Bakkt and Google team up to enable card purchases

Digital asset management platform Bakkt has unveiled a partnership with Google that will enable users to link their Bakkt Card with Google Pay and purchase everyday goods and services using cryptocurrencies.

Purchases made using Bitcoin will be automatically converted to fiat currencies – meaning consumers can now pay at any retailer that handles contactless Google Pay payments using cryptocurrencies.

Bakkt revealed the partnership would “extend the reach and usability of digital assets to meet rapidly evolving consumer demand and preferences” – a significant development in the adoption and mainstream exposure to digital assets such as cryptocurrencies in the US.

Bakkt remains a popular choice in the US for customers seeking a concise management platform for their gift cards, cash balances, loyalty rewards and cryptocurrency exposure through a digital wallet.

Gavin Michael, CEO of Bakkt, spoke of the partnership’s ability to further empower Bakkt customers.

“This partnership is a testament to Bakkt’s strong position in the digital asset marketplace, to empower consumers to enjoy their digital assets in a real-time, secure, reliable manner,” he said.

Alongside its consumer-facing products, Bakkt also offers custodial services for institutions that have purchased Bitcoin and fully regulating Bitcoin Futures options.

Additionally, Bakkt revealed that it will use Google Cloud as a cloud provider and would “market solutions powered by Google Cloud to leading retailers and merchants” in the US.

“Google Cloud has been at the forefront of accelerating digital commerce, powering many retailers and merchants,” said Kirsten Kliphouse, Google Cloud President of North America.

“We are proud to help Bakkt accelerate and scale the availability of their innovative solutions, powered by our technologies.”