Visa’s latest move marks the first time U.S.-based financial institutions can settle directly with the payments network using a stablecoin rather than traditional fiat rails. The capability is part of Visa’s broader effort to modernize its settlement infrastructure while leaving the consumer-facing card experience unchanged.

According to the company’s statement, U.S. issuer and acquirer partners can now use USDC, a fully reserved, dollar-denominated stablecoin issued by Circle, to settle Visanet obligations. Settlement takes place over supported blockchains, offering an alternative to the traditional five-day banking window.

Initial participants include Cross River Bank and Lead Bank, both of which have begun settling with Visa using USDC on the Solana blockchain. Visa said it plans to expand access to additional U.S. partners through 2026, signaling a gradual rather than overnight rollout.

The company said stablecoin settlement allows for seven-day availability, including weekends and holidays, potentially improving liquidity timing and treasury operations for participating institutions. In plain terms, money does not have to wait for Monday morning anymore.

Visa also disclosed that it is working with Circle as a design partner on Arc, a new layer one (L1) blockchain currently in public testnet. The company plans to use Arc for future USDC settlement and to operate a validator node once the network becomes operational.

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The payments behemoth stated that the U.S. launch builds on Visa’s earlier stablecoin settlement pilots in regions including Europe, Latin America and parts of Asia. As of Nov. 30, Visa reported its stablecoin settlement activity had reached an annualized run rate exceeding $3.5 billion.

Visa first tested USDC settlement in 2021 and began expanding blockchain and stablecoin support more broadly in 2023. The company has framed the effort as a way to bridge traditional payment rails with blockchain-based infrastructure rather than replace existing systems outright.

While stablecoins have long been discussed as a future payments tool, Visa’s U.S. rollout moves them closer to the plumbing of everyday finance—quietly, methodically and without much fanfare for cardholders swiping at the register.

• What did Visa announce on Tuesday?
  Visa launched stablecoin settlement in the U.S., allowing select partners to settle payments using USDC.
• Who can use Visa’s stablecoin settlement?
  Eligible U.S. issuer and acquirer partners participating in Visa’s settlement program.
• Which blockchain is used initially?
  Early settlements are taking place on the Solana blockchain.
• Will consumers notice a difference?
  No, Visa said the cardholder payment experience remains unchanged.

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