El Salvador, already the world’s first country to adopt bitcoin as legal tender, is now set to pioneer another milestone in cryptocurrency adoption this time with stablecoins. On Jan. 29, 2026, Truther, a blockchain payments company, will debut a Visa card that allows users to spend USDT (Tether) directly from their digital wallets no top-ups, no middlemen, and no custodial accounts. The card, designed to function as seamlessly as a debit card, deducts funds in real time from a non-custodial Polygon-based wallet, giving users complete control of their assets while enabling everyday purchases in hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.
“You don’t charge the card beforehand,” explained Rocelo Lopes, Truther’s founder. “If you’re at a hotel and the bill is €30, it deducts the USDT equivalent in real time.”
This integration could represent a turning point for stablecoin usability, especially in emerging economies where dollar-backed digital currencies already serve as a hedge against inflation and currency volatility.
The Truther Visa Card: How It Works?
Unlike most crypto-linked cards that rely on custodial systems or preloaded balances, the Truther Visa card uses real-time blockchain integration to authorize and settle transactions directly from a user’s private wallet.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Blockchain | Polygon (with plans to migrate to Liquid for enhanced privacy) |
| Currency Supported | USDT (Tether stablecoin) |
| Custody Model | Non-custodial (user-controlled wallet) |
| Conversion Fee | 2% on currency exchanges |
| Launch Date | January 29, 2026 |
| Initial Market | El Salvador |
| Expansion | Brazil and other Latin American markets later in 2026 |
Lopes said the card will operate like a normal Visa product at any point-of-sale terminal that accepts Visa payments. The difference lies in the backend instead of drawing from a fiat balance, the payment is settled via on-chain stablecoin conversion at the time of purchase.
A Bridge Between Crypto and Traditional Finance
Truther’s launch aligns with Visa’s ongoing exploration of stablecoin integration across global payment networks. Visa recently began pilot programs allowing stablecoin payouts for gig workers and creators, as part of its effort to modernize cross-border payments and reduce transaction costs.
By connecting its Visa card with a decentralized wallet, Truther aims to bridge crypto and traditional payments without compromising on ownership or privacy.
“This product represents a genuine hybrid between Web3 principles and real-world usability,” said Carlos Hernandez, a Latin America fintech analyst. “It gives crypto holders a practical way to spend — without giving up control to centralized platforms.”
El Salvador: The Testbed for Crypto Payments
El Salvador has become a proving ground for innovative crypto-financial tools since it made bitcoin legal tender in 2021. The Truther Visa card adds another chapter to that story, positioning the nation as a launch hub for stablecoin-based financial products.
The choice of El Salvador makes strategic sense:
- The country already has Visa-compatible payment infrastructure.
- Consumers are familiar with digital wallets and crypto payments.
- The government supports initiatives that advance financial inclusion through blockchain technology.
Once the El Salvador pilot launches successfully, Truther plans to expand availability to its global user base, particularly in Brazil, where the company’s infrastructure already connects stablecoins to the Pix instant payments system, processing roughly $40 million in daily volume.
Stablecoins’ Rise as Real Payment Tools
The launch of Truther’s Visa card comes at a time when stablecoin transactions are booming worldwide.
Blockchain data provider Artemis Analytics found that over $10 billion flowed through stablecoins for goods, services, and transfers in August 2025 alone up from $6 billion in February and more than double the total from the same month in 2024.
If current growth rates continue, annual stablecoin payment volume could exceed $120 billion.
| Month (2025) | Stablecoin Payment Volume | Year-over-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|
| February | $6 billion | — |
| August | $10 billion | +67% |
| Projected 12-Month Total | $122 billion | +104% (vs. 2024) |
“Stablecoins have graduated from a trading tool to a mainstream payment instrument,” said Hernandez. “Consumers are using them for travel, online purchases, and cross-border remittances.”
Why This Card Matters for Users?
Truther’s Visa card targets a wide range of users from frequent travelers and digital nomads to crypto-native consumers seeking real-world spending power.
Key benefits include:
- Instant spending: Pay directly from your crypto wallet — no conversions or delays.
- Full control: Non-custodial setup means users hold their private keys.
- Privacy: Planned migration to the Liquid Network enhances transaction confidentiality.
- Lower taxes: Brazilian users will reportedly avoid the IOF financial transaction tax, making it cheaper than traditional credit card use.
“This is about merging freedom with convenience,” said Lopes. “Stablecoins can finally be used the way money should — freely and globally.”
The Bigger Picture: Stablecoins Enter the Mainstream
The rapid evolution of stablecoin payment systems marks a critical phase in the digital asset ecosystem. Visa, Mastercard, and Stripe are all expanding their support for USDC and USDT transactions, signaling that blockchain-based settlements are becoming standard infrastructure for global finance. In Latin America where inflation, remittance costs, and currency volatility persist stablecoins are emerging as a lifeline for financial stability.
“El Salvador’s adoption of bitcoin opened the door,” said Marina Diaz, a fintech researcher based in São Paulo. “Now, stablecoins are walking through it — offering the usability and stability people have been waiting for.”
Conclusion: Stablecoins Step Into the Payments Spotlight
Truther’s Visa card launch in El Salvador could redefine how crypto fits into global commerce. By offering a real-time, user-controlled stablecoin payment solution, it bridges a crucial gap between decentralized finance and traditional payments. As stablecoins move from speculative tools to mainstream spending instruments, initiatives like this highlight a future where blockchain technology quietly powers everyday transactions from a hotel bill in San Salvador to a coffee in São Paulo.
The message is clear: crypto isn’t just for holding anymore it’s for living.
FAQs
What is Truther’s new Visa card?
It’s a stablecoin-based Visa card that lets users spend USDT (Tether) directly from their non-custodial crypto wallet in real time.
How is it different from other crypto cards?
Unlike traditional crypto cards that require top-ups or use custodial services, this one deducts funds directly from your private wallet.
When and where will it launch?
The card launches in El Salvador on January 29, 2026, with plans to expand to Brazil and other regions later in the year.
What are the fees?
A 2% fee applies to currency conversions, though users in Brazil will not pay the IOF financial transaction tax.
Why does this matter for crypto adoption?
It enables real-world stablecoin spending, making digital currencies more practical and accessible for everyday use.