Visa Integrates USDC for Card Settlement, Pioneering Stablecoin Infrastructure in U.S. Payments

Visa has introduced a groundbreaking update allowing U.S. card issuers to settle transactions directly in USDC, a dollar-backed stablecoin issued by Circle. This marks the first large-scale implementation of stablecoin settlement within Visa's U.S. network, shifting backend processes while maintaining a seamless consumer experience.

Financial institutions now benefit from seven-day settlement capabilities, bypassing traditional banking hours. Early adopters like Cross River Bank and Lead Bank are already leveraging blockchain rails for faster transactions, even during weekends and holidays. The move signals a significant step toward mainstream crypto adoption in everyday commerce.

Visa's collaboration with Circle prepares the infrastructure for broader digital currency integration. This development underscores the growing institutional acceptance of stablecoins as viable settlement instruments, potentially accelerating crypto's penetration into traditional payment systems.