Core Viewpoint - Stripe's introduction of stablecoin payment processing has sparked significant debate regarding its 1.5% fee for transferring digital dollars, which contrasts sharply with the minimal costs of blockchain transactions [1][2]. Fee Disparity - Critics have pointed out the significant difference between Stripe's fees and the actual costs of blockchain transactions, with one developer noting that sending $200 USDC on Base cost only $0.000193, while Stripe would charge $3 for the same transaction [2]. - A calculation highlighted that for a $1.65 million transfer, Stripe's fee would amount to $24,818, while the on-chain cost was merely $0.000412 [3]. Value Proposition - Defenders of Stripe argue that the fee encompasses services beyond mere transaction costs, such as custody of USDC, conversion to USD, and depositing fiat into merchants' bank accounts, which traditional banking systems cannot handle directly [4]. - It is noted that while the fee may seem high, it is lower than the typical 3% plus 30 cents charged by credit card processors, and merchants are willing to pay for the convenience of avoiding operational complexities [5]. - Industry experts emphasize that Stripe's stablecoin integration could significantly enhance on-chain financial activity, benefiting networks like Polygon, Base, and Solana [5]. Strategic Implications - Observers suggest that Stripe's pricing reflects an incumbent's struggle to adapt, likening it to telecom companies offering discounted VoIP rates while newer services like Skype provided free alternatives [7].