Tangem, a self-custodial hardware wallet provider, has integrated native Apple Pay through payment platform Mercuryo, allowing users to purchase cryptocurrency directly within the app using biometric authentication instead of manually entering card details. The integration went live on June 23, 2026, for iOS users, addressing one of the biggest barriers to crypto adoption: the friction of converting traditional money into digital assets.

Why Does Checkout Friction Matter So Much in Crypto?

The crypto industry has long struggled with what experts call "drop-off" at the point of purchase. When users tap a buy button inside a wallet app, most on-ramp providers redirect them to an external browser, where they must enter payment card details on an unfamiliar interface before navigating back to complete the transaction. This multi-step process causes many potential users to abandon their purchase entirely.

The new Apple Pay integration eliminates these redirects by opening a payment sheet directly inside Tangem's app interface. Users confirm their purchase using Face ID or Touch ID, the same biometric methods they use for everyday Apple Pay transactions at retailers and online stores. The cryptocurrency is then sent directly to their Tangem wallet address without any external navigation required.

"Bringing native Apple Pay to a hardware wallet like Tangem is a meaningful step in Mercuryo's mission to remove friction from crypto adoption. Self-custody has always asked more of users at the point of purchase than custodial platforms do, and this integration closes that gap, giving Tangem users the same one-tap, biometric experience they already expect from Apple Pay everywhere else," said Arthur Firstov, Chief Business Officer at Mercuryo.

Arthur Firstov, Chief Business Officer at Mercuryo

How Does This Change the Self-Custody Experience?

Self-custody refers to users holding their own private keys, meaning they have direct control over their digital assets rather than relying on a centralized exchange or custodian to hold them. This approach offers stronger security and true ownership but has traditionally required more technical knowledge and more complex purchasing workflows compared to centralized platforms.

The Apple Pay integration narrows this gap by making the initial purchase experience as simple as buying anything else with Apple Pay. Users no longer face a choice between convenience (using a custodial platform) and control (using self-custody). Instead, they can have both from their first transaction.

Steps to Complete a Crypto Purchase With Native Apple Pay on Tangem

• Update the App: iOS users must download the latest version of the Tangem app to access the native Apple Pay feature.
• Select Buy Crypto: Tap the buy button within the Tangem app interface without being redirected to an external website or payment processor.
• Confirm With Biometrics: Use Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate the purchase, just as you would for any Apple Pay transaction.
• Receive Directly: The purchased cryptocurrency is sent directly to your Tangem wallet address, completing the transaction entirely within the app.

Tangem already offered Mercuryo as one of its core on-ramp providers, meaning users could buy crypto through the platform. This integration specifically activates Mercuryo's native Apple Pay capability, replacing the redirect-based flow that most on-ramp providers still use.

"With native Apple Pay powered by Mercuryo, buying crypto in Tangem is now as fast and simple as an everyday online purchase. No redirects, no lengthy checkout flows, just a familiar experience that puts users in control of their assets from the very first transaction," stated Marcos Nunes, Head of Tangem Pay.

Marcos Nunes, Head of Tangem Pay at Tangem

What About Android Users and Other Payment Methods?

The native Apple Pay integration is currently available only to iOS users who update to the latest Tangem app version. Android users can continue using Mercuryo's other payment methods, including direct card purchases and bank transfers, though these may still involve redirect flows.

Mercuryo is a payment infrastructure platform that works with multiple major wallet and financial service providers. The company partners with Trust Wallet, Ledger, MetaMask, Revolut, Mastercard, and Visa, meaning this type of integration could potentially expand to other platforms in the future.

The timing of this integration reflects a broader shift in the crypto industry toward reducing barriers to entry. As institutional adoption grows and regulatory frameworks mature, user experience at the point of purchase has become a critical competitive factor. By making self-custody as convenient as centralized alternatives, Tangem and Mercuryo are addressing a long-standing pain point that has historically slowed mainstream crypto adoption.