Visa Launches USDC Settlement in US, Declares Crypto Mainstream
Visa enables US partners to settle transactions in USDC on blockchain, marking a pivotal shift as stablecoin settlement volume hits $3.5 billion annualized run rate.
Visa has officially launched USDC settlement in the United States, enabling select bank and fintech partners to settle their VisaNet obligations using Circle's stablecoin instead of fiat currency.
What Happened
On December 16, 2025, Visa announced the launch of USDC settlement in the United States. The payments giant now allows participating issuers and acquirers, including Cross River Bank and Lead Bank, to settle transactions in USDC on Solana.
The company reported its monthly stablecoin settlement volume has reached a $3.5 billion annualized run rate as of November 30, a significant milestone since Visa became one of the first major networks to pilot stablecoin settlements in 2023. The new US framework introduces 7-day settlement windows, enabling banks to settle throughout the week rather than only on business days.
Why It Matters
This launch represents a watershed moment for institutional crypto adoption. With Visa processing over $14 trillion annually, even a fraction of that volume moving to stablecoin rails could dramatically reshape payment infrastructure.
Visa also unveiled a Global Stablecoins Advisory Practice to help banks, fintechs, and merchants develop stablecoin strategies. In October 2025, the company announced plans to expand support beyond USDC to include Paxos-backed Global Dollar (USDG), PayPal USD (PYUSD), and the euro-backed EURC, with additional blockchain support for Ethereum, Stellar, and Avalanche. Currently, more than 130 stablecoin-linked card programs operate across 40 countries in Visa's network.
What to Watch
Competitors like Mastercard and American Express may accelerate their own stablecoin initiatives in response. Watch for Q1 2026 adoption metrics from participating US banks. The stablecoin market cap now exceeds $250 billion, and Visa's entry signals that traditional finance views this technology as production-ready infrastructure rather than experimental.
Key Takeaways
Visa declaring crypto as mainstream in 2025 through concrete action rather than press releases marks a turning point. The combination of regulatory clarity and institutional infrastructure suggests stablecoins are transitioning from crypto-native tools to standard payment rails.