Copyright CoinDesk
Visa is testing a system that lets businesses send payments directly to stablecoin wallets instead of to a card or bank account, the company announced Wednesday at Web Summit in Lisbon. Funds are delivered in dollar-backed stablecoins, such as Circle Internet's (CRCL) USDC, Visa said. The pilot targets creators, freelancers and gig workers who often face delays in accessing their pay, especially when working across borders. Businesses can fund the payouts in fiat currency, while recipients choose to receive them in stablecoins — digital assets pegged to the U.S. dollar. Visa says the move expands access to money for people in countries with volatile currencies or limited banking infrastructure. Transactions are recorded on public blockchains, allowing for transparency and easier recordkeeping. “Launching stablecoin payouts is about enabling truly universal access to money in minutes — not days — for anyone, anywhere in the world,” said Chris Newkirk, president of Commercial & Money Movement Solutions at Visa. “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.” The program follows Visa’s earlier pilot, which started in September, which allowed businesses to pre-fund payouts using stablecoins. This new phase pushes stablecoin use closer to end users, potentially reshaping how online platforms pay global workers. Visa said it plans a broader rollout in 2026 as regulatory frameworks evolve and client demand increases, extending its efforts to merge blockchain technology with its established global payment network.
