KuCoin Launches KuCard on Mastercard's Global Network in Australia, Promoting Crypto Asset-Based Payment Methods
KuCoin, a global cryptocurrency platform, has today launched a direct cryptocurrency-based payment method through Mastercard’s global network for eligible users in Australia. With this service, users can conduct everyday transactions using crypto at various merchants that accept Mastercard. Through a partnership with Immersve, a principal member of the Mastercard network, users can also transact via Apple Pay and Google Pay. The launch of this solution reinforces KuCoin’s commitment to a financial infrastructure that prioritises trust and the utilisation of digital assets in the real world.
Thanks to this integration, USDC can be used directly to fund everyday spending instantly. In the initial phase, the service supports 37 USDC trading pairs, allowing eligible users to transact using a variety of digital assets. When a payment is made, the cryptocurrency is automatically converted to fiat currency so that the transaction can be completed through the Mastercard network. With this mechanism, users can transact just like using a standard payment card, without needing to manually exchange assets beforehand.
This launch reflects KuCoin’s “trust-first” strategy—strengthening security systems, transparency, and regulatory compliance while expanding the use of crypto in real life. KuCoin continues to invest in robust infrastructure for users and partners, focusing on building trust in the digital asset ecosystem through security and accountability initiatives.
BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin, said: “For digital assets to be truly useful in practice, we need trusted infrastructure—from secure systems and clear compliance standards to user protection. Through this launch, we are opening access to the Mastercard network for users in Australia, while continuing the AUSTRAC registration process. This step affirms KuCoin’s commitment to driving responsible innovation and expanding the use of crypto assets in everyday financial activities worldwide. With this solution, users can spend digital assets more conveniently, securely, and cross-border—anywhere Mastercard is accepted.”
James Pinch, Managing Director of KuCoin Australia, added: “In Australia, the adoption of digital assets is growing rapidly. Ultimately, the ease of using digital assets in daily activities is key. Through KuCard, digital assets can be used directly in real transactions via the well-known Mastercard network—paving the way for broader adoption while prioritising security, regulatory compliance, and responsible innovation.”
Jerome Faury, CEO of Immersve, said: “Collaboration with trusted global companies like Mastercard and KuCoin is an important step in promoting massive use of digital assets in everyday transactions. Immersve aims to bridge the Web3 ecosystem with conventional financial systems on a global scale, so that crypto can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted. This is a breakthrough that opens the way for broader utilisation.”
Christian Rau, Senior Vice President of Digital Commercialization at Mastercard, added: “The partnership with KuCoin and Immersve is part of Mastercard’s ongoing commitment to delivering responsible innovation in the Web3 space. By supporting the widespread use of digital assets in a safe, protected, and regulatory-compliant manner, we are helping to make digital assets truly relevant in everyday life.”
About KuCoin
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global cryptocurrency platform that has earned the trust of over 40 million users in more than 200 countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-focused approach, KuCoin combines cutting-edge technology, strong liquidity, and stringent security systems to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to over 1,500 digital assets through various products and is committed to building a transparent, regulatory-compliant, and user-oriented digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance, supported by SOC 2 Type II certification, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019. In recent years, KuCoin has built a global regulatory compliance foundation, including obtaining AUSTRAC approval in Australia, MiCA licensing in Europe, and other business permits in various markets.
For more information: www.kucoin.com
About Immersve
Immersve is a principal member of the Mastercard network. Through its issuing-as-a-service platform, Immersve supports payment services with both centralised and decentralised financial systems. Cryptocurrency exchanges, Web3 wallets, and DeFi protocols can easily integrate with Immersve’s APIs and smart contracts, enabling transactions at various merchants that accept Mastercard payment methods—without involving banks or fiat currency. Immersve is an officially regulated entity.
For more information: www.immersve.com.
About Mastercard
Mastercard powers the economy and empowers communities in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. Together with its partners, Mastercard builds resilient and inclusive economies. Mastercard supports secure, simple, smart, and accessible digital payment methods. Through technology, innovation, partnerships, and its global network, Mastercard delivers a range of products and services that help individuals, businesses, and governments achieve their best potential.