In a significant development for the U.S. digital asset ecosystem, Citizens Financial Group has announced an expanded partnership with global financial technology leader FIS®. This strategic move enables Worldpay from FIS—commonly known as Worldpay—to process Card-to-Crypto® transactions for major digital asset platforms across the United States. The agreement marks a pivotal step in bridging traditional financial infrastructure with the fast-evolving world of cryptocurrency and blockchain-based services.
Expanding Access to Digital Asset Purchases
Under the new agreement, customers of cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets, and brokerages that are Worldpay clients can now use their Visa or Mastercard debit and credit cards to purchase digital assets seamlessly. This includes not only popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum but also non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and other emerging forms of blockchain-based value.
This integration simplifies the onboarding process for new users entering the crypto space, reducing friction between fiat currency and digital assets. By enabling direct card payments, the partnership enhances user experience and supports broader adoption of crypto across mainstream consumer markets.
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A Strategic Move for Enterprise-Grade Crypto Payments
For digital asset companies operating in the U.S., this expansion delivers a scalable and secure payment processing solution backed by enterprise-level banking infrastructure. With the American crypto market experiencing rapid growth—driven by increasing institutional interest and retail participation—reliable, compliant, and high-volume transaction capabilities are more critical than ever.
Worldpay currently serves seven of the top 10 cryptocurrency exchanges globally, many of which have a strong presence in the United States. By leveraging Citizens’ robust banking network and regulatory compliance framework, these platforms gain access to a trusted financial intermediary capable of supporting complex transaction flows at scale.
Supporting Innovation in Financial Services
Michael Cummins, Head of Treasury Solutions at Citizens, emphasized the bank’s forward-thinking approach: “This initiative demonstrates Citizens’ innovative approach and commitment to serving our clients’ needs.” He added that the collaboration reflects Citizens’ ongoing efforts to adapt to changing financial landscapes and support clients in emerging sectors like digital assets.
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.” She noted that consumer interest in cryptocurrencies has reached unprecedented levels, and this enhanced partnership will deliver a more reliable and consistent purchasing experience nationwide.
Core Keywords Driving Market Relevance
The announcement underscores several key themes shaping today’s fintech and crypto industries:
- Crypto transactions
- Card-to-Crypto
- Digital asset payments
- Fintech partnership
- Cryptocurrency adoption
- Enterprise payment processing
- Blockchain integration
- U.S. crypto market
These keywords reflect both user search intent and industry trends, highlighting the growing convergence between traditional banking systems and decentralized financial technologies.
Why This Partnership Matters
The collaboration between Citizens and Worldpay from FIS addresses two major challenges in the current crypto landscape:
- Payment Accessibility: Many potential crypto buyers still face hurdles when converting fiat money into digital currencies. Card-based purchases offer a familiar, low-friction entry point.
- Regulatory Trust: Working with an established bank like Citizens provides legitimacy and compliance assurance for crypto platforms navigating complex regulatory environments.
As more consumers seek ways to invest in digital assets, having trusted financial institutions facilitate these transactions helps build confidence in the ecosystem.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Card-to-Crypto®?
A: Card-to-Crypto® is a payment solution that allows users to buy cryptocurrency directly using their credit or debit cards. It streamlines the purchase process by integrating card networks with digital asset exchanges.
Q: Which types of digital assets can be purchased through this service?
A: Users can purchase a wide range of digital assets, including major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other altcoins, as well as non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Q: Is this service available to all U.S. consumers?
A: The service is available to customers of digital asset platforms that are clients of Worldpay from FIS and operate within the United States. Availability may vary depending on the specific platform and its compliance policies.
Q: Are there any fees associated with using a card to buy crypto?
A: While Citizens does not directly set fees, individual crypto platforms may apply processing fees or convenience charges for card-based purchases. Users should review each platform’s terms before transacting.
Q: How does this partnership impact crypto regulation in the U.S.?
A: While it doesn’t change existing regulations, the involvement of a major U.S. bank adds a layer of oversight and compliance, potentially paving the way for clearer regulatory frameworks in the future.
Q: Can businesses benefit from this integration too?
A: Yes. Crypto-focused businesses gain access to a scalable, secure, and compliant payment infrastructure, helping them serve more customers efficiently while meeting financial regulations.
Strengthening the U.S. Crypto Infrastructure
Citizens Financial Group, one of the oldest and largest financial institutions in the U.S., brings substantial credibility to this initiative. With $188.4 billion in assets as of December 31, 2021, and a nationwide footprint spanning 11 states, Citizens offers a comprehensive suite of retail and commercial banking services.
Its Consumer Banking division provides mobile and online banking, 24/7 customer support, approximately 3,000 ATMs, and nearly 940 branches. For commercial clients, Citizens delivers lending, treasury management, foreign exchange, risk mitigation tools, and capital markets services—making it well-equipped to support fintech innovations like crypto transaction processing.
This expansion aligns with broader industry trends where traditional banks increasingly collaborate with fintech firms to offer next-generation financial products.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of Crypto Payments
As digital assets become more integrated into everyday financial activities, partnerships like this one between Citizens and Worldpay from FIS will play a crucial role in shaping the future of payments. They represent a shift toward mainstream acceptance of crypto—not just as speculative investments but as functional components of modern finance.
With enhanced security, scalability, and user-friendly interfaces, such collaborations lower barriers to entry and encourage wider participation in the blockchain economy.
By combining legacy banking strength with fintech agility, this agreement sets a precedent for how financial institutions can proactively engage with disruptive technologies—supporting innovation while maintaining compliance, stability, and trust.