Nero, a virtual crypto card service, has launched a product allowing users to top up accounts with stablecoins USDT or USDC and spend via virtual cards at any merchant accepting conventional cards. The cards support both online purchases and in-store contactless payments through Apple Pay and Google Pay integration. Card issuance completes within minutes after registration and funding, with crypto-to-fiat conversion occurring at payment time. Businesses can also use the service to pay employee salaries in stablecoins directly to their cards.
The launch aligns with growing stablecoin spending adoption. Visa reported stablecoin card purchases reached a $3.5 billion annualized run rate in late 2025, up 460% year-over-year, while industry-wide crypto card spending exceeded $18 billion annualized in early 2026. The combined stablecoin market capitalization surpassed $300 billion in 2026.