Visa Direct Stablecoin Payouts Pilot Speeds Up Access to Funds for Creators and Gig Workers

Core Insights - Visa Inc. has launched a pilot program allowing businesses to send payouts directly to recipients' stablecoin wallets, enhancing the speed and accessibility of global payouts [1][3] - The pilot enables businesses to fund payouts in fiat currency while recipients can receive funds in USD-backed stablecoins like USDC, catering to creators, freelancers, and marketplaces [1][6] Group 1: Pilot Program Details - The pilot program aims to provide universal access to money in minutes, benefiting creators, businesses, and freelancers by facilitating faster and more flexible money movement [2][6] - Visa Direct's latest pilot allows U.S. platforms and businesses to send payouts directly to users' stablecoin wallets, eliminating the need for traditional banking methods [6][7] - The program is designed to support consumers in underbanked regions, offering a stable store of value and near-instant access to funds [6][8] Group 2: Market Research and Demand - According to the Visa 2025 Creator Report, 57% of digital content creators prefer digital payment methods for instant access to funds, highlighting the demand for faster payment solutions [2] - The pilot is expected to expand access with a broader rollout planned for the second half of 2026 as client demand grows and regulatory frameworks advance [6][8] Group 3: Advantages of Stablecoin Payouts - Stablecoin payouts provide increased transparency, as every transaction is permanently logged on the blockchain, supporting auditability and compliance [6] - The consistent, USD-pegged value of stablecoins helps establish predictability for recipients, allowing them to hold, spend, or convert their stablecoins flexibly [6][7]