Mastercard Shares Slip 9.6% YTD; Launches MetaMask Card with On-Chain Rewards
Mastercard shares have declined 9.6% year to date as PayPal’s Q4 guidance cut and intensifying competition weigh on the payments sector. Mastercard also launched a co-branded MetaMask payment card across the US, including New York, offering on-chain token rewards for purchases.
1. Sector Headwinds from PayPal Guidance
PayPal reported Q4 net revenues of $8.68 billion (+3.7% Y/Y) and adjusted EPS of $1.23 (+3.4%) but flagged a potential EPS decline and slight margin drop in 2026, spurring a 9.6% share slump that has pulled down Visa and Mastercard stocks roughly 9.5%–9.6% YTD.
2. MetaMask-Branded Card Launches Across US
Mastercard has rolled out a co-branded payment card with MetaMask, now available in all US states including New York. The card integrates on-chain token rewards on the Ethereum network, enabling crypto-wallet users to earn and track digital asset incentives directly on-chain.
3. Strategic Implications for Mastercard
The MetaMask partnership deepens Mastercard’s foothold in crypto payments and diversifies revenue streams amid traditional segment pressure. Success of the on-chain rewards model could signal a roadmap for further blockchain collaborations to offset sector volatility.