A new report by Visa titled “Money Travels 2026” reveals that U.S. consumers are increasingly interested in stablecoins for international money transfers, especially when security measures are implemented. This development could significantly impact small business owners who rely on efficient and secure methods for cross-border transactions.
The study surveyed over 2,000 U.S consumers and uncovered that nearly half of those surveyed worry about the security of sending money abroad, with many having encountered scams related to international remittances. Approximately 36% of respondents reported experiencing fraud during money transfers, indicating a pressing need for more secure payment solutions.
Visa’s report highlights that consumer interest in stablecoins could double if these digital currencies were backed by strong protections such as bank-level fraud safeguards and deposit insurance. Specifically, the intent to adopt stablecoins in these scenarios soared from 36% to 56%. For small business owners, this suggests a potentially low-cost alternative that could improve their ability to send funds internationally, provided those financial instruments carry the appropriate security features.
Trust remains a critical factor for adoption. The study shows that 64% of respondents feel that their trust in a payment method is more reliant on the provider than the technology itself. Thus, many consumers are more inclined to consider stablecoins if they are offered through established financial institutions. Traditional banks and global networks, which were trusted by 61% and 60% of survey participants respectively, could play a pivotal role in this evolving landscape. Small business owners must understand that partnering with reputable providers could significantly enhance their customers’ confidence in using these digital currencies for transactions.
Despite the buzz surrounding stablecoins, Visa’s research indicates that a majority of Americans are not familiar with them — over half of those surveyed had never heard of stablecoins, and misconceptions about their volatility persist. Many individuals assume these digital currencies operate in the same manner as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which can experience wild fluctuations in value. Small business owners should recognize this disconnect and perhaps take a proactive approach in educating both themselves and their customers about how stablecoins work.
The report also brings attention to the rising concerns over AI-related scams in remittances. Approximately 24% of respondents reported receiving fraudulent AI-generated messages related to money transfers, and nearly half expressed concern about deepfake technologies potentially impersonating their loved ones to scam them. Such findings highlight the need for small business owners to remain vigilant and to communicate with customers about recognizing and avoiding scams, particularly in an increasingly digital commerce landscape.
Vira Platonova, Global Head of Visa Direct, emphasizes, “Remittances are a lifeline—funding education, essentials, and investment back home. Our research shows what matters most to those who rely on that lifeline: trust.” For small business owners, creating and maintaining that trust will be essential to successfully navigate the adoption of new financial technologies like stablecoins.
As the global economy continues to shift, it’s crucial for small business owners to stay informed about emerging trends in payment solutions. By understanding the evolving landscape surrounding stablecoins and the emphasis on security and trust, they can position themselves strategically to leverage these tools to enhance their operations.
For more detailed insights from the “Money Travels 2026” report, visit the full study at Visa.com.
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