Astra Launches Card-to-Card Instant Payment API with Cross River Bank

On December 16, 2021, Astra announced the launch of its card-to-card instant payment API, described as the first point-to-point debit transfer product of its kind. The API allows fintech developers to embed instant debit-to-debit transfers directly into their applications without requiring users to complete additional bank setup. Cross River Bank provides the underlying banking infrastructure, while the product leverages existing debit card rails such as Visa for instant fund movement.

The launch positions Astra as an embedded payments enabler targeting fintech platforms seeking frictionless money movement. By utilizing card rails rather than traditional ACH or wire transfers, the product offers speed advantages for end users. The partnership with Cross River Bank, a well-known BaaS sponsor bank, underscores the growing role of bank-fintech collaboration in enabling new payment modalities.