- Apple, X, Airbnb, Google explore stablecoin payments to cut transaction costs and speed up cross-border money transfers.
- Airbnb negotiates with Worldpay for stablecoin payouts; X builds stablecoins into “X Money” app with Stripe talks.
Several large technology companies are actively exploring stablecoin integration within their payment operations. Apple, X (formerly Twitter), Airbnb, and Google are in preliminary discussions with cryptocurrency firms. People familiar with the private talks confirmed these conversations focus on using digital tokens tied to the US dollar.
These companies see stablecoins as tools to reduce transaction expenses and accelerate international money movement. This potential benefit is attractive for businesses handling numerous payments. Uber is also examining stablecoins for transferring funds globally. Meta is revisiting crypto payment ideas after facing regulatory obstacles with an earlier project.
Google Cloud: This division of Google has already processed payments using PayPal’s PYUSD stablecoin. Two customers settled their invoices with the token. Rich Widmann, leading Web3 strategy at Google Cloud, stated:
“We sent the invoice normally. They paid that bill normally, but used stablecoins for the payment.” These transactions used Google’s standard accounting systems, not a separate unit.
Airbnb: The home rental platform is negotiating with its payment processor, Worldpay, about enabling stablecoin payouts. Worldpay recently announced a partnership with stablecoin infrastructure company BNVK for such services. Reducing fees paid to traditional processors like Visa and Mastercard is a key motivation for Airbnb. Multiple sources confirmed these ongoing discussions.
X (formerly Twitter): Elon Musk’s social media company is building stablecoin functionality into its developing “X Money” payments application. Musk aims to create an “everything app” including peer-to-peer payments.
Talks involve potential integration with payments processor Stripe and existing work with Visa. Patrick Traughber previously led X’s payments effort before moving to a crypto project backed by Sam Altman. Software engineer Payam Abedi now manages the stablecoin project.
Apple: The technology giant is investigating stablecoin options for its established Apple Pay system. Discussions reportedly included Matt Cavin, a senior director at stablecoin issuer Circle. Apple seeks ways to enhance its payment infrastructure.
A perceived shift in the US regulatory environment under the Trump administration, favoring lighter oversight of blockchain technology, has influenced Big Tech’s renewed interest. Meanwhile, US lawmakers are debating two proposed bills to regulate stablecoins.
Companies face practical hurdles, particularly choosing which stablecoin to adopt. Tether, issuer of the largest stablecoin, has faced ongoing questions about its compliance practices. The future ownership structure of USDC issuer Circle is uncertain following its initial public offering. PayPal’s PYUSD currently sees limited usage. Some firms might consider creating their own stablecoin, though proposed legislation seeks to restrict this option.
Chris Ahn, a partner at Haun Ventures, observed that Stripe’s recent purchase of stablecoin startup Bridge boosted confidence.
“Large companies require legitimacy” Ahn noted. “Observing respected fintech companies adopt this technology builds trust.“
An Airbnb spokesperson stated the company has no immediate plans to integrate crypto payments but continuously monitors digital asset developments. Apple and X declined to comment. Stripe did not respond to questions about talks with X. Circle did not address inquiries regarding discussions with Apple.
