STELLA is a bold initiative to launch a new, pan-European payment card—leveraging domestic payment networks.
Europe’s financial sovereignty is at a crossroads. Global players like PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard play a growing role in our payment infrastructure. This is a key moment to reinforce Europe’s strategic autonomy. Now is the time to act.
Loss of control over strategic financial infrastructure
European financial sovereignty is increasingly shaped by foreign-controlled payment systems.
Exposure of sensitive European data
Critical financial data of European citizens is processed and stored outside EU jurisdiction.
Higher costs for merchants and consumers
Foreign payment networks impose significant fees that impact European businesses and consumers.
Innovation in line with regional priorities.
Reclaim our ability to set our own rules and drive innovation according to local needs.
Empower European consumers with a trusted alternative
A payment solution that aligns with their values and protects their interests
Lower fees for merchants and banks
Reduce transaction costs through an optimized European payment infrastructure.
Protect sensitive payment data within Europe
Keep European financial data secure within EU borders and regulations.
Support digital sovereignty and innovation
Foster a European ecosystem for payment technology development.
Enable mobile payments without relying on Big Tech
Create independent European digital wallet solutions.
The STELLA Project is a new payment card…
Millions of Users
Scalable infrastructure ready for mass adoption
Mobile-Ready
Built for digital wallets independent from ApplePay or GooglePay
Interoperable
Compatible with both domestic and international networks
Modular
Adaptable to closed and open loop networks
Our first technology partner, ByQwest, has already developed and deployed the technical infrastructure for the STELLA card.
This proven technology makes the STELLA Project immediately actionable.
The STELLA Project is structured as a public limited company (société anonyme) based in Brussels.
This special-purpose company is open to all European stakeholders. We offer a collaborative governance model where
all partners have a voice. Together, we shape the future of sovereign European payments.
Domestic card networks
European payment networks collaborating for continental coverage
Merchant associations
Retail and business organizations representing payment service users
European banks
Financial institutions supporting sovereign payment solutions
Technology providers
European tech companies delivering innovative payment infrastructure
Press releases and media appearances
Stay updated with the latest announcements and expert insights from the STELLA Project team
Stay updated with the latest announcements and expert insights from the STELLA Project team
Follow the implementation of STELLA card trials in various European markets
Product development milestones
Track the technical progress and feature enhancements of the STELLA card platform
Follow the evolution of the STELLA Project.
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STELLA offers true European sovereignty, eliminating dependence on American payment networks and foreign decision-making.
Initial pilot programs are launching across select European markets, with phased rollout planned through 2025-2026.
Banks, merchants, payment processors, and technology providers across Europe can join our ecosystem.
Yes, STELLA is designed with European regulatory compliance at its core.
STELLA card implements state-of-the-art European security standards, with data remaining within EU borders.
Partner with us to pilot the STELLA card
Join our early adopter program to implement and test the STELLA card. We provide full technical support and integration assistance throughout the pilot phase
Invest in Europe’s future
Become a stakeholder in the Stealla Project and contribute to building European payment sovereignty. Investment opportunities are available for organizations aligned with our mission.
Share your expertise to shape our next steps
Contribute your knowledge and experience to help refine the STELLA card solution. We welcome input from financial experts, technology specialists, and business leaders.
Thanks for your interest in the STELLA Card project.
Through the launch of the STELLA Card, we are creating a payment solution that prioritizes domestic networks, protects European data, and empowers consumers, merchants, and banks alike.
Whether you’re a bank, regulator, merchant, or citizen, we invite you to participate in this historic European initiative.
Stella Card – 25 Boulevard du Souverain – 1170 Brussels – Belgium – info@stellacard.org – BE0792735963