XDC enables real-world USDC payments as stablecoins top $307B
XDC Network has partnered with OrbitX Pay to enable merchants that accept Visa to process USD Coin (USDC) payments directly from USDC held on XDC. The integration lets users keep funds on-chain until the moment of payment, with transactions routed to payment networks to behave like standard card payments — reducing fiat conversions, off‑ramp delays and intermediary costs. XDC co-founder Ritesh Kakkaad and OrbitX CEO Ankitt Guar framed the move as a step toward everyday blockchain payments that keep users in control of assets while connecting to global payment rails. The announcement arrives as the total stablecoin market capitalization remains above $307 billion, supported by user trends: BVNK research shows 56% of stablecoin users plan to acquire more in the next 12 months, and many freelancers already receive a notable share of income in stablecoins. The integration aims to accelerate on‑chain spending adoption, but whether it achieves meaningful merchant and consumer uptake is uncertain.
Bullish
Allowing USDC to be spent directly from on‑chain XDC balances via Visa‑accepting merchants reduces friction between crypto and fiat rails. This lowers barriers for real‑world stablecoin usage by cutting conversion costs and delays, which can increase transaction velocity and on‑chain liquidity — factors generally supportive of demand for stablecoins and interoperable networks like XDC. The news is similar to past integrations (for example, card rails enabling on‑chain assets) that boosted adoption sentiment and transactional use, producing modest positive price reactions for related networks and broader stablecoin utility. Short term: trader reaction may be muted but positive for XDC and stablecoin pairs as markets price in incremental utility. Long term: if merchant adoption grows, the integration could materially raise on‑chain stablecoin circulation and use cases, supporting sustained demand and network activity. Risks: adoption is uncertain, regulatory scrutiny of stablecoins and payment rails could limit impact, and technical or liquidity issues in execution could blunt effects. Overall, the development is net bullish for stablecoin utility and XDC’s payments narrative, but magnitude depends on adoption and regulatory outcomes.