Mastercard’s collaboration with Kraken aims to turn crypto into a functional payment option across Europe, with a new debit card that connects directly to users’ wallets and works anywhere Mastercard is already accepted.
Instead of having to convert digital coins into traditional currency manually, users will be able to use their balances instantly, tapping into more than 300 supported cryptocurrencies through Kraken’s payment infrastructure.
The idea isn’t new, but the execution is getting sharper. For everyday users in the UK and Europe, this partnership means they’ll finally be able to access their crypto in a way that works at street level—whether it’s online shopping or grabbing coffee.
It’s a move that reflects where the broader market is heading: making digital assets usable, and not just tradeable. Crypto payments are also becoming more common in the online casino space, where players are already used to fast deposits and flexible withdrawal options.
As platforms like Kraken Pay make it easier to use digital assets day to day, some of the non gamstop casinos for UK player’s benefit have started using these tools to simplify how users join and play—offering quicker signups, more control over funds, and fewer of the ID checks that slow things down on mainstream sites.
Since these casinos aren’t tied to the usual restrictions, they’ve had more room to experiment with payment options like crypto-linked debit cards. For players, that means fewer banking delays and more ways to manage their money.
It also plays a part in why these sites often come with bigger bonuses and larger game libraries—they’re set up to attract people looking for something more open than what classic platforms offer.
Powered by Kraken Pay—a service launched earlier this year to support instant payments in over 300 cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies—it enables global transfers, built-in conversions, and frictionless settlement across wallets.
With over 200,000 users already activating unique “Kraktag” identifiers to simplify transactions, the foundation is clearly in place. This kind of infrastructure could prove essential for platforms that prioritize speed and freedom, including those outside the typical regulatory mold.
What’s starting to change now is the wider understanding of what these tools actually offer. In the past, crypto payment systems were often viewed as experimental or limited to early adopters.
But as they continue to integrate with existing financial networks, they’re beginning to feel more like alternatives than side options. Linking wallets to debit cards means fewer steps, fewer logins, and a far shorter gap between holding crypto and using it.
The rollout comes at a time when US authorities are pushing for clearer digital asset regulation, giving major financial players more confidence to move forward with crypto-backed services—particularly in the UK and Europe, where adoption and infrastructure are advancing side by side.
That growing confidence is beginning to reflect in how payment networks and service providers handle digital assets. Industry data shows a marked increase in crypto-linked card activity across Europe, with several large fintech firms reporting year-on-year growth in transaction volumes.
In 2024, Europe recorded nearly $1 trillion in on-chain crypto activity, with the UK alone responsible for over $200 billion. The numbers reflect a growing trend: digital assets are being used more often as part of regular financial activity, not just held or traded on the side.
As more institutions handle these volumes through familiar payment networks, crypto is being processed, settled, and moved with the same efficiency expected of any mainstream financial tool.
