Visa Tests Stablecoin Payouts for US Businesses

Visa has launched a new pilot program in the United States that aims to bridge traditional and digital finance. This new initiative allows businesses to fund payments in fiat currency (like US dollars), while the recipients receive stablecoins directly into their crypto wallets.

The pilot simplifies the process of cross-border and digital payments by combining the reliability of fiat with the efficiency of blockchain-based stablecoins. It’s designed to remove the complexities many companies face when handling crypto payments, while still giving recipients the benefits of fast and secure stablecoin transfers.

This initiative is part of Visa’s broader strategy to adopt and support digital currencies as part of the future of finance.

How the Pilot Works

Under this pilot, businesses in the US can initiate payouts using fiat. Visa then converts the fiat into stablecoins—likely USDC—and sends them to the recipient’s compatible crypto wallet. This setup means companies don’t have to deal with crypto themselves, making it easier to integrate blockchain-based payments into their operations.

Recipients, on the other hand, benefit from near-instant settlement, lower fees compared to traditional banking rails, and the flexibility of digital assets. The system also promotes financial inclusion by allowing recipients who might not have access to traditional banking systems to participate in the digital economy.

Visa’s Crypto Strategy Continues to Grow

This pilot is a continuation of Visa’s expanding interest in the crypto space. The payments giant has previously worked with Circle, the issuer of USDC, and explored using Ethereum-based transactions for settlement.

By launching this pilot, Visa strengthens its position as a forward-thinking financial player aiming to modernize payment infrastructure. If successful, this could set the stage for broader adoption of stablecoin payouts in everyday business transactions.