Ripple Partners with Mastercard to Introduce $RLUSD Credit Card Settlements on XRP Ledger

LONDON, Nov 6, 2025 – Ripple and Mastercard announced a partnership under the Ripple Mastercard RLUSD partnership to enable credit card settlements using Ripple’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, $RLUSD, directly on the XRP Ledger. The move marks an important step in connecting blockchain technology with traditional payments.

The collaboration allows banks and payment processors to settle card transactions in real time using $RLUSD. As a result, institutions can lower settlement costs and improve transaction speed. Ripple said this partnership simplifies liquidity management, while Mastercard added that it extends the company’s existing blockchain work.

Ripple said in a statement that the $RLUSD integration improves transparency and operational efficiency across its settlement network. In addition, it connects regulated institutions with blockchain infrastructure under clear compliance standards.

Ripple launched $RLUSD earlier this year as a fully collateralized stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. It is backed by cash and short-term U.S. Treasuries. Therefore, the token is designed to support cross-border transactions and liquidity management on both RippleNet and the XRP Ledger.

Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s Chief Executive Officer, said the partnership reflects a shift toward blockchain-based payment rails. He added that reliable stablecoin liquidity allows financial institutions to move money faster and remain compliant with regulatory frameworks.

Mastercard has been expanding its blockchain initiatives for several years. Previously, the company piloted programs to test digital identity and settlement transparency. Meanwhile, it continues to develop what it calls a multi-rail strategy, combining blockchain, open banking, and card networks to enhance global transaction flow.

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Raj Dhamodharan, Mastercard’s Head of Digital Assets and Blockchain, said the company is focused on creating secure bridges between digital value and existing financial systems. Moreover, he noted that Ripple’s settlement model fits Mastercard’s vision for programmable payments across its network.

The announcement comes as regulators in the United States, European Union, and Singapore advance rules for stablecoin issuance and payments. Ripple said $RLUSD meets U.S. requirements for money transmission and asset-backed disclosure. Consequently, the initiative could help demonstrate how compliant blockchain payments operate within regulated financial ecosystems.

The move follows similar efforts by Visa and PayPal. Visa has been testing USDC-based settlement for cross-border payments, while PayPal has expanded its PYUSD integration across merchant networks. Together, these programs show how stablecoins are becoming part of mainstream financial systems.

Industry analysts said the partnership may boost institutional adoption of blockchain settlements. It could also expand XRP Ledger transaction volumes and attract new liquidity providers to RippleNet. As a result, both Ripple and Mastercard may gain strategic advantages in digital payment infrastructure.

Financial firms worldwide are now exploring blockchain layers for real-time clearing. These networks can reduce costs tied to correspondent banking. In addition, they improve payment visibility across borders. Ripple’s collaboration with Mastercard demonstrates that blockchain and traditional finance can operate together without sacrificing compliance.

The partnership highlights the steady convergence of digital and traditional payment networks. Ripple said it plans to extend $RLUSD use beyond credit card settlements into corporate treasury operations and remittances. In doing so, the company expects broader institutional adoption of blockchain-based financial systems.

Observers said the initiative strengthens Ripple’s role in regulated payments and enhances Mastercard’s leadership in financial innovation. The move aligns with broader trends in digital-asset oversight, as seen in Canada’s 2025 stablecoin regulation framework. Together, both firms aim to build an efficient and transparent bridge between digital currencies and global commerce.

Recap

• Ripple and Mastercard to enable $RLUSD-based credit card settlements on the XRP Ledger.
• The move bridges blockchain and traditional payment networks.
• Ripple’s $RLUSD is a fully backed U.S.-dollar stablecoin for regulated use.
• The deal aligns with global stablecoin policy trends in the U.S., EU, and Asia.
• Analysts expect stronger institutional adoption of blockchain settlements worldwide.