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MetaMask and Mastercard have launched the U.S. MetaMask Card nationwide, expanding availability to New York for the first time after a pilot program. The card is positioned as a way to spend self-custodied crypto “like a normal card,” anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
A nationwide rollout after the pilot
MetaMask says the card is now generally available across the United States following a pilot first unveiled at ETHDenver 2025. The key change in this release: U.S.-wide availability, including states that previously didn’t have access.
MetaMask frames the launch as a “bridge” between onchain self-custody and regulated payments infrastructure, with identity verification and compliance checks required for enrollment.
How the MetaMask Card works
Unlike many crypto cards that require users to preload funds into a custodial account, MetaMask says this card is fully self-custodial: users keep control of their assets in their wallet until the moment of payment, when conversion and authorization happens as part of the checkout flow.
The card is powered by Baanx (now Monavate) and runs on Mastercard’s network, and is issued by Cross River Bank, according to the announcement. MetaMask says it can be used online and in-store, including via Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as a physical card.
New perks: Metal tier and onchain rewards
Alongside the nationwide launch, MetaMask introduced a premium MetaMask Metal Card priced at $199 for a yearly subscription.
MetaMask also says purchases earn onchain rewards: up to 1% back in mUSD for standard users and up to 3% back for Metal cardholders (on the first $10,000 spent per year). It also notes users can earn on unspent balances by holding certain DeFi-integrated tokens (the announcement names aUSDC via Aave integration as an example).
Why it matters for crypto
- Self-custody spending is going mainstream: this pushes “spend from your wallet” into a nationwide U.S. card footprint.
- Stablecoin rewards get productized: mUSD cashback ties everyday payments to a stablecoin-native incentive loop.
- Compliance is now part of the UX: ID verification and checks signal a more regulated path for wallet-linked payments.
- Distribution expands to a key market: New York availability is a meaningful milestone for U.S. consumer rollout.
- Payments become a DeFi funnel: linking card spend, DeFi yield concepts, and rewards could pull more users into onchain rails.
What to watch next
- Early signals on U.S. adoption now that the card is generally available nationwide.
- Whether MetaMask expands rewards mechanics beyond the current mUSD cashback structure.
- Additional markets “to follow,” as MetaMask says more geographies are planned.
- How broadly Apple Pay / Google Pay usage ramps versus physical card usage.
- Any future updates on issuer/processing partners as the program scales.
Source: MetaMask News