Key Takeaways:
- Visa begins USDC stablecoin trials via Visa Direct for faster cross-border payments.
- Freelancers, creators, and gig workers can receive instant payouts in stablecoins.
- Stablecoins offer reliable, transparent, and accessible dollar-backed payments.
- Wider rollout is planned for 2026, potentially reshaping global payout standards.
Visa Tests USDC Stablecoin Payouts for Faster Global Payments
Visa is making a bold move into crypto by launching a pilot program that lets U.S. businesses pay recipients directly in USDC stablecoins. This innovative program, run through Visa Direct, aims to speed up cross-border payouts, offering creators, freelancers, and gig workers faster access to their earnings.
Faster, Borderless Payments for the Digital Economy
The pilot allows businesses to send payments straight to stablecoin wallets instead of traditional bank accounts or cards. Chris Newkirk, President of Commercial & Money Movement Solutions at Visa, emphasized, “Launching stablecoin payouts is about enabling truly universal access to money in minutes – not days.”
Also Read: What Is a Crypto Exchange?
For digital creators and freelancers, this could mean instant access to funds regardless of location. According to Visa research, 57% of creators prefer payment methods that allow immediate fund access, highlighting the potential demand for such services.
Stablecoins Move from Backend to Everyday Use
Previously, Visa experimented with stablecoins for back-end treasury operations. The new initiative takes it further by letting end users directly receive payouts in USDC. With stablecoins, payments can cross borders instantly, bypassing traditional banking limitations and working 24/7.
Also Read: Uber’s Stablecoin Move: Boosting Real-World Crypto Adoption and DeFi Integration
This is particularly impactful for individuals in underbanked regions or countries with volatile currencies, providing a reliable, dollar-backed payment method that supports global financial inclusion.
2026 Rollout in Sight
Currently, Visa is testing the pilot with select partners. A broader rollout is expected in 2026, contingent on regulatory developments and market demand. Blockchain-based recording ensures transparency and traceability, adding an extra layer of security and trust.
If successful, Visa’s stablecoin payout system could become a new standard for global payments, bridging traditional finance with blockchain technology and redefining how digital workers receive compensation worldwide.
