Visa Doubles Down on Crypto: Expands Payment Platform with Major Stablecoin & Blockchain Integrations

Visa just supercharged its crypto rails—adding top-tier stablecoins and blockchain networks to its payment infrastructure. The move signals a full-throttle embrace of digital assets by the legacy finance giant.

Stablecoins get a VIP pass

USD-pegged tokens now flow through Visa's network with institutional-grade settlement. No more begging traditional banks for crypto-onramps.

Blockchain bonanza

Multiple Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks got the green light—slashing transaction times from 'banker hours' to near-instant finality.

Of course, the timing's impeccable—just as regulators start sharpening their knives on stablecoin issuers. Nothing like a good regulatory gray area to keep fintech interesting.

The company now accepts PayPal USD (PYUSD), Global Dollar (USDG), and euro-backed EURC for transactions, while adding Stellar and Avalanche networks to its platform.

This expansion brings Visa’s total support to four stablecoins and four blockchain networks. The payment processor already worked with USD Coin (USDC) on ethereum and Solana networks before this latest update.

Partnership With Paxos Drives Expansion

Visa partnered with blockchain company Paxos to add the two new dollar-backed stablecoins. USDG launched recently in Europe under new crypto regulations, while PYUSD comes from PayPal’s digital currency efforts.

Cuy Sheffield, Visa’s head of crypto, announced the updates on social media, noting growing demand from fintech and crypto partners in the Global Dollar network. He emphasized Visa’s commitment to building “world class onchain treasury capabilities” as the industry moves toward a “multi-stablecoin, multi-chain world.”

Source: cuysheffield

“Visa is building a multi-coin and multi-chain foundation to help meet the needs of our partners worldwide,” said Rubail Birwadker, Visa’s Global Head of Growth Products and Strategic Partnerships. He added that trusted stablecoins “can fundamentally transform how money moves around the world.”

The timing aligns with major regulatory changes. The USDG launch happened weeks after Paxos received approval under Europe’s new MiCA crypto framework. The U.S. also passed the GENIUS Act this year, creating the first federal rules for stablecoins.

Why Stablecoins Matter for Payments

Traditional international money transfers often take days and cost significant fees. Banks use older systems like SWIFT that require multiple steps and intermediaries. A typical payment from Europe to the U.S. can cost $25-50 and take 1-3 business days to complete.

Stablecoins work differently. They use blockchain technology to move money almost instantly with minimal fees. A stablecoin transfer on networks like solana typically costs less than one cent and settles within seconds.

These digital currencies maintain stable values by backing each token with real dollars or euros held in bank accounts. This stability makes them practical for business payments, unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Growing Market Adoption

The stablecoin market has grown rapidly from $5 billion in 2020 to over $200 billion today. Industry data shows that stablecoin transaction volume has surpassed that of Visa and Mastercard combined, becoming the “default settlement layer” for internet payments.

Cross-border payment volumes using stablecoins reached 3% of the $200 trillion global market by early 2025. While this seems small, it represents significant growth in just a few years.

Major companies are taking notice. Walmart and Amazon reportedly explored launching their own stablecoins this year. Meta is considering stablecoins for creator payments across borders. Financial firms like Fidelity are developing stablecoin products.

Technical Benefits Drive Business Interest

Businesses cite several reasons for adopting stablecoin payments. Research shows 48% value faster settlement times, while 33% appreciate improved liquidity and integrated payment flows. Cost savings rank lower at 30%, suggesting companies prioritize performance over price reductions.

Avalanche’s inclusion represents recognition of the network’s technical capabilities. The blockchain processes thousands of transactions per second with low fees, making it suitable for high-volume business payments.

Stellar offers similar benefits with a focus on cross-border transactions and financial inclusion. Both networks provide alternatives to Ethereum, which can become expensive during busy periods.

Competitive Landscape Intensifies

Visa faces growing competition in digital payments. Traditional rivals like Mastercard are building similar stablecoin capabilities. Technology companies and fintech startups are also entering the space with blockchain-based payment solutions.

The company started experimenting with stablecoins in 2020 through USD Coin settlements. Last year, it launched a tokenization platform to help banks create their own digital currencies.

Other payment processors are making similar moves. Stripe acquired stablecoin company Bridge and partnered with Visa on stablecoin-linked cards. PayPal created PYUSD and is expanding its use across different platforms.

What This Means Moving Forward

Visa’s expansion signals that stablecoins are moving from experimental technology to mainstream payment infrastructure. The combination of regulatory clarity and proven technology is driving adoption among traditional financial institutions.

The multi-chain approach reduces risks and provides flexibility. If one blockchain network faces problems, transactions can continue on others. Supporting multiple stablecoins gives businesses more options for managing international payments.

This development positions Visa to capture more of the growing digital payment market while maintaining its role as a bridge between traditional and crypto-based finance systems.