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Visa enables crypto withdrawals on debit cards in 145 countries

Visa is doubling down on cryptocurrency adoption by enabling another method to exchange crypto to fiat currencies without using a centralized exchange. Visa has partnered with the Web3 infrastructure provider Transak to introduce cryptocurrency withdrawals and payments through the Visa Direct solution, the firms announced on Jan. 30.

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Visa is doubling down on cryptocurrency adoption by enabling another method to exchange crypto to fiat currencies without using a centralized exchange. Visa has partnered with the Web3 infrastructure provider Transak to introduce cryptocurrency withdrawals and payments through the Visa Direct solution, the firms announced on Jan. 30.

The new integration allows users to withdraw cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin

directly from a wallet like MetaMask to a Visa debit card. Available immediately, the integration enables one to exchange crypto to fiat and pay at 130 million merchant locations where Visa is accepted.

By enabling real-time card withdrawals through Visa Direct, Transak is delivering a faster, simpler and more connected experience for its users — making it easier to convert crypto balances into fiat,” Visa Direct’s North America Head Yanilsa Gonzalez-Ore said.

The collaboration significantly expands the number of options to convert crypto into fiat currencies and brings a big milestone in bridging the crypto and traditional finance worlds, Transak’s marketing head and investor relations lead Harshit Gangwar noted.

The partnership allows users from 145 countries to directly convert at least 40 cryptocurrencies to fiat without relying on centralized exchanges. Some of the supported countries include jurisdictions like ​​Cyprus, Malta, Singapore, Turkey, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates, according to Transak’s global coverage page.

“This is a major step towards mainstream acceptance and utilization of cryptocurrencies,” Gangwar said, highlighting a more accessible and convenient nature of the transactions enabled by the integration.

According to Gangwar, the collaboration brings significant benefits to users of decentralized platforms and wallets like the MetaMask, Ledger, Trust Wallet and others. “MetaMask users can now effortlessly off-ramp directly from their wallet to the Visa card, which enhances the usability and practicality of their digital assets,” he noted.

One of the world’s largest companies in the payments industry, Visa has been actively exploring the use cases of cryptocurrency in recent years. In 2020, Visa made a major move into crypto, by partnering with the blockchain firm Circle to support the USDC stablecoin on certain Visa cards. In September 2023, Visa rolled out support for USDC payments settled on the Solana blockchain as it continued to expand the support of the stablecoin.

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Bitcoin price risks drop to $71K as Trump tariffs hurt US business outlook

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Bitcoin is setting its sights on the $71,000 mark as market conditions shift in response to geopolitical and economic developments, including a new tariff agreement and weakening U.S. business sentiment.

Recent market activity suggests that Bitcoin is benefiting from concerns over traditional economic indicators, with investors turning to digital assets as a hedge against economic uncertainty. A rare slump in U.S. business outlook has fueled speculation that risk assets, including Bitcoin, could see increased inflows.

Additionally, ongoing global trade negotiations and tariff adjustments have contributed to market volatility, prompting investors to seek alternative stores of value. Analysts suggest that if macroeconomic pressures persist, Bitcoin could continue its upward trajectory, potentially testing the $71,000 resistance level.

Despite short-term fluctuations, Bitcoin remains a focal point for investors navigating inflation concerns, regulatory shifts, and global economic trends. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Bitcoin can sustain its momentum and break through key price barriers.

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Crypto donations top $1B in 2024, gain traction after Myanmar, Thailand quake

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Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, has donated 1,000 BNB to aid relief efforts following a powerful earthquake that struck the Thailand-Myanmar border region. The donation, valued at approximately $600,000, aims to support those affected by the disaster and assist in recovery operations.

The earthquake caused significant damage in several areas, displacing residents and impacting local infrastructure. CZ’s contribution highlights the growing role of cryptocurrency in humanitarian aid, providing fast and transparent relief funding.

The donation will be distributed to organizations working on the ground to deliver emergency assistance, including shelter, food, and medical supplies. Crypto-based aid is increasingly being utilized in disaster response efforts due to its efficiency in reaching affected communities without the delays of traditional banking systems.

As the affected regions begin the recovery process, the crypto community continues to demonstrate how blockchain technology can play a meaningful role in global humanitarian initiatives.

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Hackers are selling counterfeit phones with crypto-stealing malware

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Security researchers have uncovered a wave of counterfeit Android devices preloaded with malware designed to steal cryptocurrency, posing a significant threat to users worldwide. The infected devices, which mimic popular smartphone brands, contain malicious software capable of hijacking digital wallets and siphoning funds.

The malware, embedded at the firmware level, allows attackers to gain remote access, intercept sensitive data, and execute unauthorized transactions. Because the malicious code is deeply integrated into the device’s operating system, it is difficult to detect and remove, making it a persistent threat.

Cybersecurity experts warn that unsuspecting buyers may unknowingly expose their crypto holdings to risk by purchasing these compromised devices from unverified sellers. Users are urged to exercise caution by only purchasing smartphones from trusted retailers and manufacturers.

The discovery highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals targeting the cryptocurrency sector. As mobile-based crypto transactions become more common, security measures such as hardware wallet usage and multi-factor authentication are increasingly essential to safeguard digital assets from emerging threats.

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