Visa Embraces Stablecoin Payouts: A New Era for the Creator Economy
Visa has launched a groundbreaking pilot program that enables businesses to issue payouts using stablecoins, potentially transforming how creators, freelancers, and global platforms receive payments. This initiative allows companies to fund transactions in fiat currency, while recipients can opt to receive the funds in USD-backed stablecoins, namely USDC. The move aims to address a pressing demand within the digital economy: faster and more flexible financial transactions.
According to Visa’s 2025 Creator Economy Report, more than half of digital creators—approximately 57%—express a preference for instant payment options. Traditional banking systems often involve several days of processing time, particularly for cross-border transactions. Visa’s new solution, powered by Visa Direct, seeks to eliminate this delay by providing near-instant transfers regardless of the recipient’s location.
The pilot program, unveiled during the Web Summit, is part of Visa’s broader strategy to modernize global payment systems. Creators, freelancers, and online marketplaces stand to gain significantly. In particular, individuals in underbanked areas or regions with volatile local currencies may now access more stable and dependable financial services. The stablecoin infrastructure also ensures fewer intermediaries are involved, reducing both transfer time and transaction fees.
Chris Newkirk, Visa’s President of Commercial & Money Movement Solutions, emphasized the global inclusivity this system offers. “The launch of stablecoin payouts is about making money truly accessible—within minutes, not days—no matter where you are in the world,” he stated. He further noted that whether users are building a digital brand, operating across borders, or expanding into new markets, they all benefit from flexible and rapid payment networks.
This latest initiative builds on Visa’s earlier blockchain experiments and showcases the company’s commitment to integrating cryptocurrency technologies into its services. It also reflects a growing institutional interest in digital assets, particularly stablecoins pegged to fiat currencies. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, stablecoins like USDC are designed to maintain consistent value, making them suitable for everyday transactions.
An important aspect of this development is Visa’s choice to prioritize USDC over other stablecoins like USDT. While both are leading players in the space, USDC has gained popularity for its transparency and regulatory alignment. In October, USDC briefly overtook USDT in transaction volume, signaling increased trust and adoption. Although USDT reclaimed the lead in November, USDC remains a formidable player in the rapidly evolving stablecoin market.
Visa’s pilot is currently limited to selected business partners, with plans to expand globally by late 2026. This phased approach allows the company to navigate regulatory frameworks more effectively while responding to growing client demand. As regulations around digital currencies become clearer, Visa aims to remain at the forefront of compliant and secure blockchain-based payment solutions.
The implications for the creator economy are profound. Content creators, digital artists, and freelancers often operate across borders and face challenges with delayed payments or high fees. Stablecoin payouts allow them to receive earnings almost instantly, with minimal conversion losses and greater financial autonomy. This is especially important in developing countries where access to traditional banking is limited or unreliable.
Moreover, the use of stablecoins in payouts provides an alternative to traditional banking infrastructure, which can be slow, expensive, and inaccessible to many. With just a digital wallet, anyone can now participate in the global economy and get paid in a stable, universally accepted currency. This opens up new opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs and independent workers around the world.
The business case for stablecoin payouts also extends beyond individual creators. Marketplaces, gig platforms, and global service providers can streamline their financial operations, reduce costs, and offer better experiences to their users. Instant, programmable payments powered by blockchain can be automated and customized, allowing companies to build more efficient financial workflows.
Visa’s exploration of blockchain technology and integration of stablecoins reflects a broader trend among traditional financial institutions adapting to the evolving digital landscape. As cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance gain traction, companies like Visa are positioning themselves to bridge the gap between conventional finance and the new digital economy.
Critically, Visa’s stablecoin initiative could also influence how governments and regulators view digital currencies. By demonstrating a successful, large-scale implementation of stablecoin payments, Visa may help shape future regulatory frameworks that support innovation while ensuring consumer protection and financial stability.
In the long run, Visa’s stablecoin payout infrastructure could pave the way for new financial products and services. From programmable payroll systems to decentralized marketplaces, the potential use cases are vast. For the creator economy, this development marks a significant step toward financial inclusivity, empowerment, and global reach.
As the pilot expands and more companies adopt stablecoin-based solutions, the future of payments may no longer revolve around banks and traditional financial institutions—but rather around digital wallets, blockchain rails, and instantaneous global transfers powered by technology giants like Visa.