Visa is expanding its stablecoin payout capabilities through a new partnership with Zerohash, the company said today. Eligible Visa Direct clients can now prefund accounts and send payouts in stablecoins, adding a digital currency option to the payment giant's global network.
How the stablecoin payouts work
Through the partnership, Visa Direct clients who qualify can prefund their accounts with stablecoins. They then initiate payouts in the same stablecoins to recipients. Zerohash provides the infrastructure to handle the blockchain side of the transaction. The process is designed to be as seamless as traditional fiat payouts, Visa said.
Why Visa is pushing into stablecoins
The move is part of Visa's broader effort to integrate blockchain-based payments into its network. Stablecoins offer faster settlement and lower costs for cross-border transfers, which could appeal to businesses that regularly send payments internationally. Visa has been testing crypto integration for years, and this partnership marks a concrete step toward making stablecoins a standard payout option.
For businesses using Visa Direct, the stablecoin option could reduce the need for multiple currency conversions and intermediaries. The prefunding model means clients hold stablecoins in their accounts before sending, similar to holding fiat. Visa hasn't specified which stablecoins are supported, but the partnership with Zerohash suggests compatibility with major stablecoins like USDC or USDT. The service is available to eligible clients now, with a broader rollout expected later.
Visa's announcement comes as stablecoins gain traction in mainstream finance. Payment companies and banks are increasingly exploring digital dollars for real-time settlements. By partnering with Zerohash, a specialized crypto infrastructure firm, Visa is betting that stablecoins will become a key part of the payment ecosystem. The company hasn't disclosed financial terms or a timeline for expanding the service to more markets.
For now, the stablecoin payout feature is live for eligible Visa Direct clients. Visa says more details on supported stablecoins and geographic availability will come in the following months.
