Yeliz Akmaca 
Mastercard announced on November 18, 2025, that it has selected the Polygon network to bring verified usernames to self-custody wallets. This move will allow users to transact using easy-to-remember aliases instead of long, complex wallet addresses. The goal is to provide a secure and user-friendly experience in the crypto space.
Mastercard and Polygon Collaboration
Mastercard’s “Crypto Credential” solution aims to enable secure interactions on the blockchain. Mercuryo will handle user verification and create the usernames. The Polygon network offers high transaction speed and low costs, making it the ideal infrastructure for this solution. As a result, blockchain transactions become both fast and secure.
“Instead of copying and checking long hexadecimal strings, users can transact using a single, verified alias recognized across the Mastercard Crypto Credential network,” the release stated. “This approach improves trust, reduces user error, and brings the familiarity of traditional payment flows into self-custody wallets.”
Soulbound Token and Verification Mechanism
The system uses a “soulbound token”–like structure to indicate that a user is verified. This token proves on-chain that a wallet address belongs to a verified user. Users can transact using aliases linked to their wallets. This structure provides significant convenience for self-custody wallet users.
User Experience and the Crypto Ecosystem
This new feature aims to improve the user experience within the blockchain ecosystem. Human-readable aliases reduce the risk of errors, especially for new users. Moreover, verification processes and the token structure make transactions more transparent and secure. Meanwhile, Polygon’s scalable infrastructure enables the system to handle high demand efficiently.
Raj Dhamodharan, Mastercard Vice President of Blockchain and Digital Assets, told PYMNTS: “All of this comes down to what consumers and businesses want. It’s not just about cost, but also trust, simplicity, and convenience. Customers want an end-to-end experience. For consumer adoption, most people won’t even know they’re using stablecoins. In the U.S., there’s already a robust electronic infrastructure of wallets, bank accounts, etc. Crypto-native users may interact directly with the blockchain, but most won’t.”
Users can request a token on Polygon that demonstrates their wallets support verified transfers and helps applications route transactions based on identity data.
Key Benefits
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Wallet transactions with easy-to-remember aliases
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Secure verification for self-custody wallets
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On-chain verification via soulbound token
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Fast and low-cost transactions via Polygon network
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User-friendly experience in the crypto ecosystem
Mastercard and Polygon’s collaboration aims to enhance user trust in crypto transactions. Announced on November 18, 2025, this solution makes blockchain interactions both secure and user-friendly. Verified usernames and self-custody wallet integration represent a significant innovation in the crypto space.
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