Mesh and Visa link crypto wallets to 175 million merchants

Mesh and Visa announced a partnership on Oct. 19 to let users spend crypto and stablecoin balances from participating wallet apps at more than 175 million merchant locations, according to The Block’s report. The companies say users will be able to pay in stores and online without first selling or transferring funds or signing up for a separate crypto card.

How will a wallet payment work?

A Visa credential will be provisioned behind the scenes, while Mesh handles transaction funding and conversion across supported crypto, stablecoin and fiat balances, the company said in its partnership announcement. Users can tap at a contactless terminal or check out online; merchants receive a standard Visa payment.

The setup is designed to let platforms add spending from balances in their apps through Mesh, without building or operating a card program themselves. Mesh says it will act as program manager and handle user onboarding and identity checks.

Where will the service be accepted?

Visa’s network covers more than 175 million merchant locations in over 200 countries and territories, according to Mesh. The partnership is intended to make that acceptance network available to users paying from participating wallets, with no new checkout hardware or changes required for merchants.

Mesh said its infrastructure will determine how each transaction is funded and converted at the point of payment. The company also said users with balances across multiple wallets could spend from each once the relevant platforms are connected.

When will users be able to spend?

Mesh has not announced an initial launch date, supported devices or the first participating platforms. The company said those details will be shared as rollout plans are finalized, so the announcement describes a planned service rather than confirming that it is already available.

Sources and documents

• The Block’s report — theblock.co
• partnership announcement — meshpay.com