Visa launches stablecoin settlement in the US

With USDC settlement, Visa says issuers can benefit from faster funds movement over blockchains, seven‑day availability and enhanced operational resilience across weekends and holidays – without any change to the consumer card experience.

Initial banking participants include Cross River Bank and Lead Bank, which have started settling with Visa in USDC over the Solana blockchain. Broader availability in the US is planned through 2026.

The introduction of stablecoin settlement in the US is the latest development in Visa’s years-long work on pilots across the globe. As of November 30, Visa’s monthly stablecoin settlement volume passed a $3.5 billion annualised run rate.

The card giant is also acting as a design partner for Arc, a new Layer 1 blockchain developed by Circle that is currently in public testnet. Arc’s purpose-built design offers the performance and scalability needed to help support Visa’s global commercial activity onchain. Visa also plans to tap Arc for USDC settlement within its network and to operate a validator node once the blockchain goes live.

Rubail Birwadker, global head, growth products and strategic partnerships, Visa, says: “Visa is expanding stablecoin settlement because our banking partners are not only asking about it – they’re preparing to use it.

“Financial institutions are looking for faster, programmable settlement options that integrate seamlessly with their existing treasury operations. By bringing USDC settlement to the U.S., Visa is delivering a reliable, bank‑ready capability that improves treasury efficiency while maintaining the security, compliance and resiliency standards our network requires.”