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Mastercard Taps Polygon to Bring Verified Usernames to Self-Custody Crypto Wallets

At launch, Mercuryo-issued aliases link to self-custody wallets for receiving funds only.

Overview

  • Mastercard is expanding its Crypto Credential framework so users can use human‑readable, verified aliases instead of long wallet addresses.
  • Mercuryo conducts identity checks and issues the aliases, which users can link to their own wallets without surrendering private keys.
  • An optional non‑transferable credential on Polygon signals verified status onchain and helps applications route credential‑based transfers.
  • Polygon was selected for payments‑grade speed, low fees, and throughput, with recent Rio and Heimdall v2 upgrades improving finality and reducing reorg risk.
  • Initial functionality prioritizes receiving via alias, with sending capabilities indicated as the next step in the rollout.