Getting paid quickly is one of the biggest challenges in global finance. Businesses, online platforms, and individuals often face delays because traditional banking networks depend on multiple intermediaries and limited operating hours.
On 12 November 2025, during the Web Summit in Lisbon, Visa announced a pilot program designed to change that. Chris Newkirk, Visas President of Commercial and Money Movement Solutions, said the goal is to make fast and borderless payments a practical reality. The initiative combines Visa Direct, the companys instant payment network, with United States dollarbacked stablecoins such as USD Coin (USDC) to enable faster and more efficient fund transfers.
How the pilot works
The pilot is open to selected partners in the United States. Businesses fund payouts in traditional money, and verified recipients receive their earnings within minutes through compatible digital wallets. Before accessing the service, participants must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks, which confirm identity and prevent fraud. Once verified, funds are converted from fiat to stablecoin, allowing near-instant settlement without the delays caused by clearing cycles or banking hours.
By keeping the source of funding in fiat currency and enforcing KYC and AML safeguards, Visa maintains compliance with financial regulations while using blockchain technology to deliver faster, transparent transactions.
Why it matters
Visa says the pilot focuses on creators and gig workers who rely on immediate access to income. However, the benefits could extend to businesses and individuals who move money across borders. The system can help small companies manage cash flow more efficiently, allow global marketplaces to pay sellers faster, and make personal remittances cheaper. Visa has confirmed that USDC will be used in the pilot but noted that other United States dollar-backed stablecoins may be added later.
A broader rollout is planned for the second half of 2026 once regulatory and technical checks are complete. If successful, the pilot could set a new standard for how traditional finance and digital assets work together.
