Visa Pilots Direct USDC Payouts for Instant Global Freelancer Payments
Visa has begun a pilot program that delivers direct USDC payouts to freelancers, creators and gig economy workers, enabling near-instant global transfers without routing funds through traditional bank settlement rails. The test focuses on speed and reach—allowing recipients to receive dollar-pegged stablecoin payments quickly and then cash out or retain crypto exposure through partner wallets and platforms.
The move signals a pragmatic step by a major card network to integrate stablecoins into mainstream payouts, potentially lowering friction and costs for cross-border work and remittances. If scaled, the pilot could broaden USDC utility and accelerate crypto-native payroll solutions, while raising questions about custody, compliance and on-ramps; regulators and partners will be watching how Visa balances speed with AML/KYC responsibilities during the rollout.