In September 2026, SoFi Technologies and Mastercard announced the launch of stablecoin settlements at SoFi Bank, N.A. This is the first case of a bank using stablecoins for internal settlements on a $25 billion card portfolio. For virtual cardholders, this is a signal: traditional banks are starting to integrate crypto into everyday payments. But what does this mean in practice for those paying with USDT for foreign services?

What exactly happened

SoFi and Mastercard launched stablecoin settlements within the bank. For now, this only concerns internal infrastructure — it does not mean you can top up your card directly with USDT. However, the fact that a major bank uses stablecoins for settlements reduces risks and could accelerate the adoption of crypto payments in card products.

How this affects USDT payments today

So far, the news does not change the current rules for virtual card users. USDT remains a convenient way to top up cards for paying foreign services. Here's what's important to know:

  • Networks: TRC-20 (low fee, high speed), BEP-20 (Binance Smart Chain), TON (fast, but less support).
  • Fees: TRC-20 — about $1–2 per transfer, BEP-20 — $0.1–0.5, TON — less than $0.1.
  • Freeze risks: TRC-20 can be frozen if it hits "dirty" addresses. BEP-20 and TON are less susceptible but require trust in the network.

How to buy and transfer USDT to pay for your card

Step by step:

  1. Buy USDT on an exchange (Binance, Bybit, OKX) or via a P2P service.
  2. Choose the network: for small amounts — TRC-20, for larger ones — BEP-20 or TON.
  3. Send USDT to the address provided in your VirtCardPay account (or another virtual card service).
  4. Wait for the funds to arrive (usually 1–5 minutes) and top up your card.

Important: always verify the address and network. Sending USDT on the wrong network can result in lost funds.

Freeze risks and how to avoid them

TRC-20 (Tron) is the most popular network for USDT, but also the riskiest due to the possibility of address freezes. To reduce risks:

  • Do not use addresses received from unknown parties.
  • Check the address history via blockchain explorers (Tronscan).
  • For large amounts, choose BEP-20 or TON — freezing is technically harder there.
  • Split large transfers into several smaller ones.

What this means for you

The integration of stablecoins into bank cards is a trend that could simplify topping up virtual cards in the future. For now, USDT remains a working tool, but it requires caution. Keep an eye on fees and choose the network that fits your task.

FAQ

Can I top up a virtual card directly with USDT?

Yes, through services like VirtCardPay that accept USDT on major networks.

Which network is the cheapest for USDT transfers?

TON and BEP-20 have lower fees than TRC-20, but support may be limited.

What to do if USDT is frozen?

Contact the support of the service you used for the transaction. Recovering funds is difficult, so it's better to prevent freezing.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrencies are subject to volatility and risks.

Names of services, games, and franchises belong to their respective owners and are mentioned only to describe payment scenarios; VirtCardPay is not affiliated with them.

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Sources

This material is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Data and service terms may change, so check primary sources before making a payment or investment decision. Mentions of third-party brands and services do not imply official partnership, support, or endorsement by VirtCardPay.
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