Mastercard is taking a major step toward simplifying how everyday users interact with digital assets by leveraging the Ethereum and Polygon network. Related Reading: Hoskinson Vs. Cardano Foundation: From Berlin Parties To ‘Useful Idiots’ Through a new collaboration with Polygon Labs and payments infrastructure firm Mercuryo, the global payments giant is rolling out email-style wallet aliases designed to make crypto transfers feel as intuitive as sending a message online. The upgrade expands Mastercard’s Crypto Credential program to self-custody wallets, replacing long, technical wallet addresses with human-readable IDs. For millions of users intimidated by complex hexadecimal strings, this shift could mark a turning point in mainstream crypto adoption. A New Identity Layer for Self-Custody Wallets Under the new system, users can link wallets such as MetaMask to a verified alias issued through Mercuryo . After completing standard KYC checks, the user receives a simple username, similar to an email handle, that directs crypto to their self-custody wallet. Polygon powers the underlying infrastructure, offering low-cost transactions and rapid settlement. Wallets can also mint a non-transferable “soulbound” credential on Polygon, publicly confirming that they belong to a verified user. Mastercard states that this structure supports regulatory compliance, including Travel Rule requirements, without requiring users to relinquish control of their private keys. Early access focuses on receiving funds through aliases, with outbound sending expected later. Mastercard notes that this framework is designed as a portable verification layer that can be moved across apps, wallets, and blockchains within the broader Crypto Credential network. Why Mastercard Picked Polygon for the Rollout Polygon’s selection as the first supported network reflects its growing reputation as a consumer-grade blockchain built for global-scale payments. Its upgrades, including the Rio and Heimdall v2 updates , have boosted throughput, improved finality, and reduced the risk of chain reorganizations. With billions of dollars in stablecoin activity flowing through Polygon every month, analysts say the network offers the reliability and low operating costs that large institutions demand. Polygon Labs CEO Marc Boiron called the initiative “the moment when self-custody becomes simple,” noting that alias-based transfers make blockchain interactions resemble familiar fintech experiences rather than technical workflows. Shaping the Future of Identity-Driven Web3 Payments For Mastercard, this rollout aligns with its broader strategy to bridge traditional finance and decentralized networks. The company has been expanding crypto services across 2024 and 2025, from debit card programs to on-chain settlement pilots. By embedding identity, verification, and user-friendly interfaces into self-custody systems, Mastercard and Polygon are helping shape the next generation of digital payments. Related Reading: What Happens To The Ethereum Price If It Replicates Bitcoin Supercycle? If adopted widely, alias-based transfers could redefine how users engage with Web3, lowering barriers and accelerating mainstream participation in blockchain-based finance. Cover image from ChatGPT, ETHUSD chart from Tradingview
