USDT Adoption Boost: NOWPayments Launches Zero-Fee TRC20 Transactions for New Merchants
NOWPayments, a leading non-custodial cryptocurrency payment gateway, has announced an exciting limited-time offer aimed at accelerating USDT adoption among businesses. As of November 2025, new merchants can now process USDT transactions on the TRC20 network without incurring any network fees. This strategic move specifically targets high-growth sectors including iGaming, eCommerce, and other high-risk industries that can benefit from cryptocurrency's borderless nature. The initiative serves as a powerful demonstration of how blockchain technology can streamline payment processing while reducing operational costs. According to Kate Lifshits, CEO of NOWPayments, this zero-fee structure exemplifies the seamless potential of cryptocurrency transactions in commercial applications. For the crypto market, this development represents another significant step toward mainstream USDT adoption, particularly in merchant payment solutions. The TRC20 version of USDT continues to gain traction due to its faster transaction speeds and lower costs compared to other networks, making this offer particularly attractive for businesses processing high volumes of transactions. As stablecoins like USDT continue to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets, such initiatives are likely to further cement their position as practical tools for everyday commerce.
NOWPayments Introduces Zero-Fee USDT (TRC20) Transactions for New Merchants
NOWPayments, a non-custodial crypto payment gateway, has unveiled a limited-time offer allowing new partners to process USDT (TRC20) transactions without network fees. The initiative targets businesses across iGaming, eCommerce, and high-risk sectors, aiming to showcase the efficiency of crypto payments.
"This zero-fee offer demonstrates how seamless crypto transactions can be," said Kate Lifshits, CEO of NOWPayments. The platform supports 300+ cryptocurrencies, offers permanent deposit addresses, and processes transactions in ~3 minutes. Gateway fees remain at 0.5% for single-currency payments and 1% for conversions.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino Launches USAT in the US, Citing 2025 as Optimal Timing
Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, unveiled USAT in the United States in September 2025, marking a strategic expansion for the stablecoin giant. "I understand now why the US is called the land of opportunity," Ardoino remarked during his keynote at the Lugano PlanB conference on 25 October 2025. The MOVE reflects Tether's confidence in the US market's potential for innovators, with USDT positioned to leverage the country's robust financial infrastructure.
Brandon Lutnick, Chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald, endorsed the initiative, calling Tether "the world’s greatest crypto company" and highlighting untapped potential in US market penetration. Ardoino emphasized lessons from emerging markets like Argentina and Nigeria, which informed USAT's design for scalability—even in highly efficient financial systems like the US.
Bo Hines, former head of Donald Trump’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, leads USAT’s rollout. Ardoino praised Hines as a driver for the product’s success, though technical details remain undisclosed. The launch signals Tether’s ambition to bridge global crypto liquidity gaps while navigating mature regulatory landscapes.
5PAY Named Best Payment Gateway in APAC at UF AWARDS 2025
5PAY has secured the title of 'Best Payment Gateway – APAC' at the UF AWARDS APAC 2025, cementing its leadership in the region's fintech landscape. The company's integrated infrastructure bridges crypto and fiat payments, addressing the diverse transactional needs of Southeast Asia's fragmented markets.
From Vietnamese Dong to USDT settlements, 5PAY's platform delivers precision across currencies. The award reflects its decade-long track record in building financial solutions that combine stability, security, and adaptability for businesses navigating both traditional and digital asset economies.
OKX Reports $35.4B in Reserves as Proof of Reserves Hits 36-Month Milestone
OKX has cemented its position as a leader in transparency among cryptocurrency exchanges, disclosing $35.4 billion in reserves backed by primary assets. The figure marks a 75% annual increase, with the exchange now completing 36 consecutive months of Proof of Reserves (PoR) reporting—a record in an industry facing heightened regulatory scrutiny.
Verified by blockchain security firm Hacken, the reserves show over 100% coverage for 22 major assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC). User engagement with audit tools has surged, with zero-knowledge verification requests up 386% and direct audit checks increasing by 123%.
"Three years of PoR reporting demonstrate both progress and consistency," OKX stated. The initiative, initially a response to industry crises, has evolved into a verifiable benchmark as crypto integrates deeper into traditional finance.
Polygon Partners with DeCard to Enable Stablecoin Payments at 150M+ Merchants
Polygon has taken a significant step toward mainstream crypto adoption through its partnership with DeCard by DCS. The collaboration enables users to spend USDT and USDC directly via Polygon's Proof-of-Stake network at over 150 million global merchants.
The integration effectively bridges the gap between digital assets and real-world commerce. Sandeep Nailwal, CEO of the Polygon Foundation, emphasized this marks a fundamental shift in spending habits, comparing the ease of use to contactless payment cards.
This development represents one of the largest stablecoin payment integrations to date. The DeCard solution, powered by DCS (Diners Club Singapore), provides cross-border payment capabilities while leveraging Polygon's scalable infrastructure.
Venezuela’s Banking Sector Launches Bitcoin and USDT Custody via Conexus
Venezuela's financial landscape takes a significant leap forward as Conexus, a dominant player in the country's electronic banking transfers, integrates Bitcoin and USDT custody services into traditional banks. This move bridges the gap between the volatile Venezuelan bolivar and stable digital assets, offering citizens a regulated alternative to unlicensed crypto platforms.
The initiative responds to years of hyperinflation-driven crypto adoption, where Venezuelans increasingly turned to stablecoins as a store of value. Conexus president Rodolfo Gasparri emphasizes this as a necessity-driven evolution rather than speculative maneuvering, with the platform already processing 40% of national electronic banking transfers.
