World, the digital identity and cryptocurrency platform formerly known as Worldcoin, has announced a partnership with Visa to launch the World Card—a new crypto-linked payment card enabling users to spend digital assets at more than 150 million merchants worldwide. The product was officially unveiled at the company’s “At Last” event in San Francisco this week, where World also disclosed its long-anticipated launch of operations in America.
Crypto Payments Backed by Traditional Infrastructure
The World Card links directly to users’ World App wallets and supports automatic conversion of cryptocurrencies like WLD—World’s native token—into fiat currency at the point of sale. This allows users to make everyday purchases with digital assets, while merchants continue receiving traditional currency. The card will initially launch in the United States later in 2025, with international expansion dependent on regulatory approvals and infrastructure readiness.
Only users who have completed World’s identity verification process through its biometric system—based on iris scans collected via the Orb—will be eligible to receive the card. The World ID system is a foundational element of the platform and a requirement for accessing its expanding suite of services.
AI-Focused Rewards and Expanding Use Cases
The card will feature a rewards program tailored to the AI economy. Users can earn WLD tokens by spending on subscriptions and services related to artificial intelligence, with rewards automatically deposited into their connected wallets. This program builds on World’s existing partnerships, including integrations with companies such as Razer and Tinder (Match Group), which are leveraging World ID for identity verification in gaming and dating platforms, respectively.
The World–Visa collaboration follows earlier discussions between the two companies about integrating blockchain and biometric technologies for digital payments. It also aligns with World’s broader strategy of expanding its identity platform across U.S. cities and developer ecosystems—such as its $300,000 developer fund for human-verified mini-apps launched earlier this year.
Despite the momentum, the company faces regulatory headwinds. Authorities in Brazil have taken action against World’s identity and crypto data collection practices, and similar scrutiny has emerged in Germany and other jurisdictions. These privacy concerns and legal challenges could affect the pace and scope of the card’s global rollout.
Sources: World, TechCrunch
—
May 2, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
