Retailers like Walmart are exploring the potential of stablecoins for in-store transactions.
From Nasdaq: 2025-07-03 00:55:00
Stablecoins are gaining traction as a credible crypto use case for real-world payments, challenging traditional credit and debit cards with near-instant settlement, lower transaction costs, and greater control. Retailers like Walmart are taking notice, exploring the potential of stablecoins for in-store transactions.
Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value against government-issued currencies like the U.S. dollar. They offer the stability of fiat currency with the transparency and programmability of cryptocurrencies. The recent U.S. Stablecoin bill sets regulations for stablecoin issuance, aiming to legitimize the asset class and drive mainstream acceptance.
Large retailers could issue their own stablecoins or adopt popular ones like USDC, creating closed-loop ecosystems for in-store transactions. Stablecoins offer merchants instant settlement, reduced reliance on intermediaries, and savings on interchange fees. Retailers could also use stablecoins as leverage in negotiations with card networks to lower fees and offer programmable rewards.
Despite the advantages of stablecoins for merchants, customer adoption may face challenges. Consumers prefer the convenience and security of cards, and setting up a separate crypto wallet for stablecoin transactions could create friction. Retailers have struggled to move away from card payments in the past, and stablecoins may face similar hurdles in gaining widespread consumer acceptance.
Investors concerned about the competitive landscape for Visa and Mastercard stock may find the Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio an appealing alternative. This portfolio of 30 stocks has outperformed the S&P 500 over the last four years, offering better returns with less risk. Trefis provides market-beating portfolios and price estimates for informed investment decisions.
Read more at Nasdaq: Retail Giants Bank On Stablecoin To Escape Visa & Mastercard’s Grip