Colossus turns credit cards into private keys
We've tricked standard EMV credit card terminals into signing Ethereum ERC-4337 transactions. Colossus works with existing cards and terminals while settling noncustodially on Ethereum.
100ms Preconfirmation
Sequencer provides instant authorization for EMV terminals
EMV Compatible
Works with existing Europay, Mastercard, Visa terminals
ERC-4337 Wallets
Smart contract accounts with cryptographic signatures
Why Colossus is Better
Colossus vertically integrates the issuing bank, processor, and card network, saving ~1.28-2.65% in credit card fees. This represents a 92.1-96.2% fee reduction compared to traditional networks.
How It Works
Card Tap
Cardholder taps card at EMV terminal, signing an ERC-4337 transaction
Acquirer Route
Signature sent from terminal to credit card acquirer
Sequencer
Acquirer submits to Colossus sequencer, gets 100ms preconfirmation
Authorization
Preconfirmation becomes authorization sent back to terminal
The Technical Innovation
Credit Cards → Private Keys
We've discovered how to make EMV credit card terminals generate cryptographic signatures that function as Ethereum private keys.
Each card tap creates a valid ERC-4337 transaction signature, turning any credit card into a blockchain wallet.
Network → Ethereum L2
The entire payment network operates as an Ethereum Layer 2, with acquirers submitting transactions to our sequencer.
This enables instant settlement while maintaining compatibility with existing payment infrastructure.
The Result
A closed loop stablecoin network that works with every existing EMV terminal, providing instant, immutable settlement at a fraction of traditional costs.
Acquirers are the Key
Acquirers own the merchant relationship, not Visa. Colossus achieves the same distribution as Visa by integrating directly with acquirers like Fiserv, Elavon, Global Payments, and Worldpay.
Merchant Distribution
One acquirer integration = access to all their merchants
EMV Standards
Integration is familiar and intuitive for acquirers
Closed Loop Network
Stablecoins move instantly from cardholder to merchant
Issuing Partners
The Vision
Colossus is the first closed loop stablecoin credit card network built as an Ethereum L2. We turn credit cards into private keys and the network into a blockchain, enabling instant, immutable payments at existing terminals.