Quick Breakdown
- Visa partners with BVNK to enable stablecoin payouts in USDC and USDP across 26 countries.
- Merchants gain direct fiat conversion and settlement into 45+ local currencies.
- Move bridges traditional finance with blockchain, targeting gig economy and e-commerce.
Visa launched stablecoin payout capabilities through its partnership with UK-based stablecoin infrastructure provider BVNK, enabling millions of merchants worldwide to receive payments directly in stablecoins. The service supports Circle’s USDC and Paxos’ USDP, with instant conversion to over 45 fiat currencies for settlement into local bank accounts. Announced January 14, 2026, the rollout spans 26 countries, including the UK, EU nations, the UAE, and Hong Kong.
Exciting news: we’re powering stablecoin payments for @Visa Direct
Starting this year with pilot programs, BVNK will provide stablecoin infrastructure for @VISADIRECT‘s $1.7 trillion real-time payments network, enabling faster, more flexible global money movement. pic.twitter.com/0SxgIRrhof
— BVNK (@BVNKFinance) January 14, 2026
This integration leverages Visa Direct, allowing businesses to pay contractors, affiliates, and gig workers faster and cheaper than traditional rails. BVNK’s platform handles the stablecoin-to-fiat rails, reducing costs by up to 80% compared to wire transfers while ensuring compliance through regulated custody. Visa’s move follows its 2023 pilots with USDC settlements and aligns with growing institutional demand for blockchain payments amid rising stablecoin volumes, which hit $200 billion monthly transfers last year.
Partnership builds on stablecoin momentum
BVNK, valued at $100 million after a 2024 funding round, processes billions in stablecoin volume annually for platforms like Checkout.com. The firm secured a banking license in Brazil earlier this month, expanding its footprint in Latin America, where stablecoin use surged 300% in 2025 for remittances. Visa’s involvement signals confidence in stablecoins as a payment primitive, especially after regulatory nods like the EU’s MiCA framework and U.S. clarity on USDC reserves.
Industry observers note this counters competitors like Stripe, which integrated Bridge.xyz for stablecoin payouts in 2025. Consumer spending via Visa-linked cryptocurrency cards surged by 525%throughout 2025. This significant increase signals a major shift, with digital assets moving beyond speculative investments to become practical financial tools for real-world transactions.
Implications for merchants, wider ecosystem
Gig platforms and e-commerce operators stand to benefit most, with payouts settling in seconds versus days via legacy systems. This reduces capital lockup and currency risk in volatile regions. Stablecoin payouts also sidestep SWIFT fees, appealing to freelancers in Africa and Asia, where users in Benin City, Nigeria, already rely on USDT for daily commerce.
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