Mastercard and Bakkt are partnering to allow merchants and banks to build cryptocurrency into their offerings, the firms announced Monday. The two plan to also shake up the way consumers can collect loyalty rewards.
The move brings the universe of cryptocurrency one step closer to bridging the gap with the traditional credit card payment industry. Bakkt is also appealing to younger consumers, according to its executive vice president of loyalty rewards and payments.
“As brands and merchants look to appeal to younger consumers and their transaction preferences, these new offerings represent a unique opportunity to satisfy increasing demand for crypto, payment and rewards flexibility,” Bakkt’s Nancy Gordon said in a statement.