Updated 2026-06-01
Global card issuance, explained
What it actually means when a vendor says 'global cards' — and who really delivers.
Quick answer
TL;DR
What it actually means when a vendor says 'global cards' — and who really delivers.
- •'Global' usually means multi-currency, not multi-entity. Read the fine print.
- •True global issuance: Airwallex, Navan Liquid, Wise Business, Stripe Issuing.
- •Pseudo-global: most US-only providers with USD multi-currency cards.
What counts as global
Multi-currency cards (one entity, many currencies) versus multi-entity issuance (cards issued by local entities in each country). Most 'global' marketing is the former.
Who actually does it
Airwallex issues local cards in 60+ countries. Navan Liquid is global via partner banks. Wise Business issues debit in major currencies. Stripe Issuing is API-only but truly global.
What this means in practice
If you need a card in 5+ countries with local-currency settlement, your shortlist is 4 names long. Everyone else gives you a USD or EUR card you can use globally — different product, different cost.