Stablecoin Adoption Increases! More Volume than Traditional Networks

Stablecoins are officially having their moment. On June 29, 2025, Alchemy’s Director of Engineering, Noam Hurwitz, shared that stablecoin transactions have now overtaken those processed by traditional card networks on a global scale.

That means more people are using blockchain-powered money to send, receive, and pay than ever before, surpassing the likes of Visa and Mastercard in digital volume.

This shift isn’t just happening in crypto-native circles. Major players like PayPal and Stripe are integrating stablecoin payments into their systems.

For global users, that means faster and cheaper alternatives to traditional payment rails. For DeFi developers and platforms, it’s a sign that blockchain infrastructure is entering the mainstream.

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Key Takeaways

1. Stablecoin payments now exceed traditional card network volumes globally, signaling a major shift in digital finance infrastructure.

2. Companies like PayPal and Stripe are adopting stablecoin systems to make payments faster and more affordable across borders.

3. Stablecoins are especially impactful in emerging markets, where access to banking is limited but mobile adoption is high.

Why Stablecoins are Outpacing Card Networks

Stablecoins have grown far beyond their original use as crypto trading tools. They are now powering real-world payments, both online and across borders.

According to Alchemy’s Noam Hurwitz, stablecoin transactions now represent a higher total volume than payments processed through card networks globally.

This change didn’t happen overnight. Over the past few years, crypto-native users and fintech platforms alike have pushed for faster, cheaper, and more accessible alternatives to traditional banking systems.

Stablecoins like USDC, USDT, and DAI offer just that, value-pegged digital tokens that move freely on public blockchains.

Traditional card networks, while still widely used, come with friction: high fees, slow international settlement, and dependence on intermediaries.

In contrast, a stablecoin transfer can happen within seconds and with minimal cost, especially when using scalable blockchains like Solana or Layer-2 Ethereum solutions.

What’s most significant is the institutional adoption. Payment giants like PayPal and Stripe have integrated stablecoin functionality, enabling users and merchants to send or receive digital dollars with ease. This kind of endorsement is what’s pushing stablecoins from niche to necessary.

Read Also: What is Stablecoin? Definition, Types, and Examples of Stablecoin

How Companies are Using Stablecoins in 2025

The fact that companies like PayPal and Stripe are going all-in on stablecoins is a sign of where financial infrastructure is headed. These platforms aren’t just experimenting; they are actively using stablecoin rails to cut down on transfer fees and speed up cross-border settlements.

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

1. Stripe enables merchants in developing countries to receive payouts in stablecoins instead of waiting for slow international wires.

2. PayPal has integrated stablecoin wallets for direct peer-to-peer transfers, making remittances smoother and more affordable.

3. DeFi platforms use stablecoins as the primary way to issue loans, offer yield, or facilitate trades.

Noam Hurwitz also noted that many World ID holders, verified users of identity-linked blockchain services, are in regions where stablecoin use is already high. This suggests the utility of stablecoins is greatest where legacy financial services have historically underperformed.

Moreover, developers building decentralized apps are increasingly prioritizing stablecoin support. Whether it’s for gaming, marketplaces, or savings apps, stablecoins are becoming the default currency of the decentralized internet.

Read Also: How to Make Money with Stablecoins

What This Means for DeFi, Ethereum, and the Market

Stablecoin adoption doesn’t just change how people pay; it changes how platforms are built, how regulations are drafted, and how users interact with digital value.

The rise of stablecoins has given a huge boost to the Ethereum ecosystem. Most stablecoins are issued on Ethereum or its scaling layers, which means Ethereum plays a central role in enabling this new financial layer.

As of today, according to Bitrue, Ethereum is trading at $2,465.95, with a market cap of $293.6 billion and a daily trading volume of over $31,000. That’s up 0.9% in the last 24 hours and continues an upward trend over the past two months.

Ethereum’s steady growth can be tied in part to its utility as the backbone for stablecoin transfers, DeFi apps, and NFT platforms. Every stablecoin transaction on Ethereum increases demand for ETH as gas, strengthening the network’s value proposition.

On a larger scale, regulators are beginning to pay more attention. The more stablecoins are used for actual payments, the more pressure there will be to create clear legal frameworks around them. This could bring both clarity and compliance risks, but it also validates stablecoins as legitimate financial instruments.

Read Also: USDC vs USDT: Which Stablecoin Is Best for Your Crypto Portfolio?

Conclusion

Stablecoins are no longer just tools for traders or crypto insiders. They’ve become a real alternative to traditional payment systems, offering speed, cost-efficiency, and global reach.

When companies like PayPal and Stripe start using stablecoins for daily operations, it’s clear we’ve crossed a line from experimental to essential.

This shift also brings opportunity. For users, it means faster and cheaper transactions. For developers, it’s a sign that building on blockchain has a long-term payoff. And for investors, it shows that stablecoins aren’t just a trend, they’re infrastructure.

If you’re managing stablecoins or trading across networks, having a reliable partner like Bitrue makes it even easier. Bitrue offers multi-chain support, fast settlements, and strong security features.

Whether you’re swapping ETH, holding USDC, or exploring DeFi options, Bitrue is built to help you trade safely and efficiently in today’s fast-moving crypto world.

FAQ

What is a stablecoin, and how is it different from other cryptocurrencies?

A stablecoin is a digital asset designed to maintain a fixed value, usually pegged to a fiat currency like the US dollar. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, stablecoins aim to offer price stability, making them ideal for payments and savings.

Why are companies like PayPal and Stripe using stablecoins?

They use stablecoins to make payments faster, cheaper, and more accessible, especially for international transfers. Stablecoins allow them to bypass traditional banking infrastructure, which often has delays and high fees.

Is stablecoin adoption safe for the global financial system?

Stablecoin adoption introduces new risks but also brings efficiency. Regulators are currently exploring ways to oversee their use without stifling innovation. Used responsibly, stablecoins can improve access to financial services globally.

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