Visa has announced the launch of USDC settlement in the United States, as part of its ongoing settlement pilot programme and strategy.
For the first time, US issuers and acquirer partners are able to settle with Visa in Circle’s USDC, a fully reserved, dollar-denominated stablecoin.
“Visa is expanding stablecoin settlement because our banking partners are not only asking about it – they’re preparing to use it,” said Rubail Birwadker, global head of growth products and strategic partnerships, Visa.
USDC settlement allows issuers to move funds more quickly over blockchain networks, with round-the-clock availability and greater resilience during weekends and holidays, without changing the consumer card experience.
Early banking participants include Cross River Bank and Lead Bank, which have begun settling transactions with Visa in USDC on the Solana blockchain, with wider US rollout planned through 2026.
“Financial institutions are looking for faster, programmable settlement options that integrate seamlessly with their existing treasury operations,” added Birwadker.
By bringing USDC settlement to the US, Visa is delivering a reliable, bank‑ready capability that improves treasury efficiency while maintaining the security, compliance and resiliency standards our network requires.”
Key features of the settlement framework are seven-day settlements, improving speed and liquidity by allowing banks and fintechs to settle beyond the traditional five-day window.
According to Visa, the rollout will progress interoperability, bridging traditional payment rails with blockchain‑based infrastructure.
