Will VISA’s New Move Change How You Pay Forever?

unnikrishna
3 min readOct 14, 2024

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How Visa is Bringing Blockchain to Your Wallet?

AI prompt written image by the author

Visa is taking a bold step into the future of finance with its new Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), built on Ethereum. If you’re wondering what this means for you, let’s break it down.

At its core, VTAP aims to help banks create digital versions of money — called tokens — on blockchain networks. These tokens are backed by actual fiat currency, like euros or dollars, so they’re as reliable as the money in your bank but with the added security and flexibility of blockchain.

Why is this exciting?

First, this isn’t just another tech buzzword — a company we all know and trust, stepping into the world of decentralized finance. They’re into bridging the gap between traditional banking and the future of digital payments.

Imagine being able to make payments or manage assets with the same security as your current payment card, but with the added benefits of blockchain technology: faster transactions, fewer middlemen, and smarter automation.

How does Visa’s move with the Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP) impact your day-to-day life?

When you swipe your card today, your sensitive payment information is stored, and while it’s encrypted, it can still be a target for fraud. Tokenization adds a layer of protection by replacing your card details with unique tokens. This means even if someone gets their hands on your payment data, it’s useless to them. VTAP builds on this by making it even harder for hackers to steal or misuse your financial information in digital transactions.

But VTAP isn’t just about safety. It’s also about ease and flexibility. Banks can now issue and manage these fiat-backed tokens through a simple set of APIs (think of them as tech building blocks), which means it’ll be easier for financial institutions to innovate.

Visa’s move could potentially reshape how we think about money.

Right now, decentralized finance (DeFi) can feel like uncharted territory, but Visa is making it more accessible for everyday consumers. With VTAP, the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain world could be reduced in exciting ways.

For customers, this might mean new, faster, and more secure payment methods in the near future. We could soon be using tokenized currencies in our daily lives, without even noticing the change. And with their reputation and network, it’s not a far-off dream — it’s a realistic vision of where the financial world is headed.

Simpler, Faster Transactions

You know, how transfers between banks can sometimes take a while? Or how sending money internationally can be a headache? Blockchain can streamline this process, making transactions happen faster, often instantly, and without the usual banking fees. VTAP brings these benefits to the table, so down the line, you might notice quicker payments and fewer fees when you make certain transactions.

New Payment Methods

In the near future, you could be using stablecoins (a type of token backed by real money) to pay for things just like you do with cash or your debit card. It’s basically like carrying a digital wallet with money that’s super secure and works across borders. You may not even realize you’re using blockchain — it’ll just feel like a quicker, more seamless way to shop, pay bills, or send money.

while you might not see a drastic change tomorrow, Visa’s entry into blockchain could mean a future where your payments are safer, faster, and smarter, without you having to worry about the tech behind it. All you’ll notice is that paying for things just got easier!

Would you be open to this new form of payment? It’s certainly something to think about, especially as we see the digital age continue to reshape our wallets.

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unnikrishna

Visual Artist, NFT Creator & Curator, Graphic Designer & Digital Specialist. Comments on: Art Happenings, NFTs, Brands, Visual Art, Digital Art, Art Criticism.