The Avalanche Foundation has introduced a new Visa-powered payment card, enabling the use of cryptocurrencies for purchases in traditional stores.
What is the Avalanche Card?
The Avalanche Card is a payment card allowing crypto holders to spend their digital assets wherever Visa is accepted. Created in partnership with Rain, the card supports AVAX, Wrapped AVAX (wAVAX), USDT, and USDC at launch. Crypto funds are converted to fiat upon processing transactions. It offers both physical and digital card options, spending alerts, PIN changes, and freeze options.
Why the Avalanche Card Matters
Many regions, including Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, face high banking fees and limited financial access. The Avalanche Card provides an alternative solution, simplifying crypto transactions for everyday use. It empowers financial freedom in underbanked areas, reducing dependence on banks for international and daily payments. However, regulatory restrictions make the card unavailable in countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and others.
How the Avalanche Card Works
Unlike typical prepaid crypto debit cards, the Avalanche Card operates like a credit card. Users load the card with crypto, setting their spending limit at 50% of the USD value of their balance. Transactions accumulate and are settled once a day. The card also allows users to freeze their balance, dispute charges, change PINs, and set up spending alerts. This delayed conversion model maximizes asset value, avoiding sales at unfavorable market moments.
The Avalanche Card offers an innovative approach to integrating cryptocurrencies into everyday finances, providing convenience and operational freedom with digital assets.