Ready suspends USDC card outside EEA after issuer change

Ready, a self-custodial crypto wallet provider, suspended USDC card functionality for users outside the European Economic Area after changing its card issuer. In-app notices shown to affected customers stated “Your Ready Card will be deactivated within the next hour” and that refunds for unused subscription periods would be processed within 10 business days.

Screenshots of the in-app notice circulated on social media. Several customers reported losing access to the Ready Card within hours of receiving the alert. The notices said the disruption affected users “primarily outside the EEA” but did not name the new issuer or explain why the provider changed.

Ready began as Argent and builds software for the Starknet ecosystem. The Ready Card lets customers spend USDC directly from their self-custodial wallet. At checkout, the system checks a user’s USDC balance in real time, converts the crypto to fiat through Mastercard’s network, and routes the payment via an issuer partner that connects to traditional payment rails.

Because the wallet is self-custodial, users retain control of on-chain assets. Card deactivation prevents spending with the physical or virtual card but does not block on-chain transfers or other wallet functions.

Public documentation previously linked issuer-side work on the Ready Card to Kulipa. Ready and users have not confirmed whether Kulipa remains involved or which firm will replace the prior provider. Ready did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.

Some customers criticized the short notice and the company’s product priorities. A user posting as TapSatoshi wrote they were frustrated by delayed features such as Apple Pay and questioned why a “Rewards” section had been prioritized over payment features.

The Ready wallet supports multiple assets, including Bitcoin and Ether, but the card is built primarily around USDC. When active, transactions are processed in fiat through Mastercard after the wallet’s real-time balance check. A change in issuer can limit regional availability if the new partner does not support certain jurisdictions.

Affected customers can continue to hold and move USDC onchain. Those who relied on the card for payments outside the EEA will need alternatives until Ready names a new issuer or restores cross-border card service.