Bankees Foundation partners with Mastercard to launch global crypto prepaid cards, excluding the U.S. and Japan, with plans to expand in 2026.
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| Bankees Foundation and Mastercard announce a global partnership to issue crypto-rechargeable prepaid cards in select markets, expanding to the U.S. and Japan in 2026. Image: BF |
SEOUL, South Korea — May 2, 2025:
Bankees Foundation, formerly known as Nexfin, has officially concluded a partnership with Mastercard to issue crypto-rechargeable prepaid cards globally, marking a significant step in the integration of cryptocurrency and traditional financial systems. The agreement, finalized in March 2025, allows for card issuance across a broad range of international markets, excluding the United States and Japan for the time being.
Initially, the service will be available in key regions, including South Korea, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Europe, South America, Canada, and Australia. Bankees has also outlined plans to expand into the U.S. and Japan by 2026, contingent on additional regulatory reviews and compliance measures.
As part of the partnership, Bankees Foundation will design and produce its own branded cards. The first rollout will feature five distinct card designs, all issued under Mastercard’s regulatory oversight, including the required Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. The company is also working on a Platinum-tier card, a high-end product co-branded with Visa, making this a rare dual-network collaboration in the prepaid crypto card space.
For regions with large unbanked populations, Bankees plans to offer a basic version of the card with streamlined application requirements, aiming to foster greater financial inclusion and offer more accessible digital payment infrastructure.
This global card launch comes as part of Bankees Foundation’s rebranding strategy from Nexfin, which aims to cater to the MZ-generation (Millennials and Gen Z). The company has introduced its own character intellectual property (IP), designed to engage a younger audience and increase brand relatability.
Bankees also confirmed that its official website, whitepaper, token issuance, and technical audits are set to go live by the end of May 2025. Furthermore, Bankees Foundation leadership will participate in the exclusive DNA HOUSE event—a global blockchain conference hosted by the co-founder of Tether—scheduled for June 2025.
This partnership with Mastercard positions Bankees at the forefront of the crypto-financial revolution, combining the security and reach of traditional financial networks with the flexibility and innovation of cryptocurrency.