Visa is currently conducting pilot trials for USD-backed stablecoin payouts aimed at creators and gig workers.
This initiative allows businesses and platforms to send payments directly to recipients’ stablecoin wallets, bypassing traditional card or bank account methods. With Visa Direct, companies can fund these payouts in fiat currency, while recipients have the option to receive their funds in USD-backed stablecoins like USDC.
“Launching stablecoin payouts is about enabling truly universal access to money in minutes—not days,” stated Chris Newkirk, President of Commercial & Money Movement Solutions at Visa. “Whether it’s a creator building a digital brand, a business reaching new global markets, or a freelancer working across borders, everyone benefits from faster, more flexible money movement.”
Recent research from Visa reveals that faster access to funds is the primary reason digital content creators prefer digital payment methods. A significant 57% cited instant access as their main motivation for choosing these payment options for their work.
This pilot is part of Visa’s broader strategy to expand into stablecoin-powered payments. In September, Visa Direct announced a stablecoin pre-funding pilot that allows businesses to fund payouts using stablecoins rather than just fiat currency.
This new pilot further enhances that approach by enabling direct payouts to consumers in stablecoins, effectively placing digital dollars into recipients’ wallets. Visa is currently onboarding select partners, with broader access expected by 2026.