Cardano Card Ends October 31 as Wirex Moves to Self-Custody

The Cardano Card will be discontinued on October 31, 2026, following issuer Wirex’s decision to move to a non-custodial model and close its custodial infrastructure. The program announced the shutdown on October 13, stating that the card would continue working normally until that date. Its partnership with Wirex ends the same day.

Why the Cardano Card Partnership Is Ending

EMURGO, a founding entity of Cardano focused on commercial adoption, explicitly described the initial Cardano Card as a custodial, multichain product when it opened registrations in July 2025. Under that model, the provider holds and manages assets on the user’s behalf.

The November 2025 partnership announcement outlined a second phase: a non-custodial Cardano Card forecast for release in 2026. EMURGO said that version would bring features such as yield and loans under greater user control. The October 13 closure notice does not address the status of that planned phase.

Wirex’s withdrawal from custodial infrastructure ends the arrangement supporting the existing card. The program’s team has promised further information about its next steps.

Cardano Card Payments and Benefits

Cardano Card is distributed by EMURGO and issued by Wirex. At the November 2025 partnership announcement, EMURGO said integration into the Wirex app made the card visible to more than six million users.

The program’s website lists support for more than 685 cryptocurrencies, including ADA, for purchases wherever Visa is accepted. Other advertised features include ATM withdrawals, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and stablecoin loans using ADA as collateral. Crypto cashback reaches up to 8% under the Elite subscription, with availability subject to regional eligibility and Wirex’s terms.

On October 15, the official website still advertised physical card orders with limited stock. Self-custody and staking remained marked as coming soon.

Wirex One Migration and Remaining Balances

Wirex’s upgrade FAQ states that its legacy app stopped supporting transactions and other account services on September 30, 2026. It remains accessible for reviewing previous activity and downloading statements. Wirex One replaces it with a self-custodial wallet whose keys, according to the company, are controlled by the user.

The general migration instructions say customers can register with the same email address and claim eligible assets into their new wallet. Balances below the equivalent of $1 may not be claimable because of network and processing costs. Customers who do not want to migrate are directed to customer support.

The FAQ also states that Wirex cards continue working during and after the upgrade. It does not identify a separate process for Cardano Card or explicitly confirm how its asset-claim instructions apply to that program.

The Cardano Card closure notice does not specify how holders will access remaining funds or whether they should use the Wirex One claims process. Further details have been promised, without a named replacement card or issuing partner.