Visa is strengthening its foothold in the cryptocurrency market through a potential strategic partnership with Sam Altman’s World Network.
As reported by CoinDesk, the payments giant is in discussions to integrate its card functionality into World Network wallets. The partnership would bring a range of fintech and FX features, including fiat on and off-ramps, as well as enabling stablecoin payments for thousands of merchants globally within the Visa network.
A source familiar with the plans told CoinDesk: “The plan is to build up a whole connected wallet strategy so that you can trade in all kinds of things, from FX to crypto, load to wallet, send to wallet, spend from card. Basically to turn World Wallet into a mini bank account for anyone who wants it.”
CoinDesk also reported that Tools for Humanity, the company co-founded by Altman and responsible for Worldcoin and World Network, has reached out to card issuers with product forms.
Visa’s recent move to partner with World Network comes on the heels of other significant developments in the crypto card space. Just last month, the Avalanche Foundation launched the Avalanche Card, a cryptocurrency card accepted wherever Visa is used.
Interestingly, World Network has reportedly been in talks with Rain, the firm whose infrastructure powers the Avalanche Card. While this suggests World Network’s project may closely resemble existing products, a source from CoinDesk warned that “other wallet providers should be worried.”
This caution stems from the fact that Altman’s vast resources and strong reputation in the tech industry could give World Network a considerable edge in the market.
For Visa, this partnership strengthens its presence in the expanding crypto sector, which continues to gain momentum, especially with crypto-friendly legislation passed under President Donald Trump’s administration.
A key driver of this mainstream shift is the rise of stablecoins, which are pegged to fiat currencies. Stablecoins have even caught the attention of traditional financial institutions like Bank of America, which is waiting for further legislation before fully entering the space.
