Stripe Launches Stablecoin Accounts in 100+ Countries, Boosting Global Transactions by 50%

Stripe, a leading financial infrastructure company, has launched stablecoin accounts in over 100 countries, enabling users to transact using stablecoins. This feature was unveiled during Stripe’s annual user event in San Francisco, where the company also highlighted its broader push into crypto and AI. The new Stablecoin Financial Accounts will initially allow Stripe clients to hold balances in Circle’s USD Coin (USDC) and Bridge’s USDB, receive payments through both traditional and crypto rails, and send stablecoins globally.

The rollout is aimed at serving businesses operating in countries with volatile currencies, limited banking access, or high cross-border payment costs. Stripe asserts that the product will help businesses “hedge against inflation, more easily access the global economy.” The service is available in regions such as Argentina, Turkey, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, where stablecoins are increasingly used as a store of value and a hedge against local currency devaluation.

The launch comes as Stripe has witnessed a sharp rise in global stablecoin usage, with stablecoin transaction volumes surging over 50% in the past year. Stripe was one of the first major payments companies to embrace crypto, introducing Bitcoin support back in 2014. However, by 2018, Stripe pulled the plug, citing rising fees and slower transaction speeds. In late 2024, the company re-entered the sector with a “Pay with Crypto” feature, allowing merchants to accept USDC and Pax Dollar payments across Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon.

Since then, Stripe has doubled down on its crypto efforts. Earlier this year, it acquired Bridge, a stablecoin infrastructure provider, for $1.1 billion. Founded by former Coinbase executives, Bridge now powers much of Stripe’s blockchain backend, handling wallet integration, real-time settlement, and on-chain transfers. This acquisition has significantly bolstered Stripe's capabilities in the stablecoin space, positioning the company as a major player in the payments industry alongside other giants like PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard.

Stripe's stablecoin accounts are designed to facilitate cross-border payments, which have traditionally been complex and costly. By using stablecoins, businesses can bypass the need for multiple currency conversions and reduce the associated fees. This not only streamlines the payment process but also enhances transparency and security. The introduction of these stablecoin accounts is a strategic move by Stripe to leverage the benefits of stablecoins, which are digital currencies pegged to the value of a stable asset, such as the US dollar. This innovation allows businesses to conduct transactions with reduced volatility and increased stability, making it an attractive option for international trade and commerce.

The launch of these accounts is part of Stripe's broader initiative to integrate advanced technologies into its financial services. The company has also unveiled an AI foundation model for payments, which aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of financial transactions. This dual focus on stablecoins and AI reflects Stripe's commitment to innovation and its efforts to stay at the forefront of the fintech industry. The new stablecoin accounts are expected to benefit a wide range of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises. By providing a stable and efficient means of conducting international transactions, Stripe is positioning itself as a key player in the global financial landscape. This move is likely to attract more businesses to Stripe's platform, further solidifying its position as a leading provider of financial services.

In summary, Stripe's launch of stablecoin-powered accounts in over 100 countries represents a significant step forward in the company's efforts to innovate and expand its financial services. By leveraging the stability and efficiency of stablecoins, Stripe is providing businesses with a powerful tool for conducting international transactions, while also enhancing the overall user experience. This strategic move is set to have a profound impact on the global financial industry, paving the way for more efficient and secure cross-border payments.