Mastercard has signed a partnership with crypto app hi to launch a ‘one-of-a-kind’ debit card featuring NFT avatar personalisation.
Cardholders will be able to decorate their cards with any NFT avatar in which they can verify they own, while also being able to transact at any location worldwide that supports Mastercard payments.
Christian Rau, SVP of Crypto and Fintech Enablement at Mastercard, commented: “As consumer interest in crypto and NFTs continues to grow, we are committed to making them an accessible payment choice for the communities who wish to use them.
“We are proud to be working with hi to continue to drive innovation in the market and enable these customisable cards together with the safety and security you’d expect from Mastercard.”
The hi debit card comes in six different variants and includes a range of benefits based on each membership tier. Membership starts at less than €10 and can be obtained by staking hi’s token HI.
These memberships are Basic, Black, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond, all available to choose from through the hi mobile app, where members can also apply for the card.
Only gold memberships and above will be eligible for the NFT avatar customisation however, which currently supports a limited range of NFT collections such as CryptoPunks, Moonbirds, Goblins, Bored Apes and Azukis.
The debit card itself will be issued by e-money institution Moorwand, initially available in more than 25 EEA countries, as well as the UK.
“Not only do the NFT cards look amazing, this is a great way for people to show which online community they belong to, but in the real world,” said Sean Rach, Co-Founder of hi.
“The flexibility to spend fiat, stablecoins or other crypto, combined with attractive financial and lifestyle rewards, makes us confident that our card is a game-changer in the market.”
