Kazakhstan Launches Its First Crypto Card Pilot
Kazakhstan has rolled out its first cryptocurrency-linked bank cards, developed by Eurasian Bank in partnership with Mastercard and local crypto exchange Intebix. The announcement was made during the Astana Finance Days forum, marking a milestone in the Central Asian nation’s effort to integrate digital assets into its financial system.
The cards allow users to spend stablecoins like tether (USDT) by converting them into Kazakhstani tenge at the point of sale. Transactions can be processed via Mastercard and Apple Pay terminals with a 1% fee. For now, daily spending is capped at the equivalent of $1,000, while cash withdrawals and transfers remain unavailable.
From Concept to Testing Phase
The crypto card project was first presented at the Digital Almaty 2025 forum in January and has now entered its trial stage. Only a limited number of cards have been issued to test real-world usability, with users making payments exclusively within Kazakhstan’s jurisdiction.
Customer funds are stored in wallets managed by Intebix, ensuring compliance with national oversight rules. The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) approved the pilot in June, aiming to provide consumers with non-cash payment options via licensed crypto wallets registered at the Astana International Financial Center (AIFC).
Building a Bridge Between Crypto and Fiat
Kazakhstan has emerged as a key player in the crypto world, especially after attracting miners when China banned Bitcoin mining in 2021. Since then, the government has introduced taxation policies and trading regulations, while authorizing AIFC-based exchanges to offer services that enable miners to sell their coins domestically.
The crypto card program is seen as the next logical step in this evolution, creating a bridge between digital assets and everyday financial services.
Mastercard and Industry Support
Mastercard, a global leader in payments technology, has thrown its weight behind the initiative.
He added that such innovations would expand financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth.
A Model for Regional Expansion
The Kazakh experiment reflects a growing global interest in merging crypto with fiat payments. By testing this hybrid system with the backing of a central bank, Mastercard, and local industry players, Kazakhstan could set a precedent for other nations exploring regulated crypto cards.
If successful, the program could expand beyond Kazakhstan’s borders, creating opportunities for regional growth while strengthening the country’s role as a pioneer in crypto-financial integration.
