growth Potential

Wirex, a prominent UK-based cryptocurrency payments platform that has processed over $20 billion in digital assets, emphasizes the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrency for daily payments. Industry data indicates that more than 31 million crypto wallets are currently used for everyday transactions globally, highlighting substantial market potential. Phillip Pon, CEO of EMURGO, underscored the card's significance in making Cardano a viable option for real-world transactions and in connecting blockchain innovation with mainstream finance.

The Cardano Summit 2025, which took place from November 12–13 in Berlin, gathered over 75 industry leaders and regulators. This event further solidified Cardano's commitment to expanding its presence in global crypto payments and adoption.

In a related development, Wirex Pay has partnered with Schuman Financial. This collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility and liquidity of EURØP, a fully regulated euro-backed stablecoin designed for secure and compliant digital transactions.