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JPMorgan Chase has launched a strategic partnership with Coinbase to provide its 80 million customers with enhanced access to cryptocurrency services, marking a significant development in the convergence of traditional banking and digital assets.
The collaboration will introduce three key features for mutual customers. Beginning this autumn, Chase credit card holders will be able to fund their Coinbase accounts directly using their cards. By 2026, customers will gain the ability to link their Chase bank accounts to Coinbase wallets through JPMorgan's secure API, alongside the option to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to their Coinbase accounts.
The rewards programme integration represents a first for major credit card loyalty schemes, allowing customers to convert their points into cryptocurrency funding. Under the arrangement, customers will be able to seamlessly transfer their Chase Ultimate Rewards points to fund crypto purchases on the platform.
Melissa Feldsher, Head of Payments and Lending Innovation for JPMorgan Chase
Melissa Feldsher, Head of Payments and Lending Innovation for JPMorgan Chase, said: "This partnership marks a significant step forward in empowering our customers to take control of their financial futures. By joining forces with Coinbase, we are enhancing the security and privacy of our customers' data, allowing them to use their money and rewards in new and exciting ways. With Ultimate Rewards, the most flexible loyalty programme in the industry, our customers can now seamlessly and securely convert their points into cryptocurrencies."
The direct bank-to-wallet connection feature will enable Chase customers to link their bank accounts to Coinbase wallets through JPMorgan's API infrastructure, designed to provide enhanced security and privacy for transactions.
Max Branzburg, Head of Consumer & Business Products at Coinbase
Max Branzburg, Head of Consumer & Business Products at Coinbase, commented: "We're excited to partner with JPMorgan Chase to onboard the next generation of consumers into crypto. Together, we are expanding choice and lowering barriers to entry for consumers to participate in the future of financial services onchain."
JPMorgan Chase, which holds $3.7 trillion in assets and operates as a leading global financial services firm, has previously shown scepticism towards cryptocurrency but has gradually increased its digital asset offerings. The bank now allows clients access to bitcoin exchange-traded funds and has been exploring additional crypto-related services.
Coinbase operates as a cryptocurrency platform serving both retail and institutional clients, providing trading, staking, and custody services. The company has positioned itself as infrastructure for blockchain activity and supports developers building decentralised applications.
The partnership follows JPMorgan's broader exploration of digital assets, including reported considerations of offering loans backed by bitcoin and ethereum collateral. The implementation will be rolled out in phases, with credit card functionality launching first, followed by the direct bank connection and rewards transfer features in 2026.
