Visa launches stablecoin cross-border payment pilot, offering a new method for corporate remittances

ChainCatcher reported that global payment giant Visa has launched a pilot project to test the use of stablecoins for cross-border payments, providing businesses with a faster way to remit funds.

This pilot allows businesses, including banks and remittance service providers, to pre-fund Visa Direct with stablecoins instead of fiat currency. Visa treats these stablecoins as "bank deposits" or balances available for payments, enabling businesses to remit funds overseas without locking in large amounts of cash days in advance. The pilot aims to reduce corporate settlement times from several days to just a few minutes, allowing businesses to access liquidity more quickly. Visa stated that recipients can still choose to receive payments in their local currency. The company added that it will test this model with select partners and plans to launch it in limited quantities before April 2026. A spokesperson did not disclose the list of partners but confirmed that the first stablecoins to be tested are Circle's USDC and EURC. As demand grows, more assets may be added in the future.