April 17, 2025

By Anjali Kochhar

The crypto world thrives on innovation and speculation. A recent report by CryptoTimes has sent waves through the industry with claims that American Express (Amex) is planning to roll out a crypto-spendable card in partnership with Ripple. While the partnership remains unconfirmed by either company, the idea has ignited discussions about the future of payments, trust in digital currencies, and the fusion of traditional finance with decentralised technologies.

The possibility of such a collaboration is more than just a product launch it represents the larger evolution of crypto utility and financial accessibility. If true, this move could mark a significant milestone in making crypto spendable, seamless, and mainstream.

The Vision: Spending Crypto Like Fiat

Picture this: You walk into a store, pick up your daily groceries, and swipe your Amex card only this time, instead of INR or USD, you’re paying in Bitcoin or XRP. No conversion apps, no complicated wallet integrations, no friction.

That’s the future this speculative partnership hints at.

With Ripple’s track record in blockchain-based cross-border payments and American Express’s global network and consumer trust, a crypto card from the two giants could redefine how people interact with money. It wouldn’t just be about trading or investing in crypto anymore it would be about using it in daily life.

Expert Voices on the Buzz

Industry leaders are cautiously optimistic.

Srinivas L, CEO of 9Point Capital, reflects on the broader impact of such a development:”We see the American Express and Ripple partnership as a landmark moment in the evolution of crypto utility. A crypto-spendable card backed by a global financial institution like Amex reflects the growing trust in blockchain technology and its practical use in real-world finance.”

He emphasises that bridging the gap between traditional finance and crypto is essential for widespread adoption:”This initiative could significantly accelerate crypto adoption by enabling users to spend digital assets directly for everyday purchases without the friction of conversions or third-party apps. It represents a critical bridge between traditional financial infrastructure and the decentralised world something we’ve long believed is essential for the future of finance.”

The Indian Perspective: Unocoin Weighs In

In India, where digital innovation is accelerating, Unocoin, one of the country’s oldest cryptocurrency platforms, sees the speculation as a symbol of global financial shifts.

Mr. Sathvik Vishwanath, Co-founder and Director of Unocoin, shared his perspective:”The buzz around American Express potentially launching a crypto-spendable card in collaboration with Ripple has stirred both curiosity and excitement across the crypto space. If true, this would be a massive leap forward in merging traditional finance with the digital asset economy.”

He highlights that the potential of such a card lies in greater utility and ease of use:

“For crypto enthusiasts, this means finally being able to spend their digital assets seamlessly through a trusted financial brand. For Amex users, it opens doors to a more modern, decentralized future of finance.”

While the excitement is palpable, Vishwanath adds a word of caution:

“It’s important to remember that no official confirmation has been made yet. Still, the speculation alone signals how mainstream financial giants are warming up to crypto adoption.”

Online Reactions: “Too Good to Be True?”

The rumoured collaboration has also sparked heated conversations on social media.

On X (formerly Twitter), prominent crypto influencers have shared reactions ranging from enthusiastic to skeptical:

• “Amex + Ripple = crypto’s entry into the real world. Game changer if it happens.”
• “No way this is real until we see a press release. Remember Facebook’s Libra?”
• “Even if it’s speculative, this shows how far crypto has come in perception.”

Reddit forums, too, are buzzing with threads discussing the “what ifs,” the benefits, and the risks of such a move. While some users question whether traditional banks can truly align with decentralised ideals, others argue that collaborations like this are necessary for crypto to evolve from niche to necessity.

Why Ripple?

Ripple has long been a leader in enabling enterprise-grade blockchain solutions. Its primary focus on cross-border payments, especially through its RippleNet and ODL (On-Demand Liquidity) solutions, has already earned it trust among financial institutions worldwide.

American Express and Ripple had earlier partnered in 2017 for a pilot project to improve international B2B payments suggesting a history that could now be revisited under more crypto-friendly conditions and greater regulatory clarity.

This adds credibility to the current speculation and explains why the idea seems plausible, even if not officially confirmed.

A Turning Point?

Regardless of whether this specific partnership materialises, the broader narrative is clear: Crypto is inching closer to mainstream use. Institutional interest is no longer confined to ETFs or blockchain experiments it’s about creating tools that regular consumers can use in everyday life.

A crypto card from a brand like Amex could legitimise crypto spending, build user confidence, and reshape how people hold and use digital assets.

As Mr. Vishwanath succinctly puts it: “If Amex truly takes this step, it could redefine how we perceive and use digital currencies in everyday transactions marking a pivotal shift in the global payments landscape.”

Final Word: Still Just Speculation But a Powerful One

While no official confirmation has been made, the sheer scale of the conversation this rumour has triggered reveals an important insight: The world is ready for crypto to become usable, not just tradable.

Until then, eyes remain fixed on Amex and Ripple and the hope that something revolutionary may just be around the corner.

About the author

Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency and blockchain stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over four years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.