The financial services landscape is evolving rapidly, and traditional banking institutions are increasingly embracing the digital asset revolution. In a significant development, Citizens Financial Group has announced an expanded partnership with global fintech leader FIS®, enabling Worldpay from FIS (“Worldpay”) to process Card-to-Crypto® transactions for U.S.-based digital asset platforms. This strategic move marks a pivotal step in bridging mainstream financial infrastructure with the growing demand for seamless cryptocurrency access.
Under the new agreement, customers of leading digital asset companies—such as crypto exchanges, wallets, and brokers—that are Worldpay clients can now use their Visa or Mastercard debit and credit cards to purchase cryptocurrency, NFTs, and other digital assets with ease. The integration streamlines the onboarding process for new users entering the crypto ecosystem, reducing friction and enhancing user experience through familiar payment methods.
This collaboration positions Citizens as a forward-thinking player in the financial technology space, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and client-centric solutions. By providing secure and scalable payment processing capabilities, Citizens supports Worldpay’s mission to deliver reliable transaction services across the rapidly expanding U.S. digital asset market.
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Expanding Access to Digital Assets
The U.S. remains one of the most active markets for cryptocurrency adoption, with increasing consumer interest in decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and blockchain-based investments. However, one of the biggest barriers to entry has been the complexity and inefficiency of funding crypto accounts. Traditional bank transfers can take days, while alternative methods often lack security or regulatory compliance.
With Citizens’ payment processing infrastructure now integrated into Worldpay’s platform, digital asset companies gain access to a robust, enterprise-grade solution that supports real-time card transactions. This not only accelerates the purchase process but also enhances trust by operating within regulated banking channels.
Worldpay currently serves seven of the top 10 cryptocurrency exchanges, many of which operate in the United States. This widespread adoption underscores the importance of reliable, compliant, and scalable payment solutions in maintaining competitive advantage in the fast-moving crypto industry.
A Strategic Move for Financial Innovation
Michael Cummins, Head of Treasury Solutions at Citizens, emphasized the bank’s proactive approach:
“This initiative demonstrates Citizens’ innovative approach and commitment to serving our clients’ needs.”
By enabling Card-to-Crypto® transactions, Citizens is not only supporting fintech partners like FIS but also future-proofing its own services in an era where digital assets are becoming integral to personal and institutional finance.
Michelle Young, General Manager and Head of Merchant Solutions for Financial Institutions at FIS, echoed this sentiment:
“Citizens is a key FIS partner that is once again demonstrating its commitment to client service and innovation. Interest in cryptocurrencies has never been greater, and this expanded partnership will create a more reliable purchase experience for consumers across the country.”
The partnership reflects a broader trend: traditional financial institutions are no longer观望 (on the sidelines)—they are actively integrating into the Web3 economy. This shift is driven by consumer demand, technological advancements, and evolving regulatory clarity.
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Key Benefits for Crypto Platforms and Users
For digital asset companies, this expanded collaboration delivers several critical advantages:
- Scalability: The solution is designed to support high-volume transaction environments, making it ideal for fast-growing exchanges and NFT marketplaces.
- Compliance & Security: Transactions are processed through regulated banking channels, ensuring adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) standards.
- Improved User Experience: Customers enjoy instant purchases using trusted payment cards, eliminating delays associated with bank transfers.
- Market Expansion: U.S.-based platforms can now offer smoother onboarding experiences, helping attract new users who prefer familiar financial tools.
For end users, the benefits are equally compelling:
- Simplicity: Buy crypto just like any online purchase.
- Speed: Funds are available immediately after transaction approval.
- Trust: Transactions are backed by established financial institutions.
Core Keywords Driving Adoption
This development highlights several core keywords central to the future of digital finance:
- Card-to-Crypto transactions
- Cryptocurrency payment processing
- Digital asset purchases
- Fintech banking integration
- Crypto exchange infrastructure
- NFT transaction support
- Enterprise-grade crypto payments
- U.S. crypto market growth
These terms reflect both user search intent and industry trends. As more consumers seek ways to enter the crypto economy using traditional financial tools, content and services that align with these keywords will play a crucial role in driving visibility and engagement.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are Card-to-Crypto® transactions?
A: Card-to-Crypto® transactions allow users to buy cryptocurrency directly using their debit or credit cards. The process works similarly to online shopping—users enter card details, confirm the purchase, and receive digital assets instantly in their wallet or exchange account.
Q: Is this service available to all U.S. consumers?
A: While Citizens provides the underlying payment processing through Worldpay, availability depends on individual crypto platforms choosing to integrate the service. Users should check with their preferred exchange or wallet provider for supported payment methods.
Q: Are there fees associated with using a card to buy crypto?
A: Yes, most platforms charge a convenience or processing fee for card-based purchases due to higher transaction costs compared to bank transfers. These fees vary by provider but offer the trade-off of speed and convenience.
Q: How does this partnership impact crypto regulation in the U.S.?
A: While not a regulatory change itself, this collaboration signals growing acceptance of crypto within regulated financial systems. Partnerships like this encourage clearer standards and may influence future policy development around digital asset payments.
Q: Can I use this to buy NFTs?
A: Yes—since many NFT marketplaces accept cryptocurrency as payment, being able to quickly fund your wallet via card makes NFT purchases more accessible. Some platforms may even integrate direct card-to-NFT functionality in the future.
Q: Is my personal and financial data secure when buying crypto with a card?
A: Transactions processed through Worldpay and Citizens adhere to strict security protocols, including encryption, fraud detection systems, and compliance with PCI-DSS standards for card data protection.
Looking Ahead
As digital assets continue to mature, partnerships between traditional banks and fintech innovators will become increasingly common. Citizens’ collaboration with FIS and Worldpay sets a precedent for how legacy institutions can adapt to serve emerging markets without compromising on security or compliance.
With over $188.4 billion in assets as of late 2021 and a nationwide presence across 11 states, Citizens is well-positioned to support the next phase of financial evolution—one where crypto is not an alternative but an integrated part of everyday banking.
This isn’t just about buying Bitcoin with a credit card—it’s about building a financial ecosystem where digital assets are accessible, secure, and seamlessly connected to the tools people already use.