MetaMask has expanded its trialed launch of its crypto Mastercard to the U.S. despite being embroiled in a legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The MetaMask Card allows users to spend crypto assets directly from their wallet without using a third-party service.
The pilot aims to start a wider launch for MetaMask and gives users the power to spend crypto in both online and physical stores.
“Today we’re kicking off a limited pilot program in the United States where some of you will get your hands on MetaMask Card and try it out before it goes to a wider release,” MetaMask posted on X.
U.S. users can apply for a card by joining a waiting list, but it is not currently available in New York or Vermont.
The expansion follows the crypto wallet, which previously launched a limited trial across the EU and UK.
MetaMask said its card currently supports USDT, USDC, and WETH on the Linea network.
As MetaMask plans for a global release of its new card, it continues to fight a legal battle with the SEC.
In June, the agency alleged that MetaMask offered unregistered securities through its staking services and engaged in illegal broker-dealer activities via its Swap feature.
Consensys, MetaMask’s developer, has called for an expedited trial in Texas.
A source close to the matter previously told CCN: “The industry needs clarity regarding how the security laws impact our business and the space more broadly.
“We saw a hostile SEC negatively impacting innovation not only in the US but abroad, and we determined that a court needed to intervene and settle these important issues.”
Consensys has argued that the SEC’s actions are working to stifle innovation in the U.S. and beyond.
As crypto adoption gains momentum, major financial institutions are racing into the space to capitalize on consumer’s growing demand and secure dominance in the sector.
The latest strategic alliance between MetaMask, Mastercard, and Baanx is the latest example of financial giants teaming up with crypto firms.
In March, MetaMask partnered with e-bank Revolut to allow its users to purchase cryptocurrencies directly from MetaMask using their Revolut accounts.
As more partnerships appear globally, mainstream access and adoption to the crypto industry gets increasingly easier.