Polygon Sets New ATH in Stablecoin Active Wallets to Close 2025

Polygon closed 2025 with a record high in active wallets using stablecoins on its network. The network recorded nearly 58 million wallets with USDC activity, driven largely by real-world payment demand. The surge in activity was particularly notable in December, which saw over 3 million new addresses engaging with USDC on Polygon PoS.

The growth in stablecoin usage reflects a broader shift in how blockchain is being used. Unlike speculative activity, the increase in wallets indicates a demand for low-cost, fast payment solutions. Transaction costs on Polygon remained below a cent per transfer, making it an attractive option for users seeking efficiency.

Finality times also improved, with most transactions confirmed in under five seconds. This performance has made Polygon a preferred platform for users requiring quick and reliable onchain settlements.

Why Did This Happen?

Polygon's success in driving stablecoin adoption is attributed to its partnerships and network upgrades. The platform collaborated with payment processors such as Stripe, Shift4, Mastercard, and Revolut to expand stablecoin acceptance in real-world commerce. These partnerships enabled more seamless integration into everyday payment systems, boosting the practicality of blockchain for daily transactions.

In 2025, Polygon also implemented key technical upgrades under the Gigagas roadmap. These improvements enhanced the network's throughput while reducing confirmation times.

The network handled over $11.1 billion in volume from non-USD stablecoins, which supports regional payment needs in countries outside the U.S. This diversification has helped Polygon gain traction in international markets where local fiat-backed stablecoins are increasingly relevant.

How Did Markets React?

Polygon's native token, POL, showed mixed performance in 2025. The token fluctuated between $0.11 and $0.21, depending on liquidity and exchange conditions. However, it recorded gains of between 2.78% and 8.63% in a 24-hour period, indicating a cautious but positive market sentiment.

The rise in stablecoin activity also had macroeconomic implications. The U.S. is considering regulatory frameworks for stablecoins, with some industry leaders warning that overly restrictive policies could give China an advantage. For example, the People's Bank of China announced plans to pay interest on the digital yuan, a move that could enhance its competitiveness.

Analysts are closely watching the regulatory landscape, particularly in the U.S. and China. A major U.S. regulatory decision could determine the trajectory of stablecoin adoption globally. Coinbase executives have warned that limiting rewards or interest on U.S.-issued stablecoins could weaken their position against foreign alternatives.

On the technical side, the performance of Polygon's network will remain under scrutiny. As more users adopt stablecoins for payments, the network will need to maintain low costs and fast finality to retain its edge. The expansion of non-USD stablecoins also indicates a growing need for global payment solutions.

Looking ahead, stablecoin adoption is expected to continue rising, particularly in retail and merchant use cases. Platforms like BitMart and KuCoin are also expanding stablecoin payment capabilities through integrations with QR payment systems and Lightning Network infrastructure.

Polygon's performance in 2025 highlights the increasing role of blockchain in real-world commerce. With over $2.83 billion in stablecoins on its network, Polygon has solidified its position as a leading settlement layer for stablecoin-based transactions. The year-end figures underscore a trend where blockchain is moving from speculative activity toward practical utility in everyday economic activity.