Mastercard is pushing deeper into blockchain services by extending its Crypto Credential program to self-custody wallets.
The expansion will allow users to send and receive digital assets using verified, human-readable aliases rather than long wallet addresses.
Polygon will serve as the first blockchain network supporting the rollout, while payments company Mercuryo will verify identities and issue the username-style aliases.
“By streamlining wallet addresses and adding meaningful verification, Mastercard Crypto Credential is building trust in digital token transfers,” said Raj Dhamodharan, executive vice president of blockchain and digital assets at Mastercard.
A Move Toward Safer Self-Custody
Mastercard said this shift aims to reduce the mistakes users often make when copying long hexadecimal addresses.
The company argues the upgrade brings crypto transfers closer to familiar payment experiences already used in traditional finance.
Once a user is verified, they can link an alias to a self-custody wallet.
They can also request a soulbound token on Polygon that confirms on-chain that the wallet belongs to a verified individual.
“This partnership marks the moment when self-custody becomes simple,” said Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs.
Mercuryo, the first issuer involved in the expansion, said the program reflects rapidly growing demand for consumer-friendly crypto tools that do not require giving up wallet control.
Mastercard’s Broader Crypto Strategy
The company has been expanding its crypto footprint across 2024 and 2025, including new debit card offerings with major exchanges and integrations with self-custody platforms.
It has also strengthened partnerships with blockchain developers as it works to bring regulated payment infrastructure into Web3 ecosystems.
The growing emphasis on verification, alias-based transfers and security highlights Mastercard’s effort to position itself as a trust layer in digital token transactions.
Chainlink Integration for On-Chain Purchases
In a separate development earlier this year, Mastercard partnered with Chainlink to enable cardholders to purchase crypto directly on-chain.
The collaboration extends to several Web3 companies that help facilitate payments, liquidity and transaction processing.
The goal is to make on-chain purchases as smooth as conventional payments while keeping the user in control of their assets.
By combining Crypto Credential with these newer integrations, Mastercard is positioning itself to play a major role in bridging traditional payments and decentralized networks.
The company says the ongoing enhancements reflect a long-term commitment to ensuring crypto transactions are both simple and secure for mainstream users.