WalletConnect Launches Stablecoin POS Payment Service, Expanding On-Chain Transactions into Retail

WalletConnect and Ingenico have announced a partnership to launch stablecoin payments on point-of-sale (POS) terminals, marking a significant step in the integration of blockchain technology into traditional retail environments according to reports. The service, which will begin with acquiring institutions and payment service providers in January 2026, will expand gradually to merchants in Europe during the first and second quarters of the year as detailed. This initiative aims to bypass traditional banking and credit card networks by enabling direct on-chain payments using stablecoins, leveraging WalletConnect Pay to facilitate the transactions according to the announcement.

The new functionality will integrate into existing POS systems as a tag or application, allowing users to select a supported blockchain like Solana or Ethereum and complete a transaction via their wallet as described. This approach supports faster settlement and reduces fees by eliminating intermediaries like card networks according to financial analysis. Merchants can also choose between stablecoin settlement or fiat conversion, depending on their operational preferences as reported. WalletConnect CEO Jess Houlgrave emphasized that the partnership with Ingenico is designed to bring stablecoin transactions into real-world retail environments in a practical and user-friendly manner according to company statements.

The integration builds on WalletConnect's strong performance in 2025, where the network handled over $400 billion in transactions, much of it involving stablecoins according to market data. Ingenico has been gradually embedding crypto capabilities into its payment infrastructure since 2015, including partnerships with BitPay, Binance, and Crypto.com as documented. The latest move adds support for multiple leading blockchains and over 70 digital wallets, with additional support for chains like Solana and Optimism expected in the coming months according to product details.

Why Did This Happen?

The partnership reflects growing demand for stablecoin-based payments, which offer faster and lower-cost transactions compared to traditional methods according to industry analysis. Ingenico's CEO, Floris de Kort, noted that the solution is designed to be secure, compliant, and seamless, ensuring that no extra hardware or card balances are required for merchants to adopt the technology as stated. The service aligns with broader trends in the financial sector, where major players like Visa and Polygon are also exploring stablecoin integration according to business reports.

Ripple has similarly expanded its licensing portfolio, securing regulatory approval in the EU and UK to support its stablecoin and cross-border payment initiatives according to regulatory updates. Polygon Labs has announced its acquisition of Coinme and Sequence, aiming to enhance its stablecoin and payments infrastructure as reported. These developments indicate that stablecoins are gaining traction as a viable alternative for both domestic and international transactions.

How Did Markets React?

The broader crypto market has faced volatility in recent days, with over $800 million in liquidations across leveraged positions due to rising trade tensions between the EU and the U.S. according to market data. However, stablecoin adoption appears to be gaining momentum regardless of macroeconomic uncertainties. The launch of WalletConnect's POS service has been viewed as a positive development for the blockchain space, as it brings stablecoins closer to everyday consumers and businesses according to industry observers.

Analysts are watching how user adoption will unfold, particularly since the current workflow still relies on users notifying cashiers upfront and completing multiple manual steps as noted. Despite these limitations, the integration marks a significant milestone in moving on-chain assets into offline consumption scenarios. WalletConnect's infrastructure also includes safeguards to prevent user-side errors, such as sending funds to the wrong network according to technical documentation.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Market participants are closely monitoring how this initiative will affect broader stablecoin adoption and regulatory responses. The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is expected to shape the compliance landscape for crypto-based payments in the coming months according to regulatory analysis. Ripple and other firms are navigating these regulatory shifts to ensure their services remain compliant and competitive as reported.

Polygon's expansion into stablecoin payments and cross-border settlement could also influence the market, particularly in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is less developed according to business analysis. Meanwhile, companies like eToro and Gemini continue to innovate in crypto credit cards and wallet solutions, indicating that stablecoin adoption is likely to accelerate across multiple use cases according to financial reports.

The next critical test for WalletConnect and Ingenico will be whether the service can scale beyond early adopters and attract broader merchant and consumer interest. The success of the initiative will depend on factors such as user experience, transaction speed, and cost efficiency relative to traditional payment systems according to market analysis.