How ALIAS Works

ALIAS transforms cryptocurrency into spendable virtual cards through a simple, three-layer system. This guide explains the big picture of how everything works together.

The Big Picture

ALIAS solves a fundamental problem: how do you spend cryptocurrency at places that only accept traditional payment cards?

The solution is a bridge that converts crypto payments into virtual Mastercard cards that work anywhere Mastercard is accepted. No KYC, no identity verification—just your Solana wallet.

The Three Layers

ALIAS is built with three main layers that work together:

1. Payment Layer

What it does: Accepts your cryptocurrency payment

How it works:

• You connect your Solana wallet
• Choose how much to load ($25 - $500)
• Select your token (USDC, SOL, or other SPL tokens)
• Approve the transaction in your wallet

Two payment methods available:

• x402 Protocol: Direct browser payment (fastest, works best on desktop)
• Solana Pay: QR code payment (mobile-friendly, works cross-device)

Both methods accomplish the same goal—getting your crypto from your wallet to the system. The choice is just about convenience and which device you're using.

2. Card Provisioning Layer

What it does: Creates your virtual Mastercard

How it works: Once your payment is confirmed, the system provisions a card in one of two ways:

Instant Cards (Most common):

• Card created immediately upon payment
• Custom amounts supported
• Details returned in under 2 seconds
• Uses x402 protocol directly

Pre-created Cards (Bulk system):

• Cards created in advance
• Assigned to you when you purchase
• Standard fixed amounts
• More cost-effective for the platform

Either way, you get a complete virtual Mastercard with:

• 16-digit card number
• CVV security code
• Expiration date
• Billing address

3. Privacy Layer (Optional)

What it does: Adds anonymity to your transactions

How it works: If you want complete privacy, your payment goes through an extra step:

1. Deposit: Your funds enter a privacy pool with other users' funds
2. Mix: All funds mix together, breaking the link between deposit and withdrawal
3. Commitment: You receive a secret note (like a claim ticket)
4. Withdraw: Later, use your note to prove you made a deposit without revealing which one
5. Card: Receive your card anonymously

This uses zero-knowledge proofs—cryptographic math that lets you prove you deposited funds without revealing which deposit was yours.

The Complete Flow

Here's what happens when you create a card:

Standard Flow (Fast & Simple)

1. Connect: Link your Solana wallet to the platform
2. Choose: Select amount and payment method
3. Pay: Approve the transaction (wallet popup appears)
4. Confirm: Wait for blockchain confirmation (~1-2 seconds)
5. Receive: Get your card details immediately

Total time: Under 2 minutes

Privacy Flow (Anonymous)

1. Connect: Link your Solana wallet
2. Enable Privacy: Toggle on "Private Payment"
3. Deposit: Send funds to the privacy pool
4. Save Note: Write down your secret recovery note (CRITICAL)
5. Wait: Funds mix in the pool (a few minutes)
6. Withdraw: Use your note to withdraw anonymously
7. Receive: Get your card with no link to your deposit

Total time: 5-10 minutes

Payment Methods Explained

x402 Protocol

Best for: Desktop users wanting the fastest experience

How it works:

• Direct integration with your browser wallet
• No QR codes or session management
• One-click approval process
• Instant settlement after confirmation

When to use:

• You're on a desktop computer
• You want the absolute fastest card creation
• Your wallet is already connected in your browser

Solana Pay

Best for: Mobile users or cross-device payments

How it works:

• Creates a payment session
• Displays a QR code
• You scan with your mobile wallet
• Approve on your phone
• System confirms and provisions card

When to use:

• You're on mobile
• You want to pay from a different device
• Your desktop wallet isn't connected

Card Provisioning Explained

Why Two Provisioning Modes?

The platform uses two different card creation methods based on volume and cost optimization:

Instant Cards are created on-demand:

• Perfect for custom amounts
• Slightly higher per-card cost
• Immediate availability
• No inventory management needed

Pre-created Cards are prepared in advance:

• Lower per-card cost at scale
• Fixed amounts only
• Assigned from inventory
• Better for high-volume operations

As a user, you don't need to worry about which method is used—the system automatically chooses based on your purchase amount and current availability.

Security & Trust

ALIAS is designed to minimize trust requirements:

What You Don't Need to Trust

• No KYC: No identity verification means no personal data stored
• Non-custodial: Your wallet, your keys, your control
• Privacy Optional: Zero-knowledge proofs don't require trusting the platform
• Blockchain Verification: All payments verified on-chain

What the System Protects

• Card Data: Encrypted and stored securely
• Sessions: Secure wallet signature authentication
• Rate Limits: Protection against spam and abuse
• Privacy Notes: Never stored—only you have access

Network Support

ALIAS operates on Solana:

• Mainnet: Production card issuance for real purchases
• Devnet: Testing environment (privacy protocol currently in testing phase)

Why Solana?

• Fast transaction confirmation (~400ms)
• Low fees (typically < $0.01)
• Strong wallet ecosystem
• Excellent developer tools

What Makes ALIAS Different

Compared to traditional payment cards:

• ✅ No KYC or identity verification
• ✅ Use cryptocurrency directly
• ✅ Get cards in minutes, not weeks
• ✅ Optional privacy features
• ✅ Non-custodial (you keep control)

Compared to other crypto cards:

• ✅ No physical card needed (fully virtual)
• ✅ Optional privacy layer
• ✅ Multiple payment methods
• ✅ Built on fast, low-cost Solana

Common Questions

Do I need a bank account? No. Only a Solana wallet with supported tokens.

Can I reload existing cards? Currently, each card is created with a fixed amount. For more funds, create a new card.

What tokens are supported? USDC (primary), SOL, and other SPL tokens on Solana.

Is this legal? Yes. Virtual card issuance is a legitimate financial service. However, check your local regulations regarding cryptocurrency usage.

What if my card gets declined? Contact support with your card details. Declines can happen due to merchant restrictions or card provider issues.

Next Steps

Now that you understand how ALIAS works:

• Card Issuance - Deep dive into card provisioning
• Payment Methods - Compare x402 vs Solana Pay
• Privacy Protocol - Learn about anonymous transactions
• Quick Start - Create your first card