Visa has launched a new pilot program that allows businesses to send payments directly in stablecoins, offering a faster and more transparent way for creators, freelancers, and gig workers to get paid worldwide. The initiative, which uses USD-backed stablecoins such as USDC, aims to simplify global payouts and bypass traditional banking delays—especially in countries where access to financial institutions is limited or local currencies are unstable.
Under the program, companies fund payouts in conventional currency, which Visa converts into stablecoins before transferring them to recipients’ digital wallets. This approach gives users immediate access to digital dollars, which they can hold, spend, or convert to local currencies as needed. Transactions are recorded on the blockchain, ensuring transparency and security while reducing the friction associated with traditional international transfers.
The pilot targets global businesses, fintechs, marketplaces, and creator economy platforms seeking to streamline cross-border payments. Recipients must meet Visa’s KYC and AML compliance standards and possess compatible stablecoin wallets. Initially limited to select partners, the program is expected to expand broadly in 2026.
Chris Newkirk, President of Visa’s Commercial and Money Movement Solutions, said the company’s mission is to make money movement “accessible in minutes, not days.” He emphasized that the pilot will benefit a wide range of participants—from digital creators and freelancers to global enterprises—by enabling faster and more flexible financial interactions.
The move aligns with findings from Monetised’s 2025 Creator Report, which revealed that 57% of digital content creators prefer digital payments primarily for instant access to funds. This preference underscores the growing demand for faster, borderless financial tools among self-employed workers and digital entrepreneurs.
Visa has been experimenting with crypto and stablecoin infrastructure since 2020 and has already processed over $140 billion in related transactions. It now supports more than 130 stablecoin-linked card programs across over 40 countries, with spending volumes reaching an annualised rate of $2.5 billion. The company continues to expand its stablecoin partnerships, including collaborations with African fintech firm Yellow Card and several local developers and payment platforms across Central Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA).
Earlier this year, Visa broadened its stablecoin offerings by adding support for PayPal USD (PYUSD) and Global Dollar (USDG), with plans to include four additional dollar-backed stablecoins across various blockchains. It has also backed innovative products such as Fold’s Bitcoin credit card, which allows users to earn Bitcoin rewards on everyday purchases.
Through this latest pilot, Visa continues to bridge traditional finance and the digital economy, reinforcing its commitment to building infrastructure that makes stablecoins and other digital currencies practical for everyday transactions and global commerce.
