Visa has announced a major step forward in digital payments by integrating stablecoins into its network of 150 million merchants worldwide. This move enables customers to use popular stablecoins such as USDC and USDT for everyday purchases, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the fast-growing world of digital assets.
The integration allows consumers to pay at any Visa-accepting merchant using stablecoins, while merchants receive instant settlement in their preferred currency. This seamless process removes the need for complex conversions and reduces settlement times from days to seconds. Visa’s new system also addresses the volatility often associated with cryptocurrencies, as stablecoins are pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar, offering a reliable value for buyers and sellers.
Visa’s stablecoin initiative follows a broader trend of mainstream adoption of digital assets. In Singapore, for example, Metro, a leading department store chain, recently partnered with DTCPAY to enable stablecoin payments in stores and online. This partnership, alongside Visa’s collaboration with RedotPay and StraitsX, aims to make digital assets practical for everyday transactions, reflecting growing consumer demand for crypto payment solutions.
The integration is expected to boost global crypto adoption, especially in regions with limited access to traditional banking. Merchants benefit from faster settlements, lower transaction fees, and the ability to serve a new generation of tech-savvy customers. Visa’s move also signals increased competition in the crypto payment space, with firms like Paydify launching universal gateways that allow businesses to accept crypto payments from any wallet or blockchain network, offering instant stablecoin settlement and zero fees. By embracing stablecoins, Visa is positioning itself at the forefront of financial innovation, making digital asset payments as accessible and convenient as traditional card transactions.
Notably, according to an ARK Invest report, stablecoin transactions saw significant growth in 2024, with total volume surpassing that of Visa and Mastercard combined. This surge indicates a rising preference for stablecoins in financial transfers despite a previous downturn in the crypto market.
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