Visa and Mastercard Dismiss Stablecoin Threat, Quietly Expand in Crypto Space

Payment giants Visa and Mastercard have downplayed the competitive threat posed by stablecoins, despite their growing adoption in cryptocurrency markets. With Visa processing $15 trillion annually—dwarfing the entire stablecoin market—executives argue these digital assets remain primarily confined to crypto trading rather than everyday commerce.

Nearly 90% of stablecoin volume flows through cryptocurrency exchanges, according to company statements. Traditional card networks maintain decisive advantages in fraud protection, consumer trust, and global merchant acceptance—infrastructure gaps that prevent stablecoins from becoming viable payment alternatives at scale.

Behind the dismissive rhetoric, both payment processors are actively investing in stablecoin infrastructure. This strategic hedging suggests recognition of blockchain's long-term potential, even as they emphasize the technology's current limitations for mainstream adoption.