Big Tech Turns to Stablecoins for Faster Global Payments

Apple, X, Airbnb, and others explore stablecoin payments to streamline cross-border transactions and reduce reliance on costly card networks.

A wave of interest in blockchain-powered payments is sweeping through Silicon Valley as major tech firms—including Apple, X (formerly Twitter), Airbnb, and Google—begin exploring stablecoin integration to overhaul how digital transactions are settled. According to a Fortune report published June 6, early-stage discussions are underway with crypto companies and payment processors, signaling that stablecoins could soon play a central role in global tech infrastructure.

The Push for Faster, Cheaper Payments

The conversations, which also involve companies like Uber, are centered on using dollar-pegged stablecoins to cut transaction fees and improve the efficiency of cross-border payments. With mounting costs from traditional card networks such as Visa and Mastercard, tech platforms are evaluating blockchain-based alternatives that could minimize intermediary fees and settlement times.

Back-end support for these stablecoin systems is reportedly being discussed with major payment processors like Stripe and Worldpay. For example, Airbnb has conducted internal evaluations with Worldpay to explore stablecoin feasibility, while X is considering integrating stablecoin support into its X Money app through a potential partnership with Stripe.

At the core of this shift is the appeal of on-chain settlements, which promise to streamline global payments and reduce friction associated with legacy banking rails. Although these explorations are still preliminary, they signal a broader willingness from tech giants to rethink the underlying infrastructure of digital commerce.

Risk and Regulation Shape Stablecoin Strategy

Despite their promise, stablecoins are not without concerns. Firms engaged in the talks are reportedly assessing the risk profiles of various stablecoin issuers before proceeding with integrations. Tether, the largest stablecoin by market cap, has faced repeated questions over its reserve audits and compliance practices. Meanwhile, USDC, issued by Circle, has seen recent changes in corporate ownership, prompting further scrutiny around long-term stability.

Chris Ahn, partner at crypto investment firm Haun Ventures, told Fortune, “Stablecoins are this old idea, but finally I think we’ve got the right pieces coming together such that it’s really coming into fruition.” His comment highlights the sentiment that while stablecoins have existed for years, market maturity, regulatory clarity, and institutional interest may be aligning for mainstream adoption.

Google Cloud has already taken early steps toward stablecoin acceptance. Rich Widmann, head of Web3 strategy at Google Cloud, confirmed that select clients have been allowed to settle invoices using PayPal’s PYUSD, a dollar-backed stablecoin. He emphasized that the change only affects the currency used for settlement, while invoices and accounting workflows remain unchanged.

“It’s pretty clear that this is probably one of the biggest upgrades to payments since the SWIFT network,” said Widmann. “There isn’t a separate offshoot for stablecoin payments within Cloud.”

Political Climate Boosts Corporate Confidence

The timing of this renewed interest in blockchain-based payments may be more than coincidental. The Fortune report noted that recent shifts in U.S. digital asset policy under the Trump administration have eased regulatory pressure. Tech leaders view this more permissive environment as a green light to accelerate digital currency strategies.

Stripe’s recent acquisition of stablecoin-focused startup Bridge has also been viewed as a milestone, catalyzing deeper conversations about enterprise-level integrations. By folding stablecoin functionality into mainstream payment rails, companies like Stripe are making it easier for large tech players to experiment without having to overhaul their entire systems. This trend mirrors a broader shift across the industry, as over 90% of institutions are now using or exploring stablecoins.

Meanwhile, central banks around the world continue to advance their own central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiatives, offering a contrasting model to privately issued stablecoins. The interplay between public and private digital currencies could determine how the future of global payments evolves.

Implications for Legacy Payment Networks

The prospect of stablecoins becoming embedded in major tech platforms has far-reaching implications for legacy processors such as Visa and Mastercard. If companies begin routing transactions through on-chain systems, the reliance on traditional card networks—and their associated fees—could diminish significantly.

For consumers, this shift may eventually translate to faster payments, lower fees, and expanded access to international services. For businesses, particularly those with global user bases, stablecoins offer a more efficient way to manage liquidity and optimize treasury functions.

However, integration won’t be one-size-fits-all. Not all stablecoins are created equal, and firms must carefully consider the transparency, legal structure, and audit practices of each issuer before making a selection. Tether, despite its market dominance, continues to face skepticism over its reserve disclosures, while USDC is generally seen as more transparent but may face volatility amid corporate restructuring.

Could Big Tech Launch Its Own Stablecoins?

Given their scale and technical capabilities, it’s logical to wonder whether tech titans might eventually create proprietary stablecoins. However, U.S. legislative efforts have increasingly sought to prevent non-financial entities from issuing digital currencies, effectively raising the regulatory barrier for such ambitions.

Still, if regulatory frameworks evolve, in-house stablecoins could offer firms even greater control over their ecosystems, enabling them to bypass third-party issuers altogether. Until then, partnerships with existing stablecoin providers appear to be the most viable path forward.

The Next Phase of Digital Payments

The private discussions among Apple, X, Airbnb, Google, and other tech leaders may only mark the beginning of a broader transformation in digital payments. As stablecoins gain institutional legitimacy and regulatory conditions soften, the path toward mass adoption in the corporate world is becoming clearer.

Whether this momentum leads to wide-scale implementation—or stalls under the weight of regulatory uncertainty and technological challenges—remains to be seen. But for now, stablecoins are no longer a niche experiment. They’re emerging as a serious contender in the race to modernize global financial infrastructure.