Stablecoin Adoption Gains Momentum as On-Ramp Fees Drop Sharply

Stablecoin adoption is gaining significant momentum as platforms work to reduce on-ramp fees, making entry into the digital asset ecosystem more affordable and accessible for users. A joint report from Keyrock and Bitso forecasts that stablecoin payment volumes could surpass $1 trillion annually by the end of this decade [1]. Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC are already leading the charge, with USDT hitting a market capitalization of $104.1 billion and USDC hovering just above $67 billion [1].

However, high on-ramp fees—charges for converting fiat into stablecoins—have long been a barrier to broader adoption. Bakhrom Saydulloev, product lead at Mercuryo, noted that these fees are one of the strongest deterrents for new users. He explained that when users see $25 to $50 in fees deducted from a $1,000 stablecoin purchase, many abandon the process [1]. These costs disproportionately affect users in emerging markets and those engaging in cross-border remittances, where the value of stablecoins is most pronounced [1].

Recognizing this challenge, Mercuryo has partnered with Coinbase to reduce on-ramp fees for USDC on Coinbase’s Base Layer-2 network, and the initiative is already available in the UK and EEA [1]. These fees, which can often reach up to 5 percent depending on the method, are being targeted for significant reduction. Mercuryo aims to bring these costs as close to zero as possible [1]. MetaMask, a widely used crypto wallet, is also part of this initiative, with Lorenzo Santos noting that USDC usage within the platform is growing rapidly [1].

The partnership with Coinbase and MetaMask is not the only effort to improve access. MetaMask has also proposed launching its own stablecoin, MetaMask USD (mmUSD), through a collaboration with Stripe. This could introduce more competition to the USDC and USDT markets but is expected to drive further adoption [1].

Accessibility is another crucial factor in the adoption equation. Tomer Weller, chief product officer at Stellar, emphasized the importance of having accessible on- and off-ramp solutions. Stellar’s collaboration with MoneyGram has created one of the largest cash on-ramp networks, with over 450,000 physical locations across 170 countries where users can convert stablecoins to local fiat [1]. This infrastructure helps integrate stablecoins into everyday financial activity and supports their use in real-world transactions.

Meanwhile, new user-friendly tools are also emerging. Danny Brown-Wolf highlighted the role of social wallets like Bankrbot in reducing friction for new users. These platforms allow individuals to create crypto wallets through social media accounts and receive and send stablecoins via direct messages or social feeds. Brown-Wolf noted that these wallets eliminate the need for managing seed phrases, network fees, and other complexities that typically deter 99% of users [1]. Bankrbot currently offers no additional transaction fees beyond network gas costs, further lowering the barrier to entry [1].

The convergence of lower fees, better accessibility, and innovative user onboarding tools suggests that stablecoins are on a path to widespread adoption. Saydulloev believes that the current macroeconomic climate—with inflation, currency volatility, and a growing demand for stable value—presents a unique opportunity for stablecoins to enter the mainstream [1]. However, he stressed that this transition will require continued cost reductions, regulatory clarity, and real-world incentives to push beyond speculative use cases.

The ongoing efforts by major players like Coinbase, MetaMask, and Stellar signal a growing consensus that stablecoins can play a transformative role in global payments—if the right infrastructure is in place.

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Source: [1] [Stablecoins Surge as On-Ramp Fees Fall – Coinbase, MetaMask Target Cheaper USDC](https://cryptonews.com/news/how-lower-on-ramping-fees-and-accessibility-will-drive-stablecoin-adoption/)