You Won’t Believe How Wirex and Chimera Wallet Just Opened Bitcoin to 80M+ Merchants—Are You Ready to Join?

Wirex, a prominent player in the crypto payment space, has unveiled its new Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform which is set to significantly enhance Bitcoin usage in everyday transactions. This announcement, made on February 3, 2026, in London, introduces the Chimera Card—a Bitcoin-funded debit card that aims to simplify and broaden the scope of Bitcoin spending for users worldwide.

The Chimera Card features practical applications for both casual users and crypto enthusiasts by leveraging Wirex's cutting-edge BaaS technology. This integration enables rapid deployment of payment solutions, allowing Chimera to launch globally in mere weeks rather than months. With this card, users can enjoy the benefits of spending Bitcoin seamlessly in their daily lives.

Wirex's BaaS offering provides a comprehensive set of tools through a single API integration. Key features of this platform include:

• Non-Custodial Card Issuance: Users maintain complete control of their assets with both virtual and physical debit cards, plus integration with payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• IBAN Accounts in EUR and USD: Users benefit from named virtual IBANs that facilitate quick and easy fiat on/off ramps across 30+ countries.
• Unified Balance Management: Real-time conversion from stablecoins to fiat at point of sale, eliminating the need for prefunding.
• DeFi Yield with Enterprise Controls: Users have access to yield opportunities on idle balances, all while ensuring compliance and risk management.

"Our BaaS platform exists so that innovators like Chimera can focus on building great products instead of navigating payment infrastructure complexity," stated Daniel Rowlands, General Manager, Onchain Finance at Wirex. "With a single integration, Chimera gets non-custodial cards, banking rails, and DeFi—all the essentials needed for a world-class Bitcoin spending experience globally. That's the power of full-stack BaaS."

By utilizing Wirex's BaaS, Chimera avoids the challenges associated with building an infrastructure from scratch, which typically involves managing separate card issuers and compliance frameworks. Consequently, users will be able to use the Chimera Card at over 80 million merchants worldwide while retaining self-custody of their Bitcoin.

"The Chimera Card is a natural extension of our vision to make Bitcoin usable in everyday life without compromising self-custody," said Simone De Gaspari, Chief Strategy Officer at Chimera. "By enabling direct wallet-based funding and pairing it with global debit card acceptance, we're giving users a transparent way to spend Bitcoin while remaining in control of their assets."

The Chimera Card boasts several standout features that cater to modern-day spending needs:

• Direct wallet-based funding through Bitcoin or the Lightning Network.
• Universal acceptance at any merchant that accepts debit and credit cards worldwide.
• True self-custodial functionality, with card balances fully on-chain and private keys managed by users, thereby minimizing risks associated with issuer insolvency.
• Transparent Bitcoin-to-fiat conversion at prevailing market rates.
• A permanent transaction fee of 1.5% for pre-order customers (standard fee is 2%), with no monthly or top-up fees for life.
• Travel-friendly foreign exchange rates and ATM access for global spending.
• Integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay for contactless transactions.

Pre-orders for the Chimera Card are now open for a limited time, offering a permanent fee protection for customers who reserve their card. Both virtual and physical cards are expected to be available by the end of Q1 2026. A 20 CHF pre-order fee is required to secure a reservation, which can be made through the official reservation link.

About Wirex: As a global payments platform, Wirex provides both consumers and businesses with card-based payment products and banking infrastructure. Since its establishment in 2014, Wirex has served over 7 million users, facilitating more than $20 billion in transactions across 130 countries. As a principal member of both Visa and Mastercard, Wirex ensures that crypto can be spent quickly and effortlessly everywhere.

About Chimera Wallet: Chimera Wallet focuses on usability and transparency, aiming to simplify how users manage Bitcoin. Built on Bitcoin's VTXO technology, it provides tools for everyday spending, including an integrated Visa card and access to gift cards and referral programs—all within a streamlined interface. For more information, visit chimerawallet.com.