Now Cardano can be used for making payments at 137 Spar supermarkets in Switzerland, according to the press release by the Cardano Foundation that Cardano users can now start paying for their groceries in 137 Spar supermarkets across Switzerland after the latest Open Crypto Pay integration from Swiss fintech firm DFX(dot)swiss.
The system allows payments to be processed instantly and directly from ADA wallets, without needing to go through centralized crypto exchanges. This means shoppers can simply use their native ADA wallets at checkout, making the payment process faster and more straightforward.
For retailers, the new system offers a clear financial advantage. Open Crypto Pay significantly lowers transaction costs, cutting fees by roughly two-thirds compared to traditional card payment providers. This makes it a more affordable alternative to conventional payment systems.
Beyond introducing new technology, the integration also provides real economic benefits for merchants, helping them reduce payment processing costs while giving customers another modern way to pay.
This everyday usability is made possible by DFX(dot)swiss’s expanded crypto on- and off-ramp infrastructure. Through the platform, users can buy ADA or convert it into traditional currencies directly from their DFX(dot)swiss account, without needing additional intermediaries.
This creates a direct link between the traditional banking system and the Cardano ecosystem, making it easier for people to move between fiat money and digital assets.
The infrastructure also supports new tools aimed at practical financial use. One example is Urble, an app developed by Swiss fintech company Brick Towers that focuses on helping users build long-term savings using Cardano’s ADA.
The app allows users to set up separate savings goals for family members such as children, partners, or godchildren, making digital assets part of everyday financial planning.
Because Urble is integrated with DFX(dot)swiss, users can also make payments directly with ADA through the app. This creates a connected environment where payments and savings can happen within the same ecosystem, helping bridge the gap between traditional financial services and decentralized finance.
Frederik Gregaard, CEO of the Cardano Foundation, said the development reflects a larger shift in how value moves in modern financial systems.
“We’re witnessing the beginning of a fundamental shift in how value moves through society. When blockchain becomes invisible infrastructure, when paying with ADA feels as natural as using a card, we move beyond experimentation and into real financial transformation.”
Cyrill Thommen, CEO of DFX(dot)swiss, said the partnership aligns with the company’s mission to bring blockchain technology into everyday use.
“Working with the Cardano Foundation is a natural step in our strategy to bring blockchain-based financial solutions out of the niche and into everyday life. With Open Crypto Pay, we show that Cardano is not only technologically advanced, but also useful for everyday payments for both consumers and merchants.”
Ralph Hofacker, Co-CEO of Brick Towers, added that the goal of the Urble app is to make digital assets more practical for daily financial activities.
“Our goal with urble is to turn digital assets from speculative tools into everyday financial solutions. By combining regulated infrastructure with user-focused applications, we make saving and paying with Cardano simple.”
With Cardano now integrated into Open Crypto Pay, the collaboration between DFX(dot)swiss, Brick Towers, and the Cardano Foundation represents another step toward wider crypto adoption, bringing blockchain technology closer to everyday experiences such as paying at the supermarket checkout.
