Visa has announced a new partnership with digital payments infrastructure provider BVNK to enable stablecoin-based payments across the Visa Direct network. This move reflects Visa’s broader effort to integrate digital assets into its global payments infrastructure while continuing to support traditional fiat-based rails. Through the collaboration, Visa Direct customers are expected to gain additional options for cross-border payments by combining stablecoins with existing payment methods, increasing flexibility for businesses and end users.
Visa Direct operates as a real-time money movement network that processes approximately $1.7 trillion in transaction volume each year. The platform supports payouts to cards, bank accounts, and digital wallets, making it a critical component of Visa’s commercial and consumer payments strategy. By incorporating stablecoins into this network, Visa aims to enhance how funds move globally without disrupting existing systems.
BVNK to Provide Stablecoin Infrastructure
Under the terms of the partnership, BVNK will supply the stablecoin infrastructure that allows certain Visa Direct business customers to pre-fund payouts using stablecoins instead of relying entirely on fiat currencies. This capability is designed to improve efficiency for companies managing international payments, particularly those operating across multiple currencies and jurisdictions.
In addition to pre-funding capabilities, the integration will support payouts made directly to end recipients in stablecoins. This feature enables digital dollar balances to be delivered straight into users’ wallets, offering faster settlement times and continuous availability. By reducing dependence on traditional banking hours, the solution is expected to be particularly useful for cross-border transactions and treasury operations that require timely liquidity management.
Meeting Demand for Always-On Payments
BVNK has indicated that it processes more than $30 billion in stablecoin payments each year, highlighting growing demand for digital asset–based settlement. Initially, the company will support Visa Direct’s stablecoin services in approved markets where adoption of digital asset payments is already strong. Further expansion is expected to follow based on customer demand and regulatory readiness.
The announcement represents the latest stage in a growing relationship between the two companies. Visa Ventures made a strategic investment in BVNK in May 2025, signaling Visa’s long-term interest in stablecoin infrastructure and its potential role in modernizing payment systems. Both firms have positioned the current integration as a continuation of that collaboration.
Exciting news: we're powering stablecoin payments for @Visa Direct
Starting this year with pilot programs, BVNK will provide stablecoin infrastructure for @VISADIRECT's $1.7 trillion real-time payments network, enabling faster, more flexible global money movement. pic.twitter.com/0SxgIRrhof
— BVNK (@BVNKFinance) January 14, 2026
Stablecoins as a Complement to Existing Rails
Visa has emphasized that the partnership aligns with its strategy of exploring how stablecoins can enhance money movement rather than replace established payment rails. From Visa’s perspective, stablecoins offer an opportunity to reduce friction in global payments while expanding access to faster and more efficient settlement options. Their utility is seen as particularly strong during weekends, holidays, and other periods when traditional banks are closed, allowing transactions to proceed without delay.
BVNK’s leadership has characterized stablecoins as more than an alternative payment method, viewing them instead as a foundational layer of modern payments infrastructure. By embedding stablecoin functionality directly into Visa’s network, the partnership is intended to give businesses and consumers greater control over when and how funds are sent and received.
Implications for Businesses and Global Payments
For businesses, the integration is expected to provide greater flexibility in treasury management, cross-border payouts, and liquidity planning. Companies will be able to choose between fiat and stablecoin settlement options while continuing to rely on the scale, security, and trust associated with Visa’s global network. This approach is designed to balance innovation with reliability, addressing both operational efficiency and risk management concerns.
The rollout will begin in select markets with strong demand for digital asset payments, with broader expansion planned over time. As regulatory frameworks evolve and customer needs become clearer, Visa and BVNK aim to extend stablecoin functionality to additional regions. Overall, the partnership underscores Visa’s intention to play an active role in shaping the future of digital payments by integrating stablecoins into mainstream financial infrastructure.