Visa has launched a pilot program in the US enabling businesses to send US dollar stablecoin payouts, like USDC, directly to crypto wallets from fiat-funded accounts, targeting gig workers and international operations for faster global payments.
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Visa Direct now supports stablecoin transfers such as USDC to external wallets.
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The pilot focuses on businesses in the freelance and gig economy for quick fund access.
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57% of gig workers prefer digital payments, according to Visa’s recent research.
Discover Visa’s innovative stablecoin payouts pilot revolutionizing global payments with USDC transfers to crypto wallets. Learn how it benefits businesses and freelancers today.
What is Visa’s Stablecoin Payouts Pilot?
Visa’s stablecoin payouts pilot is a new initiative allowing US-based businesses to send payments in US dollar-pegged stablecoins, such as USDC, directly to recipients’ crypto wallets from accounts funded with traditional fiat currency like USD. Announced at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, this program leverages Visa’s digital payments network, Visa Direct, to facilitate these transfers. It aims to provide faster, more accessible money movement for users worldwide, with wider rollout planned for 2026.
How Does Visa’s Stablecoin Payouts Service Work?
Businesses and platforms can initiate payouts through Visa Direct, where recipients choose to receive funds in stablecoins rather than fiat. This service supports transfers to stablecoin wallets held by users, workers, or employees, bypassing traditional banking delays. Visa is onboarding select partners initially, focusing on international operations and the gig economy.
According to Visa’s president of money movement solutions, Chris Newkirk, “Launching stablecoin payouts is about enabling truly universal access to money in minutes, not days, for anyone, anywhere in the world.” This aligns with Visa’s research showing that 57% of gig workers favor digital methods for immediate fund availability. The pilot builds on prior expansions, such as adding stablecoins like Global Dollar (USDG), PayPal USD (PYUSD), and Euro Coin (EURC) to settlement platforms on Stellar and Avalanche blockchains in July.
Further enhancements in September introduced instant transfers using USDC and EURC for treasury settlements between businesses. These developments come amid increasing regulatory clarity in the US, following the passage of the GENIUS Act, which provides federal guidelines for stablecoins. This legislation has encouraged more corporations, including banking giant Citigroup exploring stablecoin payments and Western Union planning a digital asset settlement system on Solana, to enter the space.
Wall Street institutions like JPMorgan and Bank of America are also developing their own stablecoin initiatives. The global stablecoin market has surpassed $300 billion this year, as reported by DefiLlama, underscoring the growing demand for these digital assets in payments and settlements.
Stablecoin startups, such as Telcoin, Hercle, and Arx Research, continue to attract significant venture capital, highlighting investor confidence in the ecosystem’s potential for efficient cross-border transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of Visa’s Stablecoin Payouts for Gig Workers?
Visa’s stablecoin payouts offer gig workers faster access to earnings in USDC, reducing wait times from days to minutes. This is particularly useful for international freelancers, providing universal money access without traditional banking hurdles, as 57% of gig workers prefer digital methods per Visa’s research.
Is Visa’s Stablecoin Payouts Pilot Available Globally?
The pilot is currently launching in the US, targeting businesses with international reach and gig economy participants. Recipients can receive funds in stablecoins like USDC to their wallets, with plans for wider partner onboarding and full rollout in 2026, making it accessible for global users over time.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced Payment Speed: Stablecoin payouts via Visa Direct enable transfers in minutes, ideal for the gig economy and cross-border needs.
- Regulatory Momentum: The GENIUS Act provides clarity, accelerating corporate adoption of stablecoins by firms like Citigroup and Western Union.
- Market Growth: With stablecoins exceeding $300 billion in value, this pilot positions Visa at the forefront of blockchain-integrated payments—explore opportunities for your business now.
Conclusion
Visa’s stablecoin payouts pilot marks a significant step in bridging traditional finance with blockchain technology, allowing seamless USDC transfers from fiat accounts to crypto wallets. As regulatory frameworks like the GENIUS Act solidify, expect broader adoption by corporations seeking efficient global payments. Businesses in the gig and international sectors should monitor the 2026 rollout to leverage these innovations for faster, more inclusive money movement.
