LONDON, November 18, 2025 — Mastercard is expanding its Crypto Credential system to include self-custody wallets through a collaboration with payments infrastructure firm Mercuryo and blockchain developer Polygon Labs. The initiative aims to simplify crypto transfers by replacing long wallet addresses with verified aliases.
Mastercard Crypto Credential is designed to verify interactions between users and businesses on blockchain networks. By introducing alias-based identification to self-custody wallets, the companies say the system could reduce complexity in transactions and support broader interoperability and security standards across digital asset transfers.
Polygon Labs will serve as the first native blockchain network supporting the solution, while Mercuryo will act as the initial issuer responsible for onboarding users. Combined with Mastercard’s verification framework, the arrangement is intended to create a unified method for sending and receiving digital assets using identifiers linked to verified users.
How the system works
Under the model, Mercuryo will conduct know-your-customer (KYC) checks and issue users a Crypto Credential alias. Once verified, users can link their self-custody wallets to that alias. They may also opt to receive a Mastercard Crypto Credential Soul Bound Token on Polygon, signaling on-chain that the wallet can support requirements such as Travel Rule compliance and ownership verification.
After setup, users will be able to receive cryptocurrency using their alias, rather than a traditional alphanumeric wallet address. Sending functionality is expected to follow.
Industry perspectives
Executives from the participating organizations said the initiative reflects an effort to make blockchain-based transfers more straightforward and compliant with regulatory expectations.
“Streamlining wallet identifiers and adding verification layers can increase trust in digital token transfers,” said Raj Dhamodharan, executive vice president for Blockchain & Digital Assets at Mastercard.
Mercuryo CEO Petr Kozyakov said the collaboration provides a simplified method for transacting digital assets while preserving user control of private keys.
Polygon Labs chief executive Marc Boiron noted that the integration is intended to demonstrate that blockchain networks can handle the performance and reliability requirements of mainstream financial services.
The Crypto Credential program forms part of Mastercard’s broader Web3 strategy, which includes partnerships across payments, identity, NFTs and other applications aimed at enabling interoperable digital credential systems.
