In today’s global economy, customers expect seamless, borderless experiences—whether they’re dining in Paris, streaming content from Seoul, or managing business expenses across continents.
For financial platforms and card issuers, meeting these expectations introduces complexity. How do you offer a frictionless multi-currency experience while maintaining control, transparency, and cost-efficiency?
At Marqeta, we help modern card programs go global with confidence by enabling powerful multi-currency capabilities that support a wide range of use cases, from international commerce to digital nomad banking.
Understanding the currency triad: What happens during a transaction?
Every transaction on a card network typically involves three currencies:
- Transaction currency: The currency in which the merchant charges the customer
- Cardholder billing currency: The currency used to bill the cardholder or reflect their account statement
- Settlement currency: The currency used to settle the transaction between the card issuer and the network
Without the right infrastructure, these conversion points can lead to increased costs, customer confusion, and operational challenges. Marqeta simplifies this complexity, offering solutions that give issuers full control over currency handling and cross-border activity.
Marqeta’s multi-currency capabilities
Multi-currency wallets
We partner with companies to integrate our card issuing platform into digital wallets and banking apps, enabling users to hold and manage multiple currencies in one place. These wallets can be linked to both virtual and physical cards, giving users flexibility in how and where they spend.
Virtual and physical cards
Programs built on Marqeta can issue both virtual and physical cards tied to multi-currency wallets. This allows users to spend in different currencies from a single account, making global spending more seamless than ever.
Simplified currency exchange
Users can load multiple currencies onto a single card, eliminating the need for separate accounts or cards for different regions. Marqeta allows users of Just-in-Time (JIT) funding to maintain external logic for multi-currency transactions and authorize transactions on this basis.
Real-time transactions across borders
Our platform supports real-time transaction processing, including ATM withdrawals and online purchases, across currencies and countries. Transactions are fast, accurate, and flexible.
Integration with card networks
Marqeta works with major card networks like Visa and Mastercard to process transactions globally. This ensures consistency, reliability, and reach, whether users are spending in Tokyo or Toronto.
Developer-friendly API access
Through our open APIs, developers can build custom, multi-currency experiences into their platforms. From loading balances to monitoring real-time transaction data, the APIs help to provide complete programmatic control.
Global reach with local impact
Marqeta is certified to operate in over 40 countries, allowing businesses to issue cards and support international transactions without setting up local entities. This makes it easier for fintechs, gig platforms, and global commerce providers to scale rapidly.
Use cases across industries
Marqeta’s multi-currency capabilities are ideal for businesses handling international money transfers, cross-border payments, global payroll, and for consumer programs whose users frequently travel or shop in different currencies.
Advanced capabilities that set Marqeta apart
Multi-currency settlement
Avoid network FX rates and reduce cross-border costs by settling in multiple currencies, as per the currencies supported for your program (these depend on your bank issuing partner). This not only lowers operational expenses but can also improve economics for your cardholders.
Multi-account options
No need to issue more than one card to a user when you can link multiple accounts (A2A) to one card/digital wallet.
Cross-border issuing
Issue cards in multiple regions without physical presence, enabling expansion into new markets and support for remote-first customers.
Advanced customization options
Build customer portals that give users visibility and control over their currency balances, spending preferences, and transaction history. Enhance personalization at scale.
Enhanced data and analytics
Marqeta’s DiVA API enables real-time transaction monitoring. Track usage patterns, optimize FX conversion, and improve program design with actionable insights.
Intuitive Admin dashboards
Operational teams get centralized tools to manage approvals, monitor currency-specific activity, and ensure consistency across markets.
Compliance and risk controls
Access built-in tools for fraud detection, AML checks, and FX regulation compliance, even across multiple jurisdictions.
Where we're headed next
Improved currency support for settlement
We’re enhancing our settlement capabilities with more granular controls across issuing files, reconciliation, and dashboard visibility.
Seamless migration to multi-currency
Already managing a single-currency card program? Transitioning to multi-currency doesn’t have to be complex. Marqeta’s portfolio migration service, powered by our proprietary migration engine, ensures:
- Smooth transfer of cardholder data and balances
- Zero to minimal program downtime
- Full data integrity across currencies and historical transactions
Why multi-currency matters more than ever
Customers no longer think in national borders, and neither should your card program. Whether you’re supporting global freelancers, international travelers, or cross-border ecommerce, the ability to manage and spend in multiple currencies is becoming essential.
With Marqeta, you're not just issuing cards. You're building a modern, global, customer-first experience with:
- Real-time transaction controls
- Transparent FX handling
- Developer-ready APIs
- Scalable tools for global expansion
The future of global spending is multi-currency. Marqeta makes it easy to build for it.
Ready to learn more?