Mastercard Teams Up With Polygon, Ripple, Solana, and Aptos for Global Crypto Partner Program

• Mastercard launched a crypto partner program with 85+ firms, including Polygon, Ripple, Solana, and Aptos, to connect blockchain with payment rails.
• The program targets cross-border payments, B2B transfers, and payouts by linking stablecoin and onchain tools to global commerce.

Mastercard has launched a global Crypto Partner Program that brings together more than 85 companies working across blockchain, payments, and financial services. The program includes Polygon, Ripple, Solana, and Aptos as part of a wider group focused on connecting digital asset infrastructure with global payment networks.

The move comes as payment firms increase work on stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and blockchain-based settlement tools. Mastercard focused the program on real-world payment use cases rather than experimental products. The company is targeting cross-border transfers, business-to-business payments, and global payouts.

Mastercard puts trust, security, privacy, and user control at the heart of its strategy as digital assets move closer to mainstream finance. It’s also part of the company’s work in tokenized currencies, it said. 

Polygon connected its role in the Mastercard program to its Open Money Stack which supports stablecoin payments and global money movement. The network wants to connect onchain settlement with the established payment infrastructure that businesses and consumers already use.

Last year, we reported that Mastercard chose Polygon to launch username-based transfers for self-custody wallets through its Crypto Credential system. The move aimed to simplify crypto payments for consumers and merchants.

Ripple also joined the initiative, adding another channel for the company to engage with payment firms and financial institutions working on blockchain-based money movement. 

Mastercard Expands Focus on Stablecoin and Blockchain Payments 

The new partner structure connects blockchain speed with the standards required in regulated payment systems. Mastercard is advocating for systems that can facilitate compliance, consumer protection, and reliable settlement in the markets.

According to Polygon, Mastercard’s move into blockchain payments is driven by the increasing use of stablecoins in global commerce. 

Previously, we reported that Polygon enabled stablecoin payments for more than 150 million Visa-accepting merchants through Oobit. The rollout allowed users to spend USDT, USDC, DAI, and other stablecoins held on Polygon without bridging funds.

Mastercard is building blockchain payments to work with existing networks by linking digital asset providers, banks, merchants, and payment firms. This will support practical payment flows where blockchain tools can improve speed and efficiency without removing safeguards used in traditional finance.

The program also builds on the payment giant’s earlier crypto-related work, including crypto-linked cards, compliance services, and startup support. Rivals like Visa have also expanded testing of stablecoins and blockchain payments. 

Early this month, we covered the cross-border settlement pilot involving Visa, ANZ, and ChinaAMC under Hong Kong’s CBDC program. The trial used Chainlink infrastructure to test atomic settlement, automated compliance, and secure digital asset transfers.