SINGAPORE -
Media OutReach Newswire - 15 May 2025 -
DCS Card Centre, a leading transformative financial institution that pioneered cashless payments as Diners Club Singapore, and
Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, have jointly launched
DeCard Visa
card — a regulated micro credit card with a flexible and high limit,
allowing users to top up via fiat or, alternatively, with digital
assets. Designed to empower individuals to spend only what they already
own, without taking on unnecessary financial risk, DeCard Visa card is a
next-generation card that delivers flexibility, control, and
transparency across both traditional and digital funding sources, all
within a seamless and secure experience.
Meeting the Demands of Digital Growth and Informed Spending
In 2024,
26%
of Singapore residents owned digital assets — up from 24.4% the year
before — with over half having used them for payments and 67% planning
to increase usage. At the same time, contactless credit, debit, and prepaid cards remain the
most preferred payment method among Singaporeans at 34%, with the
prepaid segment projected to reach over US$13 billion by 2028 — reflecting a strong consumer shift toward accessible, controlled spending options.
DeCard addresses both trends by offering a spend-what-you-have-model
that helps users unlock their fiat or digital assets for everyday use
without the burden of overspending. It provides an accessible and
frictionless way for users to tap into existing value — without
promoting new digital asset adoption.
Unlike traditional credit or debit cards, DeCard Visa card operates on a
top-up model, where users fund the card through SGD transfers, with the
option of using digital assets for those already active in the Web3
community.
DeCard Visa card allows these Web3 users to seamlessly convert USDT and
USDC into fiat currency for local and global spending through
MAS-licensed Digital Payment Token (DPT) service providers. These
partners handle all token-to-fiat conversions in full alignment with
Singapore's Payment Services Act for digital assets. Leveraging on
Visa's extensive merchant network, DeCard holders can spend digital
assets at
over 150 million merchant
locations worldwide. The process ensures secure, transparent
transactions while adhering to local licensing standards and the MAS'
guidelines on responsible innovation, operating within Singapore's
financial framework.
With over 50 years of banking heritage, DCS is a MAS-regulated card
issuer under the Banking Act and the pioneer of cashless payments in
Singapore as Diners Club Singapore. DCS adheres to stringent banking
standards and ensures bank-grade security, applying the same
regulatory-first commitment when bridging Web2 and Web3 ecosystems —
prioritising governance while enabling evolving digital behavior. The
DeCard Visa card is part of DCS's broader strategy to drive secure,
transparent efficiency and real-world digital utility for both
traditional and Web3-aligned users.
"At DCS, we believe users should have more clarity and control over their spending — not less," said
Elsa Qiu, Chief Commercial Officer at DCS Card Centre. "By
enabling top-ups through fiat or digital assets, we're allowing both
mainstream and Web3-savvy users to manage their money on their own terms
— all within Singapore's trusted regulatory framework. Our partnership
with Visa strengthens this commitment by combining global acceptance
with secure, compliant innovation."
"We are proud to partner with DCS to launch a credit card in Singapore,
that bridges traditional finance with digital assets. This innovation
enables consumers to convert their stablecoins to fiat for their
transactions, allowing seamless payments at any Visa-accepting merchant
worldwide. This card programme represents a significant step towards an
integrated financial ecosystem where stablecoins can be used for
everyday commerce, giving consumers more options in how they access and
use their digital assets, while maintaining the security and convenience
that Visa can provide," said
Nischint Sanghavi, Head of Digital Currencies – Asia Pacific.
Key highlights of DeCard Visa card include
Real-World Ready Funding Options
-
Top-up via SGD transfers or select digital assets (via licensed partners)
-
High flexible spending and top-up limit
Cost Effective Digital Asset Management
-
Competitive single conversion cost from digital assets to SGD, eliminating additional FX fees for local spending
-
Over 50% savings on FX transaction fees compared to typical industry rates*
-
No annual fees
-
ATM withdrawal fee capped at SGD5 or 1% (whichever is lower)
-
Cash withdrawals are available at ATMs worldwide (except Singapore)
Digital Wallet Ready
-
Compatible with Google Pay and Apple Pay
Safe and Trusted
-
Issued by DCS, a MAS-regulated financial institution under the Banking Act
*The calculation is based on a foreign transaction fee rate of 3.25%,
which applies to the majority of credit cards in Singapore.
https://www.moneysmart.sg/credit-cards/overseas-spending
The DeCard Visa card is foundational to reshaping and modernizing the
incumbent payments landscape, starting with Singapore and a vision to
scale internationally. Through this card product, DCS is committed to
providing secure, flexible, and future-ready payment solutions, paving
the way to bridge traditional finance and digital assets with everyday
spending globally.
Photo Caption: DCS and Visa launch DeCard Visa card — a micro credit card that supports both fiat and digital asset top-ups.
From left: George Jiang, Chief Product Officer, DCS; Dr. Cyrus
Tong, Chief Compliance Officer, DCS; Lionel Lee, MD, Consumer Cards,
DCS; Nischint Sanghavi, Head of Digital Currencies, Visa Asia Pacific;
Adeline Kim, Visa Country Manager, Singapore & Brunei; Cheng Haoran,
Chief Operating Officer, DCS; Elsa Qiu, Chief Commercial Officer, DCS;
Dayna Leng, Chief Marketing Officer, DCS; Kerri Teo, Visa, Head of
Sellers & Fintechs, Singapore & Brunei.
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