Nazia Saeed
- Aethir and Credible unveil the first credit card backed by a DePIN ecosystem
- ATH token holders and node operators can borrow stablecoins without liquidation
- Credit approvals are driven by on-chain activity and AI-based risk analysis
Aethir, a decentralized GPU cloud network, has partnered with Credible Finance, a blockchain-based lending protocol, to launch what they call the first credit card powered by a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN). The offering provides ATH token holders and node operators with access to stablecoin credit lines without the need to sell or liquidate their crypto assets.
The product debuted Wednesday and marks a novel fusion of real-world infrastructure and blockchain-powered finance. Designed to support users who contribute computing power to Aethir’s GPU network, the credit card enables revolving loans and prepaid usage based on crypto holdings and on-chain behavior.
Turning infrastructure into usable credit
Users can collateralize their ATH tokens to obtain credit lines or preload a zero-fee card using ATH or stablecoins, primarily on the Solana network. Credit limits and approvals are determined by Credible’s AI-driven credit engine, which assesses factors like asset ownership, transaction history, and node performance to evaluate borrower reliability.
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This DePIN-powered model reimagines the concept of creditworthiness by shifting focus from traditional banking metrics to blockchain activity. Aethir’s infrastructure contributors who earn ATH tokens based on uptime, job completion, and performance are now able to convert their on-chain income into real-world purchasing power.
The launch comes at a time when crypto lending is contracting. Data from the team suggests that decentralized finance (DeFi) lending platforms experienced a $4.75 billion decline in open loans in Q1 the largest quarterly drop since 2023. Meanwhile, the $5.7 trillion global credit gap for small- and medium-sized businesses in emerging markets remains a pressing issue.
Next step in DePIN utility
DePIN projects like Aethir leverage blockchain incentives to crowdsource infrastructure from cloud computing to wireless networks. Aethir’s network allows GPU node operators to contribute hardware power in exchange for ATH tokens, effectively converting physical effort into digital yield.
This downturn underscores the limitations of overcollateralized lending models and highlights the need for credit systems that reflect real on-chain activity and infrastructure ownership,” the team said in a release shared with CoinDesk.
Initially, the credit card will be rolled out to GPU providers, node operators, and ATH token holders, with plans to expand eligibility over time. By linking token-based infrastructure contributions with accessible financial tools, Aethir and Credible are pushing DePIN utility deeper into mainstream financial services.
