MoneyGram’s new crypto app lets Colombians receive and store USDC stablecoins in-app using the Stellar network and Crossmint self-custody. The service enables near-instant cross‑border transfers, optional conversion to Colombian pesos at MoneyGram locations, and a waitlist-based rollout via app stores.
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Instant receipt and self-custody of USDC via MoneyGram’s app
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Powered by the Stellar network with Crossmint integration for user-controlled wallets and overseas transfers.
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Colombian peso volatility: pesos fell ~12% vs. USD since early April; locals may prefer digital dollars for stability.
MoneyGram USDC Colombia: Receive and store USDC in-app with self-custody and instant transfers — join the waitlist to start. Download when approved.
Colombians will soon be able to receive and store USDC through MoneyGram’s new crypto app, which is launching soon in app stores.
MoneyGram’s digital payments app is set to launch in Colombia, offering locals a way to save in US dollar stablecoins as the Colombian peso continues to weaken.
MoneyGram’s crypto service is powered by the Stellar network and leverages Crossmint for self-custody, enabling users to store the USDC (USDC) stablecoin and transfer it overseas nearly instantly.
In a statement on Wednesday, MoneyGram said Colombia is the “ideal launch market” as Colombian families receive more than 22 times the money they send abroad.
“For millions of people around the world, sending money across borders is a lifeline: supporting loved ones back home, covering essentials like food, housing and education, and enabling investments in businesses and long-term financial stability.” — MoneyGram statement
Say hello to a new way to receive money 💸📲
Introducing the next-generation MoneyGram® app:
🔔 Instantly receive international transfers with real-time notifications
💲 Choose to convert funds into digital dollars for stability, or withdraw cash at a MoneyGram location
🔒… pic.twitter.com/E0CIn5QTup
— MoneyGram (@MoneyGram) September 17, 2025
The integration will save locals the need to go into MoneyGram’s physical stores to receive funds and pick up the physical cash, as they can now store it as USDC in the app.
This offers them a more stable currency to store their funds, as Colombian pesos have fallen nearly 12% against the dollar since early April, Google Finance data shows.
Users will only need to attend MoneyGram locations when they want to swap the USDC for Colombian pesos and withdraw it for spending.
MoneyGram also noted that users may be able to earn incentives on deposits through its integrated savings offerings in the near future.
MoneyGram’s crypto service is launching on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, though Colombians must first join a waitlist to have their accounts approved.
Related: Bitwise files for stablecoin, tokenization ETF with US SEC (source: plain text)
The Western Union competitor has 500,000 retail locations around the world, and claims to have more than 5 billion “digital endpoints,” making it one of the most accessible digital payment networks in the world.
What is MoneyGram’s new crypto app and how does it serve Colombians?
MoneyGram’s new crypto app is a remittance and custody option that allows Colombians to receive international transfers directly as USDC, held in user-controlled wallets via Crossmint and settled over the Stellar network. The app reduces the need for physical cash pick-up and offers a dollar-denominated store of value amid peso weakness.
How does MoneyGram enable near-instant USDC transfers?
MoneyGram routes transfers onto the Stellar network for fast settlement and uses Crossmint to provision self-custodial wallets. This stack delivers low-cost, near-instant transfers and lets recipients hold or convert USDC to pesos at MoneyGram locations when needed.
Operational details: app rollout uses an approval waitlist; Apple App Store and Google Play Store will host the release. MoneyGram highlighted Colombia’s strong remittance flows as a rationale for the launch.
Why might Colombians prefer USDC over local currency?
Front-loaded: USDC offers dollar stability compared with local currency volatility. With the peso down roughly 12% since April, holding digital dollars can protect purchasing power for families receiving remittances.
USDC vs USDT: quick comparison
| Feature | USDC (as used by MoneyGram) | USDT (local P2P preference) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary networks | Stellar (MoneyGram integration) | Tron (widespread P2P use) |
| Custody | Self-custody via Crossmint | Varies by app/exchange custody |
| Transfer speed | Near-instant | Fast on Tron, low fees |
| Local adoption | New rollout | Established via P2P and exchanges |
Source: Binance Latinoamérica
El Dorado P2P is another commonly used app in Colombia that allows users to transfer USDT on Tron, a network whose USDT supply on Tron surpassed $80 billion in June, with fast, low-cost transfers making it an ideal option for sending digital dollars in developing countries.
How will merchant acceptance and local crypto usage be affected?
BTCMaps data shows the number of merchants accepting Bitcoin in Colombia has fallen to 62, down from 106 in September 2023. The decline indicates varying merchant adoption; remittance-focused stablecoins may have more immediate consumer utility than merchant payments in the near term.
Notable local changes include closures such as MIND Crypto Caffe Medellín, which reportedly dismantled its physical location in May 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive USDC instantly with MoneyGram?
Yes. Transfers routed over Stellar arrive near-instantly in the app’s Crossmint-backed self-custodial wallet once the sender completes the transfer and MoneyGram processes it.
How do I convert USDC to Colombian pesos?
To convert, visit a MoneyGram retail location; show app transaction details and request a conversion and cash withdrawal. Conversion availability depends on MoneyGram’s local payout services.
Key Takeaways
- New remittance option: MoneyGram’s app lets Colombians receive USDC and hold dollars digitally for stability.
- Technology stack: Stellar network for settlement and Crossmint for self-custody enable fast transfers and user control.
- Action: Join the app waitlist and complete verification to access USDC receipts when the rollout opens.
Conclusion
MoneyGram’s Colombia rollout introduces a practical pathway for recipients to receive and store USDC directly in a self-custodial wallet, offering a dollar-denominated alternative as the Colombian peso weakens. Monitor official MoneyGram announcements and join the waitlist to access the service when approved.
