In a new development that could redefine how everyday users interact with blockchain technology, Stripe has officially acquired Privy, a U.S.-based crypto wallet infrastructure provider. The acquisition, announced on June 11, 2025, marks a major expansion of Stripe’s Web3 ambitions and sends a clear signal to the fintech world: mainstream crypto adoption is closer than ever.
The deal, confirmed by both companies and Stripe’s CEO, comes on the heels of Stripe’s earlier acquisition of stablecoin platform Bridge, solidifying the company’s aggressive push into digital assets. With Privy’s technology now under the Stripe umbrella, developers, merchants, and consumers alike stand to benefit from smoother crypto onboarding, reduced friction, and broader access to blockchain-powered applications.
What Is Stripe?
Stripe is one of the most influential fintech companies in the world, offering payment-processing software and APIs for online and in-person transactions. Known for powering checkout experiences for companies like Amazon, Shopify, and Instacart, Stripe supports over 135 currencies and 100+ payment methods across the globe.
Historically focused on Web2 infrastructure, Stripe has recently shifted gears toward Web3 innovation. It now offers crypto payment rails, support for stablecoins, and tools for blockchain developers, turning Stripe into a foundational player at the intersection of traditional finance and decentralized technology.
What Is Privy?
Privy is a developer-focused company that provides secure, scalable wallet infrastructure for blockchain applications. Its technology allows crypto wallets to be embedded directly into websites and apps, eliminating the need for third-party wallet extensions like MetaMask or Coinbase Wallet. Users can create wallets seamlessly, interact with on-chain applications without leaving the platform, and skip complex seed phrase management entirely.
Privy currently supports over 75 million accounts across more than 1,000 development teams and is already trusted by major Web3 platforms such as OpenSea, Blackbird, and Toku. Its feature-rich wallet infrastructure includes hardware-isolated key storage, automated gas handling, and compatibility with multiple blockchains like Ethereum and Solana.
Inside the Deal: Stripe + Privy
While the financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, the impact of the deal is already reverberating throughout the fintech and crypto industries. Stripe has confirmed that Privy will continue operating independently but will be integrated into its growing suite of crypto tools.
This marks the second major crypto-related acquisition by Stripe in 2025, following its purchase of Bridge, a firm focused on stablecoin infrastructure. Together, these moves represent Stripe’s commitment to building a full-stack Web3 payment and identity platform that’s developer-friendly, scalable, and accessible.
Why Did Stripe Acquire Privy?
1. Seamless Crypto Onboarding
One of the biggest pain points in crypto adoption has always been wallet setup. Requiring users to download MetaMask, save seed phrases, and navigate confusing interfaces often leads to high drop-off rates. Privy solves this by letting users generate self-custodial wallets directly within an app, no downloads, no seed phrases, and no external tools required.
Stripe can now offer this experience to its vast network of merchants and developers, dramatically reducing friction and making Web3 apps more appealing to mainstream audiences.
2. Building End-to-End Web3 Infrastructure
By integrating Privy’s embedded wallet technology with Stripe’s payment rails and stablecoin solutions, the company is positioned to offer one of the most comprehensive Web3 infrastructure stacks available. Businesses will be able to accept payments in fiat or crypto, issue digital rewards, and manage customer wallets all through Stripe’s ecosystem.
This full-stack approach makes Stripe a one-stop shop for companies building in the blockchain space, from early-stage dApps to global marketplaces.
3. Empowering Developers and Merchants
Privy’s developer-friendly APIs allow for fast integration of wallet creation, key management, on-chain interactions, and more. Stripe can now extend these tools to its existing customer base, encouraging the launch of innovative Web3 applications, like NFT marketplaces, token-based memberships, and decentralized loyalty programs.
For merchants, this means they can begin interacting with customers’ digital wallets directly. Imagine offering instant stablecoin refunds, NFT-based ticketing, or tokenized customer rewards, all handled within a single Stripe dashboard.
1/ Today, we're proud to announce that Stripe is acquiring Privy.
— Privy (@privy_io) June 11, 2025
We couldn’t be more excited.
Privy will continue as an independent product – but now we’ll move faster, ship more, and serve you even better, so you can stay focused on your users. pic.twitter.com/8CHJqhqYy7
The Bigger Picture: Crypto for the Masses
Stripe’s acquisition of Privy is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about accessibility. By embedding wallets into everyday apps, Stripe is removing many of the technical and psychological barriers that have historically held back broader crypto adoption.
Lowering the Entry Barrier
Users no longer need to understand seed phrases, private keys, or bridge networks to start using Web3 apps. They can simply sign in, transact, and interact with digital assets, all within a Stripe-powered interface.
Simplifying Transactions
With Privy’s infrastructure, users can complete transactions without leaving the app they’re using. Whether they’re buying an NFT on OpenSea or receiving tokenized loyalty points from a restaurant, the process is fast, familiar, and secure.
Real-World Use Cases
From crypto payrolls and tokenized stock trading to stablecoin remittances and digital collectibles, Stripe is laying the groundwork for crypto to be as seamless as Venmo or Apple Pay.
Strategic Implications: Stripe’s Place in Web3
This acquisition positions Stripe as a central pillar in the emerging decentralized economy. While companies like PayPal and Coinbase focus on consumer wallets and exchanges, Stripe is quietly building the backend infrastructure that powers Web3 commerce.
By acquiring both a stablecoin platform (Bridge) and a wallet provider (Privy), Stripe is closing the loop between fiat and crypto payments. It is crafting a vision where money—whether dollars or tokens—moves freely, securely, and instantly across borders, platforms, and ecosystems.
This puts Stripe in direct competition not just with traditional fintechs, but also with crypto-native companies looking to become the go-to infrastructure providers of the decentralized future.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Crypto Adoption
Stripe’s acquisition of Privy is a landmark moment for the crypto and fintech industries. It signals a future where crypto isn’t just an experimental niche, it’s embedded into the very fabric of how we pay, build, and interact online.
By streamlining onboarding, empowering developers, and creating a bridge between traditional and digital finance, Stripe is making crypto usable for everyone, from the developer building a new decentralized app to the everyday user purchasing a digital asset for the first time.
As crypto and Web3 continue to mature, one thing is clear: with Privy now part of its arsenal, Stripe is no longer just enabling payments. It’s helping shape the future of the internet itself.
