Mastercard and Bakkt Partner to Offer Innovative Crypto and Loyalty Solutions

Rhea-AI Summary

Mastercard (NYSE: MA) and Bakkt (NYSE: BKKT) have partnered to enhance cryptocurrency adoption among U.S. merchants, banks, and fintechs. This collaboration enables consumers to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies, while also integrating crypto rewards into loyalty programs. Nearly half of U.S. consumers surveyed expressed interest in cryptocurrency, indicating growing demand. This initiative aims to provide dynamic digital asset solutions and improve customer experiences, aligning with Mastercard's commitment to innovation in the digital economy.

Positive

• Partnership enables consumers to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies.
• Integration of cryptocurrency into loyalty programs enhances reward options.
• Research shows 48% of U.S. consumers have purchased crypto, indicating market demand.
• Partnership expands Mastercard's crypto partner ecosystem with Bakkt.

Negative

• None.

Mastercard customers can now enable consumers to buy, sell and hold cryptocurrency, deliver unique, crypto-centric loyalty opportunities, and streamline issuance of branded crypto debit and credit cards

LAS VEGAS & ALPHARETTA, Ga. & PURCHASE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today at Money20/20, Mastercard (NYSE: MA) and Bakkt (NYSE: BKKT) announced a multifaceted partnership to make it easier for merchants, banks and fintechs in the U.S. to embrace and offer a broad set of cryptocurrency solutions and services. Consumers, in turn, will experience expanded access to the digital asset ecosystem.

Bakkt extends Mastercard’s ecosystem of cryptocurrency partners enabling Crypto-as-a-Service, which provides quick access to cryptocurrency capabilities. Through the power of the Mastercard network and Bakkt’s trusted digital asset platform, Mastercard partners will be able to offer cryptocurrency solutions. These include the ability for consumers to buy, sell and hold digital assets through custodial wallets powered by the Bakkt platform and streamlined issuance of branded crypto debit and credit cards.

Mastercard will also integrate crypto into its loyalty solutions, enabling its partners to offer cryptocurrency as rewards and create fungibility between loyalty points and other digital assets. This means that consumers can earn and spend rewards in cryptocurrency instead of traditional loyalty points and seamlessly convert their crypto holdings to pay for purchases. This is the latest move by Mastercard to bring innovative loyalty options to consumers that align with their passion points.

“Mastercard is committed to offering a wide range of payment solutions that deliver more choice, value and impact every day,” said Sherri Haymond, executive vice president, Digital Partnerships at Mastercard. “Together with Bakkt and grounded by our principled approach to innovation, we’ll not only empower our partners to offer a dynamic mix of digital assets options, but also deliver differentiated and relevant consumer experiences.”

Consumers continue to seek out crypto assets as an option for everyday purchases. In the Bakkt U.S. Consumer Crypto Survey¹ of 2,000 U.S. Consumers, nearly half (48%) of respondents reported purchasing crypto in the first half of 2021, while 32% of those who didn’t are either very or somewhat interested in doing so before year-end. And, according to the Mastercard New Payments Index, 77% of millennials stated that they are interested in learning more about cryptocurrency, with 75% saying that they would use cryptocurrency if they understood it better.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Mastercard to bring crypto loyalty services to millions of consumers,” said Nancy Gordon, EVP, Loyalty Rewards & Payments at Bakkt. “As brands and merchants look to appeal to younger consumers and their transaction preferences, these new offerings represent a unique opportunity to satisfy increasing demand for crypto, payment and rewards flexibility.”

This partnership builds on both companies’ commitment to the crypto ecosystem. Bakkt publicly listed on the NYSE under the ticker BKKT on October 18, 2021, while Mastercard continues to invest in the digital asset space through several initiatives. This includes the acquisition of CipherTrace, partnerships with leading crypto players, the creation of new platforms to test and support central bank digital currencies, and more.

About Bakkt

Bakkt is a trusted digital asset platform that enables consumers to buy, sell, store and spend digital assets. Bakkt’s consumer platform, available through the recently released Bakkt app and to partners through the Bakkt platform, amplifies consumer spending and bolsters loyalty programs, adding value for all key stakeholders within the Bakkt payments and digital assets ecosystem. Launched in 2018, Bakkt is headquartered in Alpharetta, GA. For more information, visit: https://www.bakkt.com/ | Twitter @Bakkt | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bakkt/

To download the Bakkt App, visit the App Store^® and Google Play Store^TM.

About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)

Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.

www.mastercard.com

Bakkt-C

Source: Bakkt Holdings, Inc.

¹ To view the full findings from the Bakkt U.S. Consumer Crypto Survey click here.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211025005487/en/

Bakkt Media Contacts

Lauren Post, VP – Communications

Lauren.Post@bakkt.com

Mastercard Media Contacts

Biz Cozine, Manager – Communications

Biz.Cozine@mastercard.com

Source: Bakkt Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What is the new partnership between Mastercard and Bakkt about?

Mastercard and Bakkt have formed a partnership to facilitate cryptocurrency solutions for U.S. merchants, banks, and fintechs.

When was Bakkt publicly listed and under what ticker?

Bakkt was publicly listed on October 18, 2021, under the ticker BKKT.

How will consumers benefit from the Mastercard and Bakkt partnership?

Consumers will gain access to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies and earn crypto rewards through loyalty programs.

What percentage of U.S. consumers expressed interest in cryptocurrency?

According to a survey, 48% of U.S. consumers reported purchasing cryptocurrency, showing a growing interest.

What are the benefits of integrating crypto into loyalty programs?

Integrating crypto into loyalty programs allows consumers to earn and spend rewards in cryptocurrencies, increasing flexibility.