In Brief:
- Visa has added Base to its global stablecoin settlement pilot, increasing the blockchain infrastructure to nine networks.
- The stablecoin settlement pilot has reached a $7 billion annualized run rate, marked by significant user adoption.
- Base’s integration supports real-world consumer payments, reinforcing the chain’s role in daily transactions.
Visa expands stablecoin settlement pilot with Base
Visa has officially integrated Base into its stablecoin settlement pilot, marking a significant step for Coinbase‘s Layer 2 solution. This expansion, announced on April 29, 2026, now includes nine blockchains, joining Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and Stellar in Visa’s onchain payment infrastructure.
The pilot reflects robust activity, achieving a $7 billion annualized run rate—up from $4.7 billion—indicating strong user demand. This figure represents actual transaction volume, highlighting institutional confidence in using blockchain for settlements. Currently, more than 130 stablecoin-linked card programs operate in over 50 countries.
Implications of the integration
Visa described Base as a high-performance option for fast, low-cost settlement. Jesse Pollak, Co-founder of Base, emphasized that the integration aims to position onchain transactions as a daily standard. With a focus on consumer applications and casual gaming, Base increasingly aligns with Visa’s push to enhance everyday payment systems.
This expansion marks a shift in Visa’s approach, moving toward a multi-chain settlement system rather than relying solely on one or two networks. Visa’s strategy accommodates the diverse needs of its partners, allowing flexibility in blockchain selection while serving as a common settlement layer.
New players in the ecosystem
The other new chains—Polygon, Canton, Arc, and Tempo—bring unique operational capabilities. Polygon enhances global payment infrastructure, while Canton is designed for regulated markets with a focus on privacy. Arc, a Layer 1 blockchain from Circle, aims to merge onchain innovation with real-world transactions. Tempo, supported by Stripe, targets improved stablecoin liquidity movement.
What it means for Base’s future
Base’s integration into Visa’s settlement infrastructure represents more than just a partnership. It provides the network with a robust payment solution through which consumer apps can connect seamlessly to real-world transactions. This bridge supports a growing ecosystem that includes a variety of gaming and finance projects.
The integration adds substantial value to Base, positioning it as a critical component in a broader network of stablecoin transactions. The presence of USDC liquidity facilitates easier transitions between in-game economies and traditional payment systems.
Shifting financial terrain
The expansion exemplifies a broader evolution in how stablecoins function within the financial system. Visa’s CEO Ryan McInerney outlined a vision where stablecoins serve not just as digital assets but as essential elements of payment infrastructure. This encompasses stablecoin-linked cards that allow spending at traditional merchants, enhancing the practical use of digital assets.
In conjunction with this settlement pilot, Visa is also looking to develop onchain banking capabilities. Their recent partnership with WeFi aims to enhance payment services across various global markets, closing gaps in onchain banking infrastructure.
Future trajectory
The steady growth of the pilot through 2026 suggests that the integration of more chains will meet the increasing demand from issuers and acquirers. The addition of Base and other networks enhances the overall liquidity and stability of the settlement infrastructure.
Stablecoin settlement has transitioned from an experimental framework to a core operational function for Visa. The integration of multiple blockchains positions the company as a facilitator connecting consumers to a fragmented multi-chain payment environment.
