Walmart
and
Amazon
have reportedly been exploring the possibility of introducing their own stablecoins as an alternative payment method.

This move could enable them to sidestep traditional card networks and reduce transaction fees. Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain a fixed value, often pegged to the USD. Unlike more volatile cryptocurrencies, these tokens aim to offer price stability, making them more practical for everyday transactions.

By issuing a proprietary stablecoin or accepting third-party versions, large retailers could operate outside the current financial infrastructure dominated by banks and credit card companies. This could potentially eliminate billions in interchange and processing fees typically paid to providers like Visa and Mastercard, as reported recently by the Wall Street Journal.

Regulatory Developments Could Shape Future Rollout

The initiative may depend on regulatory changes. A legislative proposal known as the Genius Act is currently under Senate review. The bill aims to establish a framework for private companies to issue stablecoins and has cleared procedural hurdles but still requires full approval in both the House and Senate before becoming law.

Retailers are not alone in exploring these possibilities; Expedia and some airlines are also assessing the use of stablecoins in their payment systems.

Officials from Walmart declined to comment, while Amazon did not respond to inquiries. Stock market reactions were subdued for both firms, though shares in Visa and Mastercard fell by 5% and 4%, respectively, according to Investopedia.