Visa Supercharges USDC Settlement for U.S. Banks on Solana Network

Visa just handed traditional finance a crypto-powered turbo boost.

Solana gets the corporate nod.

The payments giant is now enabling U.S. banks to settle transactions using Circle's USDC stablecoin directly on the Solana blockchain. This isn't a pilot or a test—it's a full-scale operational shift that cuts out legacy settlement layers and their associated delays.

Why This Cuts Through the Noise

Forget the speculative hype. This move targets the plumbing of global finance. By leveraging Solana's high throughput and low costs, Visa bypasses the traditional multi-day settlement dance. Funds move in seconds, not days, freeing up capital and slashing operational friction for partner banks.

It’s a quiet but seismic endorsement of blockchain utility over cryptocurrency speculation. The network chosen isn't the one with the most memes, but the one that can handle the load at a price that makes accountants smile—a rare moment of pragmatism in a sector obsessed with moon shots.

The Bottom Line

This is how crypto seeps into the mainstream: not with a bang, but with a balance sheet. While traders chase the next parabolic altcoin, the real revolution is being coded into the backend of institutions that have been around longer than the internet. One cynical take? The same banks that once dismissed crypto are now racing to adopt its efficiency—just don't expect them to credit the 'degens' for the upgrade.

TLDR

• Visa launched stablecoin settlement services in the U.S. using Circle’s USDC on Solana blockchain
• Cross River Bank and Lead Bank are the first institutions settling transactions with Visa using USDC
• Circle stock jumped 10.07% following the announcement, trading near $83.04
• Visa will serve as a design partner for Circle’s Arc Layer 1 blockchain and operate a validator node
• The OCC granted Circle conditional approval to establish First National Digital Currency Bank on December 12, 2025

Visa announced Tuesday the launch of stablecoin settlement services for U.S. financial institutions using Circle’s USDC on the solana blockchain. The payment company will allow banks to settle transactions through its network using the dollar-backed stablecoin.

JUST IN: VISA ADDS USDC VIA SOLANA!

Visa will allow U.S. institutions to settle transactions using Circle’s $USDC on the #Solana blockchain. pic.twitter.com/FgtcY8WIQG

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) December 16, 2025

Cross River Bank and Lead Bank are the first institutions participating in the program. Both banks have begun settling transactions with Visa in USDC on Solana. Visa plans to expand the service throughout 2026 with additional bank partners joining in phases.

The settlement service allows institutions to operate on a seven-day settlement schedule. Banks can manage their liquidity more efficiently through this model. Visa reported the program reached over $3.5 billion in annualized run rate as of November 30, 2025.

Rubail Birwadker, Visa’s Global Head of Growth Products and Strategic Partnerships, said banking partners are preparing to use the service. Financial institutions want faster and programmable settlement options that work with their treasury operations. The service maintains security, compliance, and network standards required by Visa’s banking network.

Circle Stock Gains on Infrastructure Expansion

Circle stock rose 10.07% following Visa’s announcement. The stock traded NEAR $83.04 at press time. Investors reacted to increased revenue visibility from stablecoin settlement activity and deeper integration into U.S. payment systems.

Circle Internet Group, CRCL

Visa revealed it will serve as a design partner for Circle’s Arc LAYER 1 blockchain. The payments company plans to use Arc for USDC settlement once the network launches. Visa will also operate a validator node on the network.

Nikhil Chandhok, Circle’s chief product and technology officer, said the integration helps financial institutions modernize treasury workflows. Programmable settlement reduces friction across payment operations.

Visa first piloted USDC settlement in 2021. The company became one of the first global payment networks to clear transactions in stablecoin in 2023. Since then, Visa has added support for multiple blockchains and stablecoins.

The company launched a stablecoin advisory practice on Monday. The service guides banks and corporations through issuance, custody, and onchain payments. Last month, Visa rolled out USDC-based creator payouts and extended onchain settlement pilots across multiple regions.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency granted Circle conditional approval on December 12, 2025. The approval allows Circle to establish First National Digital Currency Bank. Upon full authorization, the bank will manage USDC reserves for Circle’s U.S. issuer. The regulatory approval complies with the GENIUS Act passed in July 2025.