Circle Launches NFT Platform; Will Accept Credit Card And Crypto Payments

Global FinTech Circle has rolled out a complete payments solution intended to let non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces and storefronts accept credit card and crypto payments in the hope of attracting a more widespread audience, according to a press release.

In addition, the release stated there are new features coming from Circle which will support USD Coin, Bitcoin and Ethereum payments, NFT custodial services and yield-generating Circle accounts for NFT market operators.

Broad popular acceptance of NFTs is lagging behind the surging markets because of the complex methods of payment, usually including the use of cryptocurrencies, according to the release. The Circle NFT solution, however, simplifies that process by allowing for credit card use.

The “seamless” experience, the release stated, makes it easier for people to get into the NFT game, encouraging greater engagement, platform expansion and new support for creators via the “marriage of traditional payment rails and leading digital dollar stablecoin USD Coin (USDC).”

“This is not only an important and valuable trend for marketplaces and creators, it represents incredible demand from customers — for collectibles, artwork, moments and really anything that can be tokenized on the blockchain,” said Circle Co-Founder and CEO Jeremy Allaire in the release. “Circle looks forward to supporting the industry — creators, platforms, marketplaces, storefronts and customers — with our solution for enabling a user-friendly, mainstream payments experience with the power of crypto connectivity and USDC.”

NFTs have enjoyed success in recent months with digital art sales and the rising popularity of platforms like NBA Top Shot.

In addition, several well-known figures and institutions, including Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and the New York Times (NYT) have stepped into the NFT field. Dorsey sold his first ever tweet, reading “just setting up my twttr” from 2009, for more than $2.9 million. And the NYT sold a column by writer Kevin Roose for over $500,000 as an NFT.