MoonPay has announced the integration of Discover cards into its platform, allowing US clients to buy or sell cryptocurrencies using not only Visa and Mastercard but now also Discover. This move enables users to process crypto transactions with any card from the three largest US payment networks, aiming to simplify the process of entering the digital asset market.
Full US card support for crypto payments
Discover’s addition completes MoonPay’s suite of major US card payment options. Alongside Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, bank transfers, and various local methods, MoonPay aims to remove barriers for new buyers entering the cryptocurrency space. These networks remain central intermediaries between the traditional finance world and digital assets, and expanding payment selections makes the experience more accessible for a broader audience.
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According to MoonPay, its services now reach over 30 million customers in 180 countries, supporting payments for more than 500 wallets, exchanges, and digital applications. With Discover’s network serving millions of cardholders nationwide, MoonPay can now access a fresh segment of the US crypto market.
Statements from MoonPay and Discover
Executives at both companies shed light on the significance of the partnership. Richard Harrison, Vice President of Banking and Payments Partnership at MoonPay, emphasized the practical benefits:
“Every payment method we add removes a reason someone doesn’t convert at checkout,” explained Harrison. Claudia Schaefer from Discover Global Network highlighted that expanding payment options allows individuals more flexibility when paying.
Unlike Visa and Mastercard, which have long invested in crypto-related initiatives, Discover has taken a more cautious approach to the digital asset industry. Nevertheless, its user base represents a significant pool of potential new adopters for cryptocurrency payments via MoonPay’s platform.
Bank restrictions and approval process
Despite the integration, not every Discover card will automatically be approved for cryptocurrency transactions. Success depends largely on the policies of the issuing bank, as each financial institution applies its risk management, compliance, and anti-fraud measures independently. As a result, two customers with Discover cards from different banks could experience different outcomes when attempting a purchase.
MoonPay did not disclose approval or rejection statistics by card network, making direct comparisons between Discover, Visa, and Mastercard difficult. While technical support for the payment method has been added, final authorization ultimately remains in the hands of individual banks and card issuers.
Industry context and business growth
The rollout comes as Discover enters a new phase following its acquisition by Capital One, forming one of the largest integrated card issuers and payment networks in the US. Meanwhile, MoonPay continues its expansion into more advanced offerings beyond fiat-to-crypto transfers, such as its recently launched AI-powered agents that enable users to create self-custodial wallets and execute automated transactions.
MoonPay reports that it became cash flow positive in 2024, doubling profit compared to 2023 figures—a sign of increasing demand for its payment solutions. The addition of Discover does not represent a fundamental shift in overall crypto adoption but marks ongoing progress toward mainstream accessibility. Providing broader payment support at the checkout is intended to make digital currency purchases easier for more people, at a time when the regulated on-ramp market grows increasingly competitive.
The acceptance of Visa, Mastercard, and Discover in a single checkout process is designed to expand access and lower friction for new users considering digital assets, reinforcing the importance of multiple payment options as the sector develops.
