OKX Launches Crypto Payment Card and Pay App Across Europe

Crypto exchange OKX has officially launched a crypto payment card and payment app in Europe, marking a major step in bringing regulated, real-world crypto spending to the region. The rollout introduces the OKX Card alongside OKX Pay, a self-custody application designed to bridge crypto and fiat payments while complying with European regulations.

OKX Brings Stablecoin Spending to Europe

One of the world’s largest digital asset exchanges by trading volume, OKX announced that European users can now deposit euros, convert them into stablecoins, and spend them seamlessly using the OKX Card. The card allows real-time conversion from stablecoins to euros at the point of sale, enabling purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

According to OKX, the card is a euro-denominated virtual debit card directly linked to OKX Pay. The company described it as “simple, transparent, and usable in the real world” highlighting its focus on practical everyday payments rather than speculative use.

Fully Regulated and Available Across the EEA

Both OKX Card and OKX Pay operate under a regulated European entity, meeting the EU’s strict standards for security, consumer protection, AML, and KYC compliance. The card is issued through a licensed European payments partner and is available across the European Economic Area (EEA). 

OKX emphasized that Europe’s regulatory leadership played a role in the launch. The exchange said the region has set the global benchmark for digital finance regulation, and now has the opportunity to show how compliant DeFi and stablecoin payments can function in everyday life.

Zero Fees and Crypto Rewards

Unlike many existing crypto cards that charge transaction or foreign exchange fees, OKX says its offering comes with zero transaction and FX fees, applying only a 0.4% market spread on stablecoin-to-euro conversions. This structure is designed to make crypto spending competitive with traditional payment methods.

The card also includes crypto-based rewards, offering regular cashback of up to 15% on eligible purchases, with VIP rewards reaching as high as 20%. These incentives are paid in digital assets, reinforcing OKX’s push to make stablecoins and crypto-native finance more attractive for everyday use.

Self-Custody Meets Everyday Payments

A key feature of OKX Pay is that it provides users with full self-custody, meaning funds remain under user control rather than held by a centralized intermediary. At the same time, the app integrates with Apple Pay and Google Pay, enabling stablecoin payments both online and in physical stores without sacrificing convenience.

Erald Ghoos, CEO of OKX Europe, said the goal is to remove friction from crypto spending.

From the payments side, Christian Rau, Senior Vice President of Global Digital Commercialization at Mastercard, said stablecoins offer users more choice. He noted that Mastercard’s partnership with OKX helps bring digital currencies into the financial mainstream with trust, scale, and utility.

OKX Bets on the Rise of Stablecoin Payments

While crypto payment tools are not new, adoption has historically been limited. OKX argues that traditional fiat payment systems, despite being functional, still suffer from fees, settlement delays, and cross-border friction, particularly within Europe.

Stablecoins, the exchange said, offer a compelling alternative. They are faster, cheaper, available 24/7, and largely eliminate cross-border barriers. When combined with strong compliance and consumer protections, OKX believes they represent the next evolution of digital money.

The timing may be right. Payment data cited by OKX shows that crypto card transactions have increased 22-fold since late 2024, reaching nearly 60,000 transactions per day by January 2026. With this launch, OKX is positioning itself at the center of that shift, betting that regulated stablecoin payments are finally ready for mass adoption in Europe.