Visa and Stripe are expanding their stablecoin card program to over 100 countries, enabling blockchain-based purchases at millions of locations.
Visa and Stripe have announced an expansion of their stablecoin card initiative, which allows users to make purchases using stablecoins from crypto wallets like Phantom and MetaMask. Initially launched in 2025, the program is currently operational in 18 countries and is set to reach over 100 jurisdictions worldwide by the end of 2026.
Through a partnership with Lead Bank, Visa transactions on the blockchain can be processed at more than 175 million merchant locations that accept Visa. The expansion primarily targets regions in South and Central America, with future plans to extend services to Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.
As part of this effort, Visa is testing stablecoin payment integrations between card issuers and acquiring clients. The company aims to enhance transaction efficiency using blockchain data and assess how platforms like Bridge facilitate communication within the ecosystem. Cue Sheffield, head of Visa's crypto division, emphasized the company's commitment to engaging with businesses in decentralized ledger technology networks.
In October 2024, Stripe acquired Bridge for $1.1 billion, enabling the launch of its stablecoin issuance platform. This acquisition aligns with the rising corporate interest in stablecoins, with Standard Chartered noting that clients prefer stablecoins over other digital assets. Following the introduction of the GENIUS Act in the U.S. in 2025, which regulates stablecoins, experts anticipate significant growth in this market segment.
In 2025, stablecoin transaction volume surged by 72% to reach $33 trillion. USDC from Circle dominated with $17.3 trillion in transactions, while USDT from Tether followed with $12.9 trillion, despite a larger market cap gap. By January 2026, stablecoin transfer volumes exceeded $10.5 trillion, reinforcing Circle's leading position.
Additionally, reports have indicated that Meta is planning to enter the stablecoin market by the end of the year, with Stripe being a top candidate for pilot testing the new coin linked to Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
