Stripe has officially re-entered the cryptocurrency space by enabling US-based businesses to accept payments in USD Coin (USDC) across three major blockchain networks: Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon. This move marks a significant return for the global payments leader after stepping back from crypto six years ago. The service automatically converts USDC transactions into fiat currency, depositing the funds directly into merchants’ accounts and simplifying the entire process for businesses.
The relaunch allows merchants to tap into a growing audience of crypto users while avoiding the complexities of handling digital assets directly. With clear transaction limits and fees, Stripe aims to provide a secure and user-friendly gateway for stablecoin payments.
How Stripe’s New Crypto Payment Feature Works
Stripe’s “Pay with Crypto” tool is designed to make accepting digital currency straightforward. Businesses integrated with Stripe can now receive USDC from customers in more than 150 countries. The system automatically settles these payments as US dollars in the merchant’s Stripe balance, removing the need for manual conversion or crypto wallet management.
Supported integration methods include Stripe Checkout, Payment Elements, and the Payment Intents API, with subscriptions functionality coming soon. Customers can pay using compatible wallets on Ethereum, Solana, or Polygon. Returning users benefit from a streamlined, one-click checkout experience via Stripe Link.
To ensure safety and regulatory compliance, Stripe has implemented a transaction limit of $10,000 per payment and a monthly cap of $100,000. A transparent fee of 1.5% is applied to each transaction.
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The Evolution of Stripe’s Crypto Strategy
Stripe was one of the first major payment processors to embrace cryptocurrency when it began accepting Bitcoin in 2014. However, due to issues like high volatility, slow processing times, and elevated fees, the company discontinued Bitcoin payments in 2018.
The reintroduction of crypto payments—this time with a stablecoin focus—highlights how the market has evolved. Stablecoins like USDC offer the speed and programmability of crypto with the price stability of traditional currency. This addresses the key concerns that previously led Stripe to exit the market.
Industry experts, including Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire, have welcomed the decision. The partnership reflects a broader trend of financial service providers incorporating digital assets to meet rising consumer and merchant demand.
Broader Industry Context and Future Outlook
Stripe’s move aligns with a wider industry shift toward embracing digital assets. Competitors like PayPal have also introduced crypto payment services, signaling growing mainstream acceptance. Stripe’ re-entry not only enhances its own service suite but also strengthens the infrastructure supporting global crypto adoption.
Beyond stablecoin payments, Stripe has been actively forming partnerships within the crypto ecosystem. Recent integrations with platforms like Avalanche and collaborations with companies like Coinbase have expanded its crypto onramp capabilities and access to decentralized applications.
Analysts project continued growth in the stablecoin market, with institutional and retail adoption driving expansion. Stripe’s reliable and familiar platform could play a key role in this maturation process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What cryptocurrencies does Stripe currently accept?
Stripe now accepts USD Coin (USDC) on the Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon blockchains. It does not support other cryptocurrencies or stablecoins at this time.
How are USDC payments converted to fiat?
Stripe automatically converts incoming USDC payments into US dollars at the time of transaction. Merchants receive the settled amount in their Stripe account without needing to manage crypto exchanges.
What are the transaction limits and fees?
The per-transaction limit is $10,000, with a monthly cap of $100,000. Each transaction includes a 1.5% fee, which is clearly stated during the payment process.
Is this feature available outside the United States?
Currently, only US-based businesses can accept USDC payments through Stripe. The company has announced plans to expand to additional countries in the near future.
Can customers pay with any cryptocurrency wallet?
Payments are supported from wallets compatible with Ethereum, Solana, or Polygon networks. Users must hold USDC in one of these wallets to complete a transaction.
Will Stripe support other cryptocurrencies in the future?
While only USDC is supported at launch, Stripe may consider adding other digital assets depending on market stability and regulatory developments.