MasterCard has said that it’s not aware of plans to develop a credit or debit card based around Bitcoin virtual currency. Yesterday, it was rumored that transfer service BitInstant was partnering with two unnamed banks to release a Bitcoin MasterCard in the next two months. But according to MasterCard, it’s never been approached by BitInstant. We’ve received the following statement:
MasterCard denies Bitcoin debit card rumors (update)
MasterCard says it hasn’t been approached about authorizing a Bitcoin-based credit or debit card from BitInstant, contradicting earlier rumors.
MasterCard says it hasn’t been approached about authorizing a Bitcoin-based credit or debit card from BitInstant, contradicting earlier rumors.
is a senior tech and policy editor focused on online platforms and free expression. Adi has covered virtual and augmented reality, the history of computing, and more for The Verge since 2011.
MasterCard has no relationship with BitInstant. There are issuers who allow the conversion of Bitcoins to US dollars and other currencies, delivered on prepaid cards. However, we’re not aware of this particular programme from BitInstant.
As a spokesperson told TechWeekEurope, that means any cards couldn’t be in more than a preliminary stage, since “both the issuer and its banking partners need to go through a rigorous screening process” before they could release anything that would function as a MasterCard or use the logo. We’ve reached out to BitInstant to see if the company has any other plans for a Bitcoin card.
Update: BitInstant has shot back a refutation in turn, officially announcing what it calls the BitInstant Paycard and giving a launch date of eight weeks.
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