BlockchainCrypto
Stablecoin supply stalls, but payments jump 45% as Visa, Mastercard and Stripe connect crypto to cash
Publication: CoinDesk: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Crypto News and Price Data
Author: Krisztian Sandor
Source published: 18/10/2026, 14:00:00 UTC
Briefing created: 18/10/2026, 14:48:32 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 18/10/2026, 14:10:24 UTC.
Briefings
Analytics firm Allium reported stablecoin payments reached $482 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 45% increase from the prior period. This surge coincides with significant growth in card spending and the integration of crypto rails by major payment processors like Visa, Mastercard, and Stripe. The data snapshot captures a transition where traditional payment volumes outpaced stablecoin adoption, suggesting a shift in consumer behavior rather than a collapse in digital currency usage.
Key points
- Stablecoin payments reached $482 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a 45% year-over-year increase.
- Major payment processors including Visa, Mastercard, and Stripe have integrated crypto rails to support this growth.
Context
This finding highlights a divergence in the digital economy where traditional card spending and stablecoin adoption are both expanding, driven by global payment firms adding crypto infrastructure.
Limitations
Data covers only the first half of 2026; full-year totals remain unknown. No specific transaction volumes, user counts, or geographic breakdowns are provided.
Generated by Bittrees-hosted qwen35-2b sha256:aaf42c8b7c3c on 18/10/2026, 14:48:32 UTC. Based on publisher-provided feed evidence; may not cover the full original article. Check the source for details.
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