Mastercard integrates RLUSD stablecoin into card payments

Mastercard, one of the world’s largest payment companies, announced plans to integrate the RLUSD stablecoin into card transactions. The project is being implemented in partnership with the crypto exchange Gemini, WebBank, and Ripple, and will be powered by the XRP Ledger (XRPL) blockchain. According to the initiative’s participants, this will be one of the first times a regulated US bank will use a licensed stablecoin on a public blockchain for fiat payments.

Mastercard representatives emphasize that the company is moving toward integrating digital assets only if it meets strict consumer protection requirements and regulatory compliance. Sherri Haymond, Head of Digital Commercialization at Mastercard, noted that this approach ensures the safe implementation of innovation:
«We are guided by a principled approach to stablecoins, robust consumer protection, ensuring a level playing field for all participants, and full regulatory compliance.» This allows us to enable payments from traditional cards using stablecoins today, and we continue to explore various use cases.»

In the coming months, Mastercard and WebBank plan to fully integrate RLUSD on XRPL into their existing fiat settlement processes. However, the implementation will be phased in, pending receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The companies acknowledge that strict compliance regulations are slowing the process, but they consider such measures necessary for the secure development of the digital payments ecosystem.

The RLUSD stablecoin, launched in late 2024, has quickly gained popularity. Its market capitalization has already exceeded $1 billion, and in September, its expansion into the African market was announced. The adoption of RLUSD in traditional payment instruments could strengthen its position as one of the most regulated and trusted stablecoins in the industry.

The Mastercard, Gemini, and Ripple project could be a significant step toward merging traditional financial systems and crypto infrastructure, paving the way for the widespread use of stablecoins in everyday payments.