Visa has taken another major step into blockchain-based finance, unveiling a new pilot that enables direct payouts in Circle’s USDC stablecoin for creators, freelancers, and gig workers worldwide. Key Takeaways: Visa has launched a pilot program allowing direct USDC payouts for freelancers, creators, and gig workers, enabling near-instant global payments. The initiative targets emerging markets with limited banking access, offering faster, more stable, and transparent fund transfers. The program marks Visa’s latest push into blockchain finance, following $140 billion in crypto-related transactions since 2020. The initiative aims to make cross-border payments nearly instant while reducing dependence on traditional banking infrastructure. Announced Wednesday at the Web Summit in Lisbon , the pilot allows businesses using Visa Direct in the US to fund payouts in fiat currency, with recipients choosing to receive their earnings in USDC. Visa Targets Emerging Markets With Faster, Stablecoin-Based Payout Access Visa said this gives users faster and more stable access to funds, particularly in countries facing currency volatility or limited banking access. “Launching stablecoin payouts is about enabling truly universal access to money in minutes — not days — for anyone, anywhere in the world,” said Chris Newkirk, Visa’s President of Commercial & Money Movement Solutions. Recipients must hold a compatible stablecoin wallet and pass know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money-laundering (AML) checks. The pilot currently supports only USDC and involves select partners, with a broader rollout expected in the second half of 2026 as regulations evolve. The move builds on Visa’s September pilot that allowed businesses to pre-fund payouts using stablecoins. Together, the initiatives expand Visa’s reach into stablecoin-powered money movement, offering a faster, transparent alternative to legacy payment systems. Each payout is recorded on-chain, supporting greater auditability and compliance. BREAKING: Visa begins testing stablecoin payouts, starting with $USDC . The pilot allows U.S. businesses to pay in fiat, while recipients can choose to receive in USDC. pic.twitter.com/XaCpSeg38B — Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) November 12, 2025 Visa’s expansion into digital assets has accelerated in 2025. Since 2020, the company has processed more than $140 billion in crypto and stablecoin transactions and recently partnered with Stripe-owned Bridge to issue stablecoin-linked Visa cards. It also launched the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform, helping banks pilot stablecoin issuance and settlement. According to Visa’s 2025 Creator Economy Report, 57% of digital content creators ranked “instant access to funds” as their top priority in choosing digital payment methods, a need that Visa says stablecoins are uniquely positioned to meet. The pilot highlights Visa’s growing focus on blockchain innovation as part of its long-term money movement strategy. Western Union to Launch Dollar-Backed Stablecoin on Solana Western Union is also entering the stablecoin market with plans to launch the US Dollar Payment Token (USDPT) on the Solana blockchain in the first half of 2026. The token, issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, will allow users to move money globally with lower fees and faster settlement times, reducing reliance on traditional banking intermediaries and volatile currency conversions. CEO Devin McGranahan described the move as a continuation of Western Union’s 175-year mission to simplify money transfers, this time through blockchain technology. He said Solana was chosen for its speed, scalability, and low-cost transactions, which are crucial for the company’s high-volume remittance business. By leveraging blockchain rails, Western Union aims to make remittances nearly instantaneous and more transparent. The post Visa Launches Pilot for Direct USDC Payouts to Power Instant Global Payments appeared first on Cryptonews .
