Visa and Mastercard are doubling down on AI and blockchain technologies ahead of their third-quarter earnings reports next week. Both companies have recently launched several products aimed at expanding their capabilities in agentic commerce and digital assets, areas where card-issuing banks are under pressure to develop strategies.
Visa introduced new tools for corporate payments, including AI-driven analytics for supplier spending and fraud prevention. The company also unveiled a pilot program enabling trusted AI agents to complete B2B invoice payments. Additionally, Visa moved its Visa Direct stablecoin project out of pilot testing, allowing businesses to prefund cross-border payouts with USDC in near real time. There were also rumors of a potential $2.5 billion acquisition of Fireblocks, though both Visa and Fireblocks denied the speculation.
Mastercard, meanwhile, launched the Global Money Platform with BVNK, supporting traditional currencies and stablecoins. The company also introduced Stablecoin Security, a product designed to assess fraud risks before funds move to blockchain, and demonstrated Agent Pay for Machines, which allows AI agents to autonomously pay for digital services. Mastercard closed a $1.8 billion deal to acquire BVNK in August, bolstering its digital asset capabilities.
Analysts expect strong payment growth for both companies despite economic pressures. Visa's stock is up about 20% since late October 2025, while Mastercard's stock has risen about 11%. Both companies' most recent earnings reports beat analysts' expectations, and the focus on AI and blockchain technologies positions them well for future growth.