Coinbase will now allow Android users to link their crypto-based Coinbase Card, a Visa debit card, to their Google Pay wallets. The integration is a major milestone that pushes cryptocurrencies onto a mainstream platform used by millions. Customers will be able to tap into their Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), XRP (XRP), Basic Attention Token (BAT) and Stellar Lumens (XLM) balances to make everyday purchases.
Coinbase first introduced its Visa debit card last year for UK and European customers.
Coinbase Card and Android users in 14 countries will be able to pipeline their cryptocurrency balances through all Google Pay-enabled devices, including smartphones and smartwatches.
14 countries supporting Coinbase Card and Google Pay integration
The company says that once a Coinbase Card has been requested, customers can add their card to Google Pay and start spending their crypto before the physical Coinbase Card arrives.
Powering in-store, online and peer-to-peer payments globally, Google Pay is expected to expand its user base to 100 million worldwide in 2020, up from 39 million in 2018, according to data compiled by Statista. The popular digital wallet is the second-most widely used contactless mobile payment provider along with Samsung, which is on track to have the same number of users globally. The two companies trail only Apple Pay, which has over 220 million users worldwide.
Coinbase plans to expand the integration to other European countries later this year. The Coinbase Card is not currently available in the United States.
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