Predictable, protected, always on: Stablecoins signal the next phase of cross-border payments in Australia

03/16/2026

New research commissioned by Visa, conducted by Askable, highlights the potential for stablecoins to become the new way for Australian consumers and small businesses to pay overseas. Whether it’s paying for a meal on holiday with a stablecoin-linked card or paying an overseas supplier, demand continues to grow for faster, more predictable and efficient global money movement. 

The research reveals that uncertainty on foreign exchange rates and lack of real-time visibility over settlement times are the primary cause of friction for Australians making and receiving payments overseas, and that stablecoins are gaining traction among small businesses in particular.  

Anthony Jones, Head of Product for Visa Oceania, said that while Australian small businesses are becoming more globally connected, these areas of uncertainty can come at a real operational cost.   

“Currently 8 in 10 (78%) small businesses report needing to plan days or weeks ahead for international payments, moving funds between accounts, pre-paying overseas suppliers ahead of time, and maintaining financial buffers. Stablecoins can help make international payments as seamless as sending a text – that's an obvious benefit for time-pressed small businesses.”

While familiarity with stablecoins is still low among consumers in comparison to other digital currencies such as Bitcoin, the research reveals over half (56%) of small businesses are already familiar with or actively considering how they can use stablecoins.  

Australians’ willingness to use stablecoins increases significantly when the service is provided by trusted banking and card channels, with 60% of respondents saying they would be likely to try stablecoins for international payments if offered through their existing bank app or card. The ability to make and receive payments 24/7 was also seen as one of the most useful benefits of stablecoins by small business respondents. Security remains top of mind, with 67% of respondents saying fraud protection and money back guarantees would increase their confidence and 58% of small businesses admitting concerns about cybersecurity would make them hesitant to use a new payment method like stablecoins.  

“As infrastructure around stablecoins becomes more secure and convenient, this represents a significant opportunity to improve cross-border payments by making them as seamless and transparent as domestic transactions.” added Jones. 

Visa and Bridge, a leading stablecoin infrastructure platform and a Stripe company, recently announced an expansion of their global card issuance product first unveiled in 2025. Bridge enables businesses and fintech developers to offer stablecoin-backed Visa cards. This includes Australian fintech Wayex Global, which allows users to hold a single U.S. dollar balance, fund it via bank transfers or stablecoins, and spend instantly using a Visa debit card accepted worldwide. The platform is already live across 160+ countries through local and international payment rails, with Visa card issuance currently available in 18 countries and expanding to more than 100 markets including Australia and New Zealand.

“Stablecoins can help move money nearly instantly and securely across the world, using Visa’s trusted network. Our infrastructure helps add enterprise-grade security, compliance, and fraud protection to digital asset movement, supporting a new foundation for secure global money movement that delivers real-world benefits to both Australian businesses and consumers.”

 

About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.  

Askable research
The research was commissioned by Visa and conducted by Askable from 5 February to 1 March 2026. Askable surveyed 703 retail consumers and 257 SMBs in Australia to explore awareness, trust and engagement with stablecoins.