Visa is taking a major step in bridging traditional finance and digital assets by launching a pilot that lets U.S. businesses send USDC stablecoin payouts directly to crypto wallets funded by fiat accounts.
The announcement came at Web Summit in Lisbon, highlighting Visa’s push to make digital dollar payments as seamless as traditional transfers.
With the new program, businesses using Visa Direct can fund accounts with fiat and distribute payments in USDC, giving recipients the choice to receive digital assets instead of conventional currency.
Chris Newkirk, president of money movement solutions at Visa, explained that the goal is to provide global access to funds within minutes, catering especially to freelancers and international businesses that rely on fast digital payments.
Streamlining Digital Payments for Businesses and Freelancers
Recipients must hold compatible stablecoin wallets and complete KYC and AML verification to access funds. Visa is onboarding select partners initially, with plans to expand availability across 2026 as regulatory frameworks evolve.
This pilot builds on Visa’s September initiative, which enabled businesses to pre-fund payouts with stablecoins for treasury operations. The latest phase goes a step further by sending stablecoins directly into recipients’ wallets, eliminating the need for conversion from fiat currency.
The move aligns with the passage of the GENIUS Act, which provides clear federal guidance for stablecoins. Corporations like Citigroup and Western Union are exploring similar systems, with stablecoins increasingly integrated into payroll, cross-border transfers, and digital commerce.
Visa has processed over $140 billion in crypto and stablecoin transactions since 2020 and now supports more than 130 stablecoin-linked card programs across 40 countries.
CEO Ryan McInerney reported that monthly stablecoin settlements have reached an annualized rate of $2.5 billion, with support expanding across Stellar and Avalanche networks.
The pilot also reflects a broader trend: 57% of gig workers prefer digital payments for faster access to earnings. Platforms serving the creator economy are early adopters, showing how instant, cross-border transactions are becoming the standard for freelancers and digital content creators worldwide.
