Essential Insights
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Stablecoin Exploration: Amazon and Walmart are considering launching their own stablecoins or adopting existing ones to enhance online payment processes and cut transaction fees.
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Cost Savings: By utilizing stablecoins, the retailers could save 1% to 3% on card transaction fees, which could lead to significant annual savings.
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Market Trends: This potential shift comes as other e-commerce platforms, like Shopify, begin integrating stablecoin payments, demonstrating a broader trend in online retail.
- Regulatory Factors: The success of these initiatives hinges on the passage of the GENIUS Act, which aims to establish a clear regulatory framework for stablecoins in the U.S.
American retail giants Amazon and Walmart are exploring the launch of their own stablecoins. This shift could transform online shopping, offering a cheaper way to pay and reducing transaction fees for both companies.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Amazon and Walmart are considering either brand-specific stablecoins or a consortium model for adopting existing digital currencies. Currently, Amazon is in early discussions about a proprietary token for use on its platform. Similarly, Walmart aims to drive payment innovation and is evaluating its options in this space.
Stablecoins could help these retailers avoid traditional credit card fees, which range from 1% to 3% per transaction. For companies processing large volumes, these costs become substantial—amounting to billions annually. Moreover, stablecoins promise faster transactions, settling nearly instantly compared to the one to three business days required for card payments.
Other players in e-commerce are already moving toward stablecoin payments. Shopify, for example, plans to integrate USD Coin (USDC) by the end of this year. This new feature, available through Shopify Payments and Shop Pay, offers incentives like 1% cash back in local currency for customers.
However, the future of stablecoin adoption by these retailers hinges on regulatory clarity. The GENIUS Act, which aims to establish a framework for digital assets in the U.S., recently advanced but still awaits full legislative approval. The final Senate vote is scheduled for June 17. Meanwhile, trade groups advocate for regulations that could promote lower-cost payment options and enhance competition against established financial giants, such as Visa and Mastercard.
U.S. banks, including JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, are also in talks about launching a collaborative stablecoin. This development highlights a broader shift toward digital currencies in the retail landscape.
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