Tangem Crypto Wallet to Add Visa-Backed Crypto Payments

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As the demand for self-custody solutions grows, innovation in the hardware wallet space continues to accelerate. Tangem, the company behind sleek, card-shaped crypto wallets, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with global payments giant Visa. This collaboration will enable users to make direct cryptocurrency payments at millions of Visa-compatible terminals worldwide—bridging the gap between decentralized finance and everyday spending.

The integration centers around Tangem Pay, a new applet embedded with Visa’s payment chip technology. Set to launch on October 5 (with Tangem Pay rolling out later in 2024), this solution is being hailed as the first fully self-custodial crypto payment system linked directly to a major payment network. With this advancement, Tangem users will be able to spend their digital assets at over 95 million Visa-enabled merchants globally—without ever surrendering control of their private keys.

What Is Self-Custody and Why It Matters

Self-custody, also known as non-custodial storage, refers to holding your cryptocurrency using a wallet where you—and only you—control the private keys. Unlike centralized exchanges such as Coinbase or Binance, which hold users' funds on their behalf, self-custody puts full responsibility (and security) in the user’s hands.

This model gained renewed attention following the high-profile collapses of several major exchanges in recent years, most notably FTX. The fallout left billions of dollars in user funds frozen or lost, reinforcing a core principle in the crypto community: "Not your keys, not your coins."

👉 Discover how secure self-custody can protect your digital assets today.

As trust in centralized platforms waned, users flocked to hardware wallets for safer, more transparent asset management. These devices store private keys offline, shielding them from online threats like hacking and phishing. Tangem has been a key beneficiary of this shift—reporting a staggering 738% increase in monthly active users since last year.

Tangem vs. The Competition: A New Era of Crypto Spending

While competitors like Ledger and Trezor have long dominated the hardware wallet market, Tangem is positioning itself as more than just a storage solution. Its slim, credit-card-sized design isn’t just aesthetic—it’s functional, especially when used for real-world transactions.

Unlike traditional USB-style hardware wallets that require additional setup or adapters to interact with point-of-sale systems, Tangem’s NFC-enabled cards work seamlessly with smartphones and contactless payment terminals. Combined with the new Visa integration, this gives Tangem a distinct edge in usability and adoption potential.

By enabling direct crypto spending through established payment rails, Tangem is helping transform cryptocurrencies from speculative investments into practical tools for daily commerce.

How Visa Crypto Payments Work with Tangem

So how does it actually work? Let’s break it down step by step:

When a user initiates a purchase at a Visa terminal:

  1. The Tangem Pay applet on the card generates a secure Visa payment message.
  2. The transaction amount is converted into the equivalent cryptocurrency value in real time.
  3. The user approves the payment by entering a one-time password generated specifically for that transaction.
  4. Once confirmed, the required crypto amount is deducted directly from the user’s wallet.
  5. A public smart contract authorizes the blockchain transaction—ensuring full transparency and eliminating intermediaries.

Crucially, no third party ever holds or accesses your funds. Everything happens on-chain, with complete auditability and zero hidden custody mechanisms.

This seamless fusion of traditional finance infrastructure and decentralized ownership represents a major milestone in mainstream crypto adoption.

New Features and Global Expansion

Beyond the Visa integration, Tangem has rolled out several user-focused enhancements:

These updates reflect Tangem’s commitment to improving both functionality and accessibility—key factors in driving broader adoption across diverse markets.

The Future of Crypto Payments

For years, one of the biggest criticisms of cryptocurrency has been its limited use in everyday transactions. Despite early visions of Bitcoin as “digital cash,” most users have treated crypto primarily as an investment vehicle.

Tangem’s partnership with Visa signals a shift toward real utility—where crypto isn’t just held but actively spent. By combining the security of cold storage with the convenience of contactless payments, Tangem is paving the way for a future where digital assets are as easy to use as traditional money.

👉 See how next-gen wallets are redefining financial freedom.

This move also highlights a growing trend: traditional financial institutions embracing blockchain innovation rather than resisting it. Visa’s involvement underscores confidence in crypto’s long-term viability and opens doors for other payment networks to follow suit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use Tangem Pay without owning a Tangem card?
A: No. Tangem Pay requires a physical Tangem card to function, as it relies on the secure element embedded within the card to store private keys and process transactions.

Q: Which cryptocurrencies are supported?
A: Tangem supports over 6,000 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), stablecoins like USDT and USDC, and various ERC-20 tokens.

Q: Is my private key ever exposed during transactions?
A: No. Your private key remains securely stored on the Tangem card at all times. It never leaves the device, even during payments.

Q: Do I need an internet connection to make payments?
A: While the Tangem app requires internet access for setup and balance checks, the actual NFC-based transaction can occur offline. However, blockchain confirmation happens online after the fact.

Q: Are there transaction fees when using Tangem Pay?
A: Yes. Standard blockchain network fees apply when transferring crypto from your wallet. These vary depending on network congestion and the cryptocurrency used.

Q: How does this differ from crypto debit cards?
A: Most crypto debit cards convert crypto to fiat behind the scenes, often involving third-party custodians. Tangem Pay keeps you in full control—your crypto stays in your wallet until the moment of payment.

Final Thoughts

Tangem’s integration with Visa marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital finance. It demonstrates that self-custody and mass-market usability don’t have to be mutually exclusive. With enhanced security, global reach, and real-world functionality, Tangem is proving that hardware wallets can do much more than just store coins.

As adoption grows and infrastructure improves, we’re likely to see more innovations that blend decentralized ownership with familiar financial experiences. For users seeking both control and convenience, solutions like Tangem Pay may soon become the standard.

👉 Stay ahead of the curve—explore secure, spendable crypto solutions now.

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