Morph Launches $150 Million Payment Accelerator Program to Scale Real-World Payments On-Chain

, an Ethereum-based settlement layer, has launched the $150 million Payment Accelerator to support startups scaling real-world payment activity on-chain. The program provides funding, infrastructure, and access to Bitget's ecosystem to help payment companies move from pilots to scalable deployments. It targets verticals including crypto cards, cross-border remittance, and merchant gateways, which are seen as key drivers of on-chain adoption.

Stablecoin transactions have reached $27.6 trillion in 2024, according to Morph, highlighting the demand for faster, cheaper, and programmable payment flows. Despite this growth, traditional payment systems remain fragmented, with multi-step processes causing delays and tying up capital.

Morph's initiative seeks to address these inefficiencies by supporting production-ready solutions.

The Payment Accelerator offers multiple funding tracks based on a company's deployment stage. Participants can access grant funding, performance-based incentives, and liquidity support that scale with their progress. The program is not open to all startups—only those with working MVPs or live products that align with target verticals will be considered.

Why Did This Happen?

The initiative reflects a broader industry shift toward blockchain-based payments. Stablecoins are increasingly used as settlement rails for global commerce and cross-border transfers, reducing the need for intermediaries and traditional financial infrastructure. Morph's CEO, Colin Goltra, stated that the program is designed to provide operators with the tools and ecosystem access needed to move real money on-chain at scale.

Morph's focus on production-grade integrations underscores the need for secure, reliable systems. Infrastructure providers must demonstrate production readiness, strong security practices, and compliance with KYC and AML standards. This ensures that the program supports long-term, scalable solutions rather than experimental concepts according to Morph.

How Markets Responded

The program has already attracted pilot partners across its target verticals. Morph plans to announce more partners and updates in the coming months as the initiative scales. The company emphasizes long-term collaboration with participants, aiming to build durable builders and leaders within its ecosystem.

One of the program's key advantages is its integration with Bitget and Bitget Wallet, which connect to 120 million users. This provides participating startups with immediate access to a large user base, accelerating adoption and real-world usage. Bitget Wallet supports crypto cards, local QR payments, bank transfers, and in-app shopping, making it a versatile platform for on-chain payments.

What Analysts Are Watching

The success of the Payment Accelerator will depend on the ability of participating startups to scale their operations and achieve meaningful transaction volumes. Analysts will monitor whether the program can drive widespread adoption of on-chain payments across global commerce. The integration of Bitget's ecosystem could be a critical factor in determining the program's long-term viability.

The program also aligns with broader trends in the payments sector. The global cross-border payment market is projected to reach $552.72 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.84%. The rise of digital payment solutions and blockchain technology is reshaping how businesses and consumers handle transactions. Morph's initiative is part of this shift, aiming to position blockchain as a mainstream infrastructure for real-world payments.

Morph's approach reflects a growing emphasis on infrastructure rather than speculative projects. The company's focus on compliance, production readiness, and real-world use cases positions it to compete with traditional payment platforms. As the program progresses, investors will be watching whether it can deliver scalable solutions that meet the demands of global commerce.