Visa Integrates Polygon and Base into its Settlement Program: Is Fiat at Risk?

Stablecoins are gaining ground in the payments landscape. Visa intends to capitalize on this shift to strengthen its market position. The company now connects multiple blockchains and reports a volume reaching $7 billion. This move is drawing attention across the crypto sector and reigniting debate about the role of fiat in digital transactions.

Visa boosts stablecoins with $7 billion in volume

Visa is ramping up its efforts in crypto payments. Recently, it even launched an autonomous AI-driven purchasing platform. On April 29, the company announced an annualized volume of $7 billion through its stablecoin settlement program, according to multiple sources.

This figure reflects adoption beyond the experimental phase. Companies are already using these rails to settle transactions. The system relies on dollar-backed stablecoins capable of transferring value almost instantly.

The benefits are clear:
• Faster international payments
• Lower crypto transaction costs
• 24/7 settlement availability

In its official communications, Visa highlights a clear ambition: modernize global payments through blockchain. The company is no longer testing. It is deploying.

Polygon, Base and five blockchains: Visa builds a multi-chain infrastructure

Visa is no longer limited to a single blockchain. The company now integrates five crypto networks, including Polygon and Base, aiming to expand its infrastructure.

This multi-chain approach serves several goals:
• Increase processing capacity
• Improve payment flexibility
• Reduce reliance on a single network

Polygon offers fast and low-cost transactions. Base is already attracting numerous Web3 projects. Their integration strengthens the program’s reach and supports large-scale enterprise adoption.

Fiat vs stablecoins: complement or real competition?

Stablecoins have not replaced traditional currencies yet. Still, their role is evolving rapidly. Visa now uses them as a settlement tool rather than a direct substitute for fiat.

The shift remains significant. Companies can transfer funds without relying on traditional banking rails. This evolution is reshaping cross-border payments.

Stablecoins provide:
• Payment programmability
• Increased transparency through blockchain
• Interoperability across crypto platforms

Visa is embracing this transformation, exploring a hybrid model that combines traditional finance with crypto infrastructure.

Stablecoins continue gaining traction in global payments. Visa is accelerating and laying the foundation for a new standard. What comes next will depend on institutional adoption and the response of traditional financial systems.