Cryptocurrency wallet provider Tangem has unveiled Tangem Pay, a Visa-certified payment technology that transforms cold wallets into functional payment cards. This innovation enables direct crypto spending from popular wallets like MetaMask, Ledger, and Trust Wallet at Visa-supported merchants.
Key Features of Tangem Pay
Seamless Crypto-to-Fiat Conversion
Tangem Pay bridges decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional payment systems by allowing users to spend cryptocurrencies via:
- Physical POS terminals
- Online Visa payment gateways
The technology automatically converts crypto holdings into fiat during transactions, eliminating manual exchange steps.
Multi-Wallet Compatibility
Andrey Lazutkin, Tangem's CTO, confirmed:
"Tangem Pay integrates with any non-custodial wallet, including MetaMask, Ledger, and Trust Wallet. Users maintain full asset control even if the physical card is lost."
Supported assets include BTC, ETH, USDT, and other major cryptocurrencies.
Enhanced Security Architecture
The card-shaped cold wallet leverages:
- Hardware Security Modules (HSM) for private key storage
- NFC technology for contactless transactions
Partnership with Visa: Why It Matters
Visa's Head of Crypto, Cuy Sheffield, emphasized the collaboration's significance:
"This partnership accelerates secure, real-world crypto adoption by combining Tangem's wallet infrastructure with Visa's global payment network."
Timeline and Availability
- Visa certification obtained: February 2022
- Product launch: Scheduled for late 2024
Tangem Wallet Overview
Unique Advantages Over Traditional Hardware Wallets
| Feature | Tangem Wallet | Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Credit card | USB device |
| Connectivity | NFC-enabled | Cable-dependent |
| Backup Recovery | Seedless* | Seed phrase required |
*Utilizes secure chip technology instead of mnemonics
FAQs: Tangem Pay Explained
1. How does Tangem Pay differ from crypto debit cards?
Unlike centralized debit cards (e.g., Coinbase Card), Tangem Pay connects directly to your existing self-custody wallets without requiring asset transfers to third-party custodians.
2. What fees apply when using Tangem Pay?
👉 See Tangem's official fee structure for transaction and currency conversion costs.
3. Is there daily spending limits?
Yes, limits align with Visa's standard policies and user verification levels.
4. Which countries will support Tangem Pay initially?
Rollout begins in Europe and APAC regions, with global expansion planned post-launch.
5. How does Tangem ensure transaction privacy?
Transactions appear as regular Visa payments; merchants only receive converted fiat amounts.
Industry Implications
This development signals three critical shifts:
- Mainstream Fintech Integration – Visa's endorsement lends institutional credibility to cold wallet transactions.
- User Experience Optimization – Eliminates friction in crypto spending while preserving decentralization principles.
- Regulatory Compliance – Built-in adherence to financial standards through Visa's established frameworks.
👉 Explore how Tangem compares to other Web3 payment solutions
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