Shopify Partners Coinbase Stripe for USDC Payments in 34 Countries

Shopify has announced a significant partnership with Coinbase and Stripe to integrate USDC stablecoin payments across its platform. This collaboration marks Shopify’s most ambitious foray into cryptocurrency, positioning it at the forefront of the stablecoin revolution in e-commerce. Unlike previous crypto integrations, which relied on third-party plugins and required merchants to opt in, Shopify’s new USDC payment system will be enabled by default. Merchants who prefer not to accept stablecoins will need to manually adjust their settings, underscoring Shopify’s commitment to mainstreaming crypto payments and making them as accessible as traditional payment methods.

To ensure smooth transactions, Shopify and Coinbase have co-developed a payments protocol on the cryptocurrency exchange’s blockchain, Base. This system is designed to handle retail-specific challenges, such as chargebacks and refunds, while Stripe’s integration ensures seamless compatibility with Shopify’s existing financial infrastructure. This partnership not only solidifies Shopify’s role as an innovator in digital payments but also sets a new standard for how businesses and consumers transact in the decentralized economy. With USDC at the core, the future of online shopping is faster, cheaper, and more inclusive than ever.

To encourage adoption, Shopify will offer merchants up to 0.5% cash back on USDC transactions in the U.S. and select markets. Later this year, customers paying with USDC will also receive cashback rewards, further incentivizing the use of stablecoins for everyday purchases. Shopify’s move reflects a broader trend among tech giants embracing stablecoins for their speed, low fees, and borderless nature. Companies are also exploring crypto integrations, while regulatory advancements signal growing institutional acceptance. As noted by an executive at Coinbase, Shopify’s initiative could trigger a domino effect, accelerating crypto adoption across the e-commerce landscape.

Customers buying from Shopify merchants will be able to use the USDC stablecoin thanks to this collaboration. The partnership enables shoppers to pay with USDC on Coinbase's Base blockchain using a crypto wallet of their choice, while Stripe, by default, allows for seamless integration. Shopify has integrated the stablecoin USDC into its Shopify Payments system through partnerships with Coinbase and Stripe, allowing consumers to pay with stablecoins via Shopify Payments and Shop Pay. This feature, developed in collaboration with Coinbase and Stripe, is designed to make it easier for merchants to accept payments made in Circle's USDC stablecoin.

Shopify CEO confirmed the partnership, adding that early access starts now and a full launch is expected later this year. An executive at Stripe highlighted that platforms using Stripe Connect can now offer stablecoin payments, with Shopify leading the way. The official Base account also confirmed the integration, noting that millions of Shopify stores will soon take USDC payments. Circle CEO and co-founder called the move a “major step forward for mainstream stablecoin adoption.”

Shopify has partnered with Coinbase and Stripe to facilitate USDC payments in 34 countries. This initiative allows merchants to streamline processes by interfacing directly with established blockchain networks, eliminating the need for in-house infrastructure. Through this partnership, the service enables merchants to handle transactions in local fiat currencies, with USDC payments processed via Coinbase's Base chain. This marks a significant step in making stablecoin usage more accessible to global merchants.

While official responses from top executives remain sparse, analysts anticipate significant growth in USDC transaction volumes. Discussions around streamlined ecommerce crypto integration are evident in industry forums and social media platforms. Insights from the research team suggest a potential increase in Base's daily transaction volume due to Shopify's adoption. This move could also influence the broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies in ecommerce and encourage other platforms to explore similar solutions.