Amazon Walmart Explore Stablecoins to Save 1 Billion in Transaction Fees

Amazon and Walmart, two of the world's largest retail corporations, are reportedly exploring the development of stablecoins to potentially save on transaction costs. This move, if realized, could significantly boost their profits and disrupt the current financial systems and payment processes by leveraging internal stablecoin-based solutions. Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency that is pegged to a stable asset, such as the U.S. dollar, to minimize price volatility. By issuing their own stablecoins or accepting existing ones, these retail giants aim to reduce the billions of dollars they currently pay in credit transaction fees to providers like Visa and Mastercard.

Amazon has previously filed trademarks linked to digital currencies and operates Amazon Pay, an e-wallet. Walmart has tested digital currency and blockchain applications. As of June 2025, neither company has provided formal public confirmations about their stablecoin plans. However, the potential reduction in card transaction fees stands to benefit the companies financially, with insights suggesting that this move could save each company up to $1 billion in annual EBITDA. This cost reduction gives Amazon and Walmart a significant performance incentive, potentially inspiring alterations in regulations, particularly with the ongoing U.S. GENIUS Act.

The potential impact of this move extends beyond cost savings. By embracing stablecoins, Amazon and Walmart could position themselves at the forefront of the digital currency revolution, potentially attracting tech-savvy customers and enhancing their competitive edge. The adoption of stablecoins could also pave the way for other retailers to follow suit, leading to a broader transformation in the retail payment ecosystem. This shift could lead to more efficient and transparent payment processes, benefiting both the retailers and their customers. The move is part of a broader trend where companies are exploring digital currencies to streamline global payments and lower processing costs.

However, the path to issuing stablecoins is not without regulatory hurdles. The Senate is currently considering a bill known as the Genius Act, which would establish a framework for private companies to issue stablecoins. This legislation, if passed, would provide the necessary regulatory clarity for retailers to proceed with their stablecoin plans. The bill has already passed an initial procedural vote but requires a full floor vote in both chambers of Congress. The potential reduction in card transaction fees stands to benefit the companies financially, with insights suggesting that this move could save each company up to $1 billion in annual EBITDA. This cost reduction gives Amazon and Walmart a significant performance incentive, potentially inspiring alterations in regulations, particularly with the ongoing U.S. GENIUS Act.

Insights suggest new stablecoin technology may shift current cryptocurrency usage patterns, impacting Ethereum and renowned stablecoins like USDT. Amazon and Walmart have yet to declare the chosen technological frameworks for these stablecoins. The potential impact of this move extends beyond cost savings. By embracing stablecoins, Amazon and Walmart could position themselves at the forefront of the digital currency revolution, potentially attracting tech-savvy customers and enhancing their competitive edge. The adoption of stablecoins could also pave the way for other retailers to follow suit, leading to a broader transformation in the retail payment ecosystem. This shift could lead to more efficient and transparent payment processes, benefiting both the retailers and their customers. The move is part of a broader trend where companies are exploring digital currencies to streamline global payments and lower processing costs.