Tech

Crypto Wallet Company Tangem Announces Self-Custodial Visa Card Using Cold Wallet Chip

Tangem, a Swiss based hardware wallet manufacturer, announced the product at Paris Blockchain Week. According to the firm, the card stores private keys on a secure microchip, allowing users to authorize transactions directly via smart contracts while leveraging Visa’s global payment network. The fintech business reports that it will be compatible with over 130 million merchants, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Unlike custodial crypto cards, Tangem Pay does not require third-party access or pre-funded accounts. Transactions are processed through Visa’s infrastructure, with funds remaining in users’ control until authorization. Tangem says a mobile app will handle activation, backups, and balance tracking. The upcoming launch comes at a time of rising demand for self-custody solutions after high-profile collapses of centralized platforms like FTX.

Tangem further cited stablecoin transaction volumes surpassing $27.6 trillion in 2024 as a catalyst. Global VP of Product Michael Batuev stated the card eliminates reliance on intermediaries, calling it a “bank-in-your-pocket” solution. The technology uses Visa’s rails for real-time transfers and ATM withdrawals without requiring merchant upgrades.

“Tangem Pay is fundamentally different. With our technology, users retain complete control of their assets at all times,” Batuev remarked. “We’re not just building another card — we’re building a solution that truly puts ownership back into the hands of the cardholder.” Tangem Pay will enter a cross-border payments market projected to exceed $300 billion by 2030. A waitlist is now open, with public availability in late 2025. The company holds a U.S. patent for the chip technology, which Visa has certified. No launch pricing or regional availability details were disclosed.

Terron Gold