TL;DR
Airtm partners with Mastercard-owned BVNK to enable direct wallet payments at participating retailers through the Stellar blockchain .
The integration will run through Airtm Connect , expanding access to stablecoin payments, international transfers and digital dollar services for users in emerging markets.
The companies plan to begin rolling out the service in Q4 2026 , although initial markets, supported merchants and eligible stablecoins remain undisclosed.
Airtm is expanding its stablecoin payment infrastructure through a partnership with BVNK, the digital asset payments provider acquired by Mastercard . The integration will use Stellar to connect Airtm wallets with participating retailers, giving users in emerging markets another way to spend digital funds without transferring balances to a separate payment service.
Announced on October 29 at the Stellar Meridian Conference , the agreement combines Airtm’s established user network with BVNK’s payment infrastructure and Mastercard’s broader financial connectivity.
Airtm Connect Brings Stablecoin Payments Closer To Everyday Commerce
The integration will operate through Airtm Connect , a platform designed to link digital asset businesses with Airtm’s existing financial services network. Through this connection, eligible users will be able to pay participating merchants directly from their wallets once the service becomes available.
For customers who rely on digital dollars to receive international payments, preserve purchasing power or manage cross-border income, spending those balances can be just as important as receiving them. Direct merchant payments could reduce the need for additional transfers between platforms , depending on local availability and the payment methods supported.
Airtm CEO Rubén Galindo Steckel said the company has spent the past decade building financial infrastructure that connects underserved markets with the global dollar economy. He also emphasized the importance of combining reliable wallet funding with practical ways to spend funds .
BVNK will add another infrastructure option for Airtm, supporting payment flows alongside the company’s existing providers. This approach gives Airtm greater flexibility across markets with different banking arrangements and financial regulations .
Mastercard And Stellar Strengthen The Payment Infrastructure
The agreement also gives Airtm access to Mastercard’s Global Money Platform through BVNK. The infrastructure supports services involving traditional currencies, stablecoin transactions and international money transfers, potentially broadening the payment options available to participating businesses.
Mastercard completed its acquisition of BVNK in August 2026 under a deal valued at up to $1.8 billion . The acquisition strengthens Mastercard’s exposure to blockchain-based settlement and digital asset payment services, connecting stablecoin infrastructure with its existing global payments business.
Stellar will handle the blockchain component of the Airtm integration. The network supports digital asset transfers and cross-border payment applications, making it a relevant option for businesses seeking to move value internationally without relying exclusively on traditional banking rails.
