In a significant move to expand its digital currency settlement options, BitPay—the world’s leading blockchain payments provider—has announced support for two major dollar-pegged stablecoins: Gemini Dollar (GUSD) and Circle’s CENTRE USD Coin (USDC). This development marks a pivotal shift in how businesses can receive cross-border payments, offering greater stability and efficiency beyond traditional banking systems and volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
👉 Discover how stablecoin settlements are transforming global commerce today.
Expanding Beyond Bitcoin: A New Era for Business Payments
Founded with the mission to make international transactions faster, more secure, and less expensive using Bitcoin, BitPay has evolved significantly since its inception. Originally processing only Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash payments, the company now empowers merchants with a broader range of settlement choices—most notably, stablecoins that maintain a 1:1 peg with the U.S. dollar.
Stephen Pair, co-founder and CEO of BitPay, emphasized this strategic expansion:
“The introduction of USDC and GUSD stablecoin offers BitPay customers a new alternative to holding Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash by offering a stablecoin option.”
This enhancement directly addresses one of the biggest barriers to crypto adoption in commerce: price volatility. By integrating USDC and GUSD, BitPay provides businesses with a predictable, low-cost method for receiving funds—without sacrificing the speed and accessibility inherent to blockchain technology.
Why Stablecoins Matter for Global Merchants
Stablecoins like USDC and GUSD combine the best features of digital currencies and fiat money. They offer:
- Price stability: Pegged to the U.S. dollar, eliminating exposure to crypto market swings.
- Fast settlement: Transactions clear in hours or even minutes, compared to days with traditional bank wires.
- Global reach: Accessible in all 190 countries supported by BitPay.
- Reduced fees: Significantly lower transaction costs than conventional international wire transfers.
For merchants operating in regions with underdeveloped banking infrastructure—such as parts of Africa, South America, and the Asia-Pacific—this update is particularly transformative. These businesses can now accept payments from global customers without relying on expensive correspondent banking networks or enduring long settlement delays.
BitPay calculates invoice prices in 150 fiat currencies, ensuring accurate real-time conversion while enabling settlement in digital assets. Whether a customer in Japan pays via Bitcoin or a retailer in Brazil opts to receive USDC, the system maintains precision and transparency across borders.
Flexible Settlement Options for Modern Businesses
Today, BitPay gives businesses full control over how they receive their funds. Merchants can choose from multiple settlement methods:
- Bank transfer (processed the next business day)
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Gemini Dollar (GUSD)
- USD Coin (USDC)
All cryptocurrency settlements are processed the following day, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays—unlike traditional banks that operate on fixed schedules. This round-the-clock processing capability ensures faster cash flow, which is critical for small businesses and e-commerce platforms managing tight operational cycles.
Moreover, because blockchain-based settlements reduce intermediary involvement, they also lower the risk of fraud and reconciliation errors—common pain points in cross-border finance.
Empowering Consumers Beyond Payments
Beyond merchant services, BitPay also supports end users through its consumer wallet and prepaid card offerings. Customers can manage their digital assets directly within the BitPay Wallet and convert them into U.S. dollars using the BitPay Prepaid Visa® Card. This seamless integration between crypto and everyday spending enhances usability and encourages broader adoption of digital currencies.
With over $70 million raised from top-tier investors such as Aquiline Technology Growth, Index Ventures, and Founders Fund, BitPay continues to strengthen its position as a trusted bridge between traditional finance and the decentralized economy.
👉 See how you can leverage fast, secure crypto settlements for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are stablecoins, and why are they useful for payments?
A: Stablecoins are digital currencies backed by reserves—often U.S. dollars—that maintain a stable value. They’re ideal for payments because they eliminate the price volatility associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin while retaining fast transaction speeds and global accessibility.
Q: How do USDC and GUSD differ from each other?
A: Both USDC and GUSD are regulated, dollar-backed stablecoins. USDC is issued by Circle under the CENTRE consortium, while GUSD is issued by Gemini Trust Company. Both undergo regular audits and comply with financial regulations, making them reliable choices for institutional and retail use.
Q: Can any business start accepting USDC or GUSD through BitPay?
A: Yes. Any merchant already using BitPay can enable USDC or GUSD as a settlement option with minimal setup. The platform supports businesses of all sizes, from freelancers to enterprise-level e-commerce stores.
Q: Are there additional fees for choosing stablecoin settlements?
A: No. BitPay does not charge extra fees for selecting USDC or GUSD over other settlement methods. Transaction costs remain competitive regardless of the payout type chosen.
Q: Is customer data protected when using BitPay?
A: Absolutely. BitPay employs enterprise-grade encryption, multi-signature wallets, and strict compliance protocols to safeguard user information and funds. The company does not store private keys on its servers, reducing exposure to potential breaches.
Q: How quickly are stablecoin settlements reflected in my account?
A: Settlements in USDC or GUSD are typically completed within 24 hours after a transaction is confirmed on the blockchain—faster than most bank transfers, especially for international payments.
👉 Start accepting stablecoin payments with low fees and instant settlement.
The Future of Cross-Border Payments Is Here
By embracing regulated stablecoins like USDC and GUSD, BitPay is redefining what’s possible in global commerce. Businesses no longer need to choose between financial stability and technological innovation—they can have both.
As digital currencies gain traction worldwide, solutions like BitPay’s stablecoin integration will play a crucial role in driving financial inclusion, reducing friction in international trade, and building resilient payment ecosystems.
Whether you're a small online seller in Nairobi or a software company in Seoul, the ability to receive fast, low-cost, and stable settlements opens new doors for growth—without dependency on legacy banking infrastructure.
The future of payments isn’t just digital—it’s stable, instant, and accessible to everyone.