Visa has introduced a new pilot program enabling instant payouts in the stablecoin USDC for freelancers and creators worldwide. This initiative aims to improve payment speed and accessibility, especially in regions with limited banking infrastructure.
Simultaneously, Visa has expanded its Scan to Pay QR code payment service across the Asia Pacific region, allowing millions of merchants to accept payments via popular local digital wallets.
Visa’s Stablecoin Payout Pilot Targets Emerging Markets
The pilot allows U.S.-based businesses to send payments in fiat currency while recipients receive funds in USDC stablecoin through compatible wallets. This approach supports near-instant transactions, bypassing delays common in traditional banking systems.
Visa designed the program to serve freelancers, creators, and gig workers in emerging markets where banking access can be limited or local currencies are volatile. Participants undergo standard KYC and AML compliance checks.
Since 2020, Visa has processed over $140 billion in crypto and stablecoin flows, reflecting its growing investment in blockchain-based payment infrastructure.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Payment Currency | USDC stablecoin received by recipients |
| Participants | Freelancers, creators, gig workers globally |
| Compliance | KYC and AML checks mandatory |
| Transaction Speed | Near-instant payouts |
| Geographic Focus | Emerging markets with limited banking |
Visa’s 2025 Creator Economy Report indicates 57% of digital creators prefer instant fund access, highlighting demand for alternatives to traditional payment methods.
Chris Newkirk, Visa’s President of Commercial and Money Movement Solutions, said, “Launching stablecoin payouts is about enabling truly universal access to money in minutes—not days—for anyone, anywhere in the world.”
The pilot currently involves select partners, with plans for broader rollout by late 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Visa Expands Scan to Pay Service Across Asia Pacific
In addition to the stablecoin pilot, Visa has launched its Scan to Pay QR code payment solution throughout the Asia Pacific region. This service allows users to pay using local wallets and digital banking apps such as Samsung Wallet, LINE Pay, and VNPT Money.
Merchants benefit from reduced operational costs by leveraging existing QR infrastructure, while consumers gain a seamless and secure payment experience backed by Visa’s network.
- Supports payments via tap, scan, or online through familiar wallets
- Enables millions of merchants across Asia Pacific to accept QR payments
- Improves security and transaction reliability
Visa’s T.R. Ramachandran noted the rollout accelerates QR payment adoption and aligns with growing mobile-first commerce trends.
This expansion is part of Visa Pay, an initiative connecting digital wallets to Visa-accepting merchants worldwide, both online and in-store.
