Almaty, 4 September 2025 – Eurasian Bank, together with Mastercard and Intebix crypto exchange, with the support of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, announced the test release of the first crypto cards. At the current stage, several cards have been issued that are used to test the product’s performance in real conditions, primarily for paying for goods and services through Mastercard and Apple Pay terminals.

Six months ago, at the Digital Almaty 2025 forum, a draft crypto card was presented. Today, it has moved to the next stage of development, which allows us to test the technology and the interaction of market participants.

The crypto card allows you to pay for purchases in cryptocurrency (USDT and stablecoins), which is converted into tenge at the Intebix exchange market rate. The commission for each transaction is only 1%, which makes the product one of the most profitable in the world: for comparison, the commission for other cryptocurrencies usually reaches 3-6%.

At this stage, there is a limit equivalent to 1,000 US dollars per day, while cash withdrawals and transfers are not yet provided. All payments are made in tenge and only on the territory of Kazakhstan. It is important that the Bank does not directly interact with cryptocurrency: clients’ assets are stored on the Intebix exchange, and the card itself acts as a convenient payment tool.

“On 3 June 2025, the National Bank launched the implementation of the project of “crypto cards” – payment cards that allow consumers to make non-cash transactions linked to crypto wallets at licensed crypto providers (crypto exchanges) of the Astana International Financial Center. This cryptographic solution provides the possibility of secure and convenient integration of the crypto industry into the existing payment infrastructure, and is a case study for the creation (“use case”) of a cryptographic channel with the further possibility of its expansion in Kazakhstan,” said Berik Sholpankulov, Deputy Chairman of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

“Cryptocurrencies are no longer exotic for enthusiasts and are becoming part of a financial ecosystem with real products, regulation and infrastructure. The bridge between the crypto world and everyday payments is being built right here in Kazakhstan. Banks came to the crypt not for the sake of fashion, but for practical reasons: where there is customer demand and a clear economy,” said Lyazzat Satiyeva, CEO of Eurasian Bank.

Launching a crypto card in pilot mode is an opportunity to test a new product on a limited scale. The goal is to make sure that the infrastructure works safely and conveniently, and customers receive a seamless digital asset payment experience.

Mastercard actively supports the introduction of advanced financial technologies in Kazakhstan. The pilot launch of the crypto card together with Eurasian Bank and Intebix demonstrates how familiar payment solutions can be seamlessly combined with digital assets, transforming into a convenient and secure service for customers. Such innovations will contribute to economic development and expand the audience for modern financial instruments,” said Sanzhar Zhamalov, CEO of Mastercard in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

“The launch of a bank crypto card is an important step towards integrating digital assets into everyday payments. Through Intebix, the conversion takes place in real time, which makes the use of cryptocurrency simple and convenient for customers. We are confident that this product will be in demand both in Kazakhstan and abroad,” said Talgat Dosanov, Director of the Intebix digital asset exchange.

Background information:

Eurasian Bank is a socially significant financial institution in Kazakhstan, the seventh largest in terms of assets among Kazakhstani banks as of 1 August 2025. The absolute leader in auto loans, is one of the top 3 banks in consumer lending, holds leading positions in retail, and provides a wide range of services to corporate clients and entrepreneurs. The Bank belongs to the ecosystem of the ERG group (one of the largest companies in the world in the field of mining and processing of mineral resources).

Eurasian Bank PR Service

+7 (727) 259-95-99, ext.: 3046

press@eubank.kz

Intebix (Biteeu Eurasia Ltd) is an official exchange licensed in the AIFC, Australia, Poland and Estonia. Biteeu became the first exchange in the world to launch exchange servers into space on a SpaceX rocket. The mission of the exchange is to create a new, legal market for tokenized assets.

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)

Mastercard develops local economies and inspires people in more than 200 countries around the world. Together with our clients, we are building a sustainable economic environment in which everyone can thrive. We create many opportunities for digital payments, making transactions secure, simple, smart and affordable. Our technologies and innovations, partnerships and connections serve to help people, companies and governments realize their greatest potential.

Mastercard Press Office in Kazakhstan

Phone: +7 (727) 264 67 37

mastercard@pressclub.kz