Tether-backed mobile wallet Oobit has expanded real-world crypto payments by adding native support for Phantom Wallet, a major Solana platform. The move allows more than 15 million Phantom users to spend digital assets anywhere Visa is accepted. Significantly, the integration removes one of crypto’s longest-standing barriers by turning self-custody wallets into everyday payment tools without changing merchant behavior. The launch reflects a broader shift in crypto usage. Blockchains now process transactions quickly, and wallets offer simple interfaces. However, daily spending has remained limited. Oobit’s Phantom integration aims to close that gap by connecting existing wallets directly to traditional payment rails. Consequently, users can now move from holding crypto to spending it in real-world settings. How the Integration Changes Crypto Spending With Phantom enabled inside Oobit, users can pay online or in stores without pre-funding accounts or using bridges. Funds stay under user control until payment approval. Moreover, transactions execute directly from the wallet, convert instantly to local currency, and settle through Visa’s network. Importantly, merchants do not need new hardware or onboarding. Wherever Visa already works, Phantom payments now work as well. Hence, the integration avoids friction on both sides of the transaction. Users maintain self-custody, while merchants receive local currency through familiar systems. The service is live across more than 80 countries, including the United States, Brazil, the Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand. Additionally, Oobit reports strong adoption in regions where stablecoins increasingly support daily expenses rather than long-term storage. Executive View and Market Context Oobit leadership described the launch as a turning point for crypto adoption. Amram Adar, co-founder and CEO of Oobit, said, “This is the moment crypto leaves the screen and enters daily use.” He added, “As longtime fans of Phantom, seeing this wallet become real money for everyday life is incredibly exciting.” The expansion reflects broader industry readiness. Infrastructure has matured, wallet adoption has scaled, and merchant acceptance already exists. However, a simple connection between wallets and payments remained missing. Moreover, Oobit designed its platform specifically to close that gap. Oobit’s ties to Solana run deep. Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko co-led Oobit’s $25 million Series A round alongside Tether, CMCC Global, and 468 Capital. Moreover, the OOB token completed its migration from Ethereum to Solana in late 2025, aligning the project with Phantom’s ecosystem. In November, Malaysia-based VCI Global announced a $100 million investment in OOB tokens. The firm also outlined plans to manage Oobit’s digital treasury. Consequently, Tether became a major stakeholder in that structure.
