In a significant move for traditional finance, Visa has officially launched USD Coin (USDC) settlement for its U.S. issuer and acquirer partners. This transition allows banks to settle their daily obligations using the Solana blockchain, bypassing traditional domestic wire transfers and legacy card settlement systems.
The initial rollout features Cross River Bank and Lead Bank, marking the first time major U.S. institutions are using stablecoins for core backend funds movement.
Key Highlights of the U.S. Expansion
- Efficiency & Speed: By moving to the Solana blockchain, Visa replaces the traditional five-business-day settlement window with 24/7, around-the-clock operations, including weekends and holidays.
- Proven Scale: Ahead of the U.S. launch, Visa reported that its global stablecoin pilots surpassed a $3.5 billion annualized settlement volume as of November 30, 2025.
- Blockchain-Enabled Treasury: The high throughput and low fees of Solana allow for frequent, smaller settlement cycles, giving banks greater precision in liquidity and treasury management.
- Invisible Consumer Impact: While the backend shifts to blockchain, the consumer experience remains unchanged; cardholders continue to spend as usual without needing to manage crypto wallets.
The Strategic Vision: Bank-Ready Infrastructure
Visa’s Global Head of Growth Products, Rubail Birwadker, noted that the expansion is a direct response to demand from banking partners who are “preparing to use” programmable settlement options. To support this shift, Visa also recently launched a Stablecoins Advisory Practice to help institutions navigate strategy and compliance.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Visa plans to broaden access to more U.S. financial institutions and corporate treasury teams through 2026. Additionally, the company is a design partner for Arc, a new Layer 1 blockchain developed by Circle, which is expected to provide further scalability for global on-chain commercial activity.
