MEXC and ether.fi Launch Co-Branded Crypto Card Bridging DeFi and Real-World Payments

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Jan. 19, 2026 — MEXC, the fastest-growing global cryptocurrency exchange, has announced the launch of a co-branded blockchain-based credit card in partnership with ether.fi. The initiative aims to connect on-chain digital assets with everyday commerce while reinforcing MEXC’s user-first approach built around true zero-fee trading.

Web3 Payments Move Closer to Mass Adoption

The collaboration reflects a broader industry push to close the gap between on-chain assets and real-world payments. By combining MEXC’s global user base of more than 40 million with ether.fi’s Ethereum-native DeFi infrastructure, the card enables instant crypto-powered payments, yield utilization, and cashback rewards of up to 4%, bringing Web3 payments closer to mainstream retail adoption.

On-Chain Yields Meet Everyday Spending

The co-branded card allows users to directly channel staking rewards and on-chain yields into merchant payments, effectively merging decentralized finance with real-world commerce. Ether.fi provides the underlying infrastructure supporting hundreds of DeFi protocols, while MEXC continues to reduce barriers to entry through zero-fee trading and simplified user access.

Leadership Highlights Retail-Focused Web3 Growth

Cecilia, Chief Strategy Officer of MEXC, said Web3 payments are entering a phase of rapid expansion driven by retail users. She emphasized that integrating crypto and fiat systems creates tangible value for both users and merchants, enabling real-world use cases that extend beyond traditional financial models.

Globally Accessible Crypto Spending With Full Custody

The MEXC × ether.fi card enables users to spend their crypto holdings at more than 130 million Visa merchants worldwide, including via Apple Pay and Google Pay. Users retain full on-chain custody of their assets while benefiting from seamless payments, no annual fees, no minimum spending requirements, and instant cashback rewards of up to 4%.

Early Adopters Incentivized Through Joint Reward Programs

MEXC and ether.fi are rolling out joint incentive programs for early adopters, offering airdrops, enhanced cashback, and referral rewards to users who complete KYC verification, deposit qualifying funds, and apply for the co-branded card. The promotional campaign runs from January 15 to February 15, 2026.

MEXC Positions Crypto as a Lifestyle Tool

Vugar Usi, COO of MEXC, stated that crypto is evolving beyond investment into a lifestyle utility. He highlighted that the new card closes the loop in the user journey by allowing users to earn, save, and spend seamlessly while enjoying DeFi-native rewards integrated into everyday transactions.

Advancing Global Payment Infrastructure

MEXC reaffirmed its commitment to developing global payment infrastructure that unites centralized and decentralized finance. The partnership with ether.fi underscores the company’s long-term strategy to make crypto as intuitive to spend as it is to trade, accelerating everyday adoption and unlocking the full lifecycle potential of digital assets worldwide.