Visa connects settlement data to blockchain lenders for stablecoin cards

Visa connects settlement data to blockchain lenders for stablecoin cards

Tue, September 8, 2026 at 5:12 PM GMT+3 2 min read

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Visa announced Tuesday that it will share VisaNet settlement data with blockchain-based lenders to help stablecoin-linked card programs and fintechs access working capital through onchain credit infrastructure.

The company said more than 160 stablecoin-linked card programs operate on its network, with payment volume on those programs growing nearly 200% year over year. Visa's stablecoin settlement volume has surpassed a $20 billion annualized run rate, up more than 15 times year over year, the company said.

Visa has been piloting the model with Credit Coop, a firm that provides working capital and settlement financing for stablecoin-linked card programs through smart contracts that automate funding, collateral management, and repayment. With customer authorization, Credit Coop combines Visa settlement data with onchain transaction records to evaluate credit performance. The pilot has supported more than $2.5 billion in cumulative financed settlement volume since 2023, with no defaults across participating facilities, Visa said.

"Payment companies have always had good collateral in their settlement receivables, but no way to show lenders how it performs in real time," Chris Walker, founder and CEO of Credit Coop, said in a statement. "By combining Visa settlement data with onchain infrastructure, we can evaluate live performance, enforce repayment from the settlement flow and extend capital onchain from participating lenders as a program grows."

Cuy Sheffield, head of crypto at Visa, said stablecoin-linked cards are in a period of rapid expansion, with new issuers joining the network every week, according to CNBC. Sheffield called last year's passage of the GENIUS Act, which established U.S. stablecoin regulation, a "huge" turning point, according to CNBC.

Visa said that since 2020, onchain lending protocols have facilitated more than $694 billion in stablecoin-denominated loans, though that activity has largely stayed within crypto markets rather than flowing to everyday payment businesses. The company said combining trusted payment data with blockchain lending infrastructure can make it easier for lenders to evaluate financing opportunities for fast-growing digital payment companies that lack the operating history typically required by traditional lenders.

Tuesday's announcement builds on Visa's broader stablecoin push. The company launched its stablecoin platform in July, which enables stablecoin settlement and aims to help financial institutions access digital asset capabilities.

Visa has also been reshaping its broader business. The company eliminated roughly 2,600 jobs, or about 7% of its workforce, with cuts falling on technology and product teams. Chief Executive Officer Ryan McInerney said freed-up capital would be reinvested in areas including stablecoin, cross-border, and business-to-business products.

Visa stock has gained roughly 7% this year.