Visa to Use USDC for Payment Settlement, Streamlining Crypto Clearing

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The global payments giant Visa has taken a significant step toward mainstream cryptocurrency adoption by announcing it will begin allowing transactions on its network to be settled using USDC, a leading dollar-backed stablecoin. This move marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of traditional finance and digital assets, potentially reshaping how crypto payments are processed worldwide.

Expanding Crypto Integration with USDC

On March 29, Visa Inc. revealed plans to enable the use of USD Coin (USDC) for settling transactions across its vast payment network. The company has already launched a pilot program in collaboration with Crypto.com, a prominent crypto payment and trading platform. If successful, the initiative is expected to roll out to additional financial partners later this year.

While this announcement may seem sudden, Visa’s journey into the crypto space began years earlier. As early as December 2020, Forbes reported that Visa had integrated Circle’s USDC—issued on the Ethereum blockchain—into its network of over 60 million merchants. Although Visa does not directly hold or custody digital currencies, its infrastructure now supports banks and fintech firms that issue Visa-branded cards to incorporate USDC for sending and receiving payments.

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What Is USDC and Why It Matters

USDC is a regulated, fully reserve-backed stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. It was launched in 2018 by the CENTRE consortium, co-founded by Circle and Coinbase. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, USDC offers price stability, making it ideal for everyday transactions, cross-border remittances, and institutional settlements.

By leveraging blockchain technology, USDC enables near-instant transfers with lower fees compared to traditional banking rails. Its transparency—backed by regular audits—has helped it gain trust among regulators and financial institutions alike. Today, USDC stands as one of the most widely adopted stablecoins in the world, playing a crucial role in decentralized finance (DeFi), trading, and now, global payment settlement.

How Visa’s Move Simplifies Crypto Clearing

Currently, most crypto-to-fiat transactions require multiple conversion steps. For example, when users spend cryptocurrency via a crypto-linked Visa card, their digital assets are typically converted into fiat currency before being settled through traditional banking systems. This process involves intermediaries, increases costs, and introduces delays.

With USDC integration, Visa eliminates the need for these intermediate conversions. Instead, issuers can settle transactions directly in USDC across blockchain networks. This not only reduces operational complexity but also enhances efficiency and lowers transaction costs—especially beneficial for international payments.

As noted by Cuy Sheffield, Visa’s Head of Cryptocurrency, “We’ve seen growing demand from consumers and businesses to access, hold, and use digital currencies. This shift is driving us to build new products that meet real-world needs.”

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Industry Momentum: A Broader Trend

Visa is not alone in embracing digital assets. Major financial players are increasingly entering the crypto ecosystem:

These developments signal a broader institutional shift toward blockchain-based financial solutions. Stablecoins like USDC are at the heart of this transformation due to their reliability, speed, and compliance-ready design.

Market Reaction: BTC and ETH Show Strength

In tandem with growing institutional adoption, major cryptocurrencies have shown strong momentum.

Bitcoin (BTC): Approaching All-Time Highs

According to market data, Bitcoin traded sideways around $55,250 before surging to a high of $58,333. Volume expanded significantly during the rally, indicating strong buyer interest. On the hourly chart, BTC broke above its previous consolidation range, with gains surpassing yesterday’s upward move. The asset now approaches the lower boundary of its prior all-time high range.

On a daily basis, Bitcoin recorded its fourth consecutive green candle—a bullish signal suggesting sustained upward pressure. Traders are closely watching whether price can突破 $58,900 to confirm further upside potential.

Ethereum (ETH): Following BTC’s Lead

Ethereum mirrored Bitcoin’s performance. After consolidating near $1,690, ETH rose sharply with increasing volume. The hourly chart shows a clear breakout above resistance levels, bringing price close to the bottom of its previous high-volatility zone.

Like BTC, ETH posted four straight daily gains and is testing key resistance around $1,790. A decisive break above this level could open the door to renewed bullish momentum.

Derivatives and On-Chain Activity

The derivatives market reflects growing confidence:

Similarly, ETH futures display stable持仓 levels and rising volume, pointing to sustained institutional and retail engagement.

DeFi Growth Continues

Decentralized finance continues to expand:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is USDC?
A: USDC (USD Coin) is a regulated stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. It is issued by Circle and backed by equivalent reserves held in audited financial institutions.

Q: Does Visa now accept cryptocurrency directly?
A: No. Visa does not hold or process crypto directly. Instead, it allows issuing banks and fintechs to settle transactions using USDC on its network.

Q: How does using USDC benefit consumers?
A: Faster settlements, lower fees, and improved cross-border transaction efficiency—especially useful for remittances and international commerce.

Q: Is USDC safe?
A: Yes. USDC is regulated, fully backed by reserves, and subject to monthly attestation reports by independent accounting firms.

Q: Will more stablecoins be added to Visa’s network?
A: While Visa has not confirmed future additions, its public statements suggest openness to expanding support for compliant digital currencies.

Q: Can I use a crypto card to pay with USDC today?
A: Yes—through participating partners like Crypto.com. These cards allow spending via USDC settlement behind the scenes.

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Final Thoughts

Visa’s adoption of USDC for settlement represents a landmark development in financial innovation. By bridging traditional payment rails with blockchain efficiency, the company is paving the way for faster, cheaper, and more transparent global transactions.

As institutions continue adopting digital assets and stablecoins gain regulatory clarity, the line between fiat and crypto finance will blur further. For users, businesses, and investors alike, this evolution promises greater accessibility, resilience, and opportunity in the years ahead.

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