Visa is taking a significant step into the world of cryptocurrency by launching a pilot program to test USDC stablecoin payouts.
At a Web Summit today, the payments giant announced the breakthrough pilot allowing businesses and platforms to send payouts directly to recipients’ stablecoin wallets.
The initiative allows U.S. businesses to pay in fiat currency while giving recipients the option to receive funds directly in USD-backed stablecoins like USDC. This expansion signals Visa’s commitment to bridging traditional financial systems with blockchain-based digital currencies, potentially reshaping the way businesses and individuals move money globally
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Visa’s latest innovation also transforms how freelancers, creators, and gig workers receive payments, particularly for cross-border transactions, and has already generated considerable buzz within the crypto community. Visa’s research indicates that 57% of digital creators prefer payment methods that provide instant access to funds, making this innovation particularly relevant for the millions of users reliant on digital platforms.
The pilot is being conducted through Visa Direct, the company’s global payout network. Traditionally, payments were sent to bank accounts or cards, but under this program, businesses can now send funds straight to stablecoin wallets.
Speaking on the launch of the payout, President, Commercial and Money Movement Solutions, Visa, Chris Newkirk said,
“Launching stablecoin payouts is about enabling truly universal access to money in minutes not days for anyone, anywhere in the world. Whether it’s a creator building a digital brand, a business reaching new global markets or a freelancer working across borders, everyone benefits from faster, more flexible money movement.”
Visa Direct Stablecoin Payout Highlights:
- Continuous convenience: Consumers, creators and freelancers will be able to access payouts in stablecoins with near-instant speed.
- Borderless currency for the digital age: Stablecoins can unlock access for those in underbanked regions, or where USD bank accounts are not available.
- Increased transparency: Every transaction is permanently logged on the blockchain, supporting auditability, compliance, and receipt confirmation.
- Expanding access: The pilot launches with select partners, with broader rollout planned for the second half of 2026 as client demand grows and regulatory frameworks advance.
This is not Visa’s first foray into stablecoins. Recall that in September, the company conducted a pre-funding pilot that enabled businesses to utilize stablecoins for back-end treasury operations.
For Visa, the launch of a pilot program to test USDC stablecoin payouts is more than just an experiment in crypto payments. It positions the company as a forward-thinking financial infrastructure provider that embraces digital currencies.
By integrating stablecoins into its network, Visa can offer:
• New Revenue Stream: Stablecoin payouts open doors for cross-border remittances, treasury management, and payments to gig economy workers.
• Competitive Advantage: Visa strengthens its moat against other traditional payment networks and fintech companies by providing faster, more flexible settlement options.
Notably, the current pilot extends the concept further by allowing end users to receive payouts directly in stablecoins. By bypassing traditional banking hours, stablecoins can facilitate near-instant, cross-border payments, offering a reliable alternative for individuals in underbanked regions or countries with unstable currencies.
Visa is currently collaborating with select partners in the pilot phase and plans a broader rollout in 2026, contingent on regulatory developments and demand. Each transaction will be recorded on the blockchain, ensuring transparency and auditability. If successful, Visa could establish stablecoin payouts as a global standard, representing a major leap forward in payment innovation.
Visa’s stablecoin pilot represents a significant step toward integrating digital currencies into mainstream financial systems. As adoption grows, both Visa and the broader stablecoin market stand to benefit from increased utility, credibility, and innovation.