Visa Direct’s New Pilot Program: Revolutionizing Global Payments
In a groundbreaking move, Visa Inc. has launched a pilot program that allows businesses to send payouts directly to recipients’ stablecoin wallets. This innovative initiative was announced at the Web Summit and aims to enhance the efficiency and stability of cross-border payments, particularly for creators, freelancers, and global marketplaces. By utilizing Visa Direct, companies can fund transactions in traditional fiat currency, while recipients can opt to receive their funds in USD-backed stablecoins such as USDC.
The Benefits of Stablecoin Payouts
Visa’s new pilot promises significant advantages for individuals and businesses operating in regions where banking access is limited or currency volatility is high. By offering a swift and reliable method of payment, Visa enables payments to be executed in minutes rather than days. Chris Newkirk, Visa’s President of Commercial & Money Movement Solutions, emphasized that the launch of stablecoin payouts is centered around providing universal access to money, allowing everyone—whether a global marketplace business or a freelancer—to benefit from immediate and flexible transactions.
Meeting Market Demand for Speed
According to Visa’s 2025 Creator Economy Report, there is a burgeoning demand for rapid access to funds within the digital economy. Astonishingly, 57% of content creators prefer payment methods based on digital and blockchain technology due to the instant access they provide. As the landscape of independent creators, freelancers, and international marketplaces evolves, Visa’s stablecoin payout pilot is designed to fulfill the need for speed, offering greater financial autonomy and flexibility.
Expansion of Visa’s Payment Ecosystem
Building on previous efforts, Visa is expanding its payments ecosystem by incorporating stablecoins within its portfolio through Visa Direct. During the SIBOS 2025 event, the company highlighted a pilot that allows businesses to pre-fund payouts using stablecoins, thereby facilitating seamless transactions on a global scale. These innovations reflect Visa’s commitment to modernizing payment methods, providing both consumers and businesses with unprecedented control, transparency, and options for sending and receiving funds.
Strategic Choice: Why USDC?
Initially, Visa plans to collaborate with select companies as it gradually explores this new payment model, with expansion efforts expected in late 2026 in response to growing client needs and regulatory clarifications. Among the stablecoins being utilized, USD Coin (USDC) has gained significant traction and briefly topped transaction volumes compared to Tether (USDT) in October. Despite USDT regaining a dominant position in subsequent months, USDC’s growing influence reflects the rapidly changing landscape of stablecoins.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Payments
Visa’s foray into stablecoin payouts marks a significant momentum shift in its mission to revolutionize global payment systems. By addressing the mounting demand for faster and more reliable payment options, Visa is positioning itself to fulfill the needs of an increasingly digital and decentralized economy. As global trends favor enhanced payment flexibility and efficiency, both consumers and businesses stand to benefit significantly from these innovations. The pilot program not only enhances accessibility but also reaffirms Visa’s role as a leader in modernizing payment solutions for an interconnected world.
This pilot offers the potential to redefine the norm of how we transact, paving the way for a more inclusive and responsive financial future.
