Cardano Joins Mastercard's Crypto Partner Program to Boost Blockchain Payments

Cardano has joined Mastercard's Crypto Partner Program to advance blockchain payments and stablecoins. This move opens up new opportunities for Cardano to participate in cross-border and B2B payment use cases, which are areas where blockchain networks can provide faster and more programmable transfers.

The partnership also comes as Cardano is expanding its stablecoin infrastructure, AI-agent payments through x402, and network scaling work aimed at supporting higher transaction capacity. Mastercard's blockchain track focuses on cross-border money movement, B2B transactions, and settlement.

Cardano currently supports five active native stablecoins, including USDCx, USDM, USDA, DJED, and iUSD. Additional assets can reach the network through bridges. USDCx provides access to Circle's USDC liquidity through its xReserve infrastructure.