XDC launches real-world USDC spending as stablecoins cross $307B

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-02-18Last updated on 2026-02-18

Abstract

Stablecoins, with a total market capitalization exceeding $307 billion, are primarily used for behind-the-scenes financial transactions. However, a new partnership between XDC Network and OrbitX Pay aims to bridge the gap between on-chain assets and real-world commerce. This integration will allow users to spend USD Coin (USDC) held on the XDC network directly at any merchant that accepts Visa, functioning like a regular card payment. The goal is to reduce reliance on costly and time-consuming fiat currency conversions and third-party off-ramps. Ritesh Kakkad, co-founder of XDC Network, sees this as a move towards everyday blockchain utility. Similarly, OrbitX CEO Ankitt Guar stated the initiative aims to reduce friction by keeping users in control of their assets while connecting to global payment networks. This development occurs as stablecoin adoption grows. A BVNK research report found that 56% of stablecoin users plan to acquire more in the next year, and over half increased their holdings in the past year. Notably, about 35% of income for freelancers and sellers is received in stablecoins on average. The move underscores the evolution of digital assets from speculative instruments into practical tools for daily spending, though meaningful adoption of such integrations remains an open question.

Stablecoins move trillions of dollars each year, but most of that activity still happens behind the scenes.

A new partnership between XDC Network and OrbitX Pay will test whether that can change by allowing USD Coin [USDC] held on XDC to be spent at merchants that accept Visa.

The idea is that users will keep funds on-chain until the moment they pay; the transaction itself works like a regular card payment.

This could reduce the need for fiat conversions and third-party off-ramps, which often add cost and delays.

Ritesh Kakkaad, co-founder of XDC Network, argued that this is part of a change to everyday use.

“The real opportunity is when blockchain moves beyond powering finance behind the scenes…”

 OrbitX CEO Ankitt Guar also said in an official statement,

By keeping users in control of their assets while connecting to global payment networks, we aim to reduce the friction between on-chain value and real-world spending.”

Whether such integrations see meaningful adoption remains an open question.

Stablecoin engine on full power

Stablecoin total market capitalization is holding above $307 billion, with steady growth over the past year.

This matters because payment use cases tend to grow faster when there’s already liquidity and user familiarity in place.

Source: DeFiLlama

User behavior trends also look strong. A recent BVNK research report found that 56% of stablecoin users plan to acquire more over the next 12 months, while more than half increased their holdings over the past year.

Source: BVNK

Among freelancers and sellers who receive payments in stablecoins, about 35% of their income comes through these assets on average!

By eliminating fiat conversions and enabling direct stablecoin spending, the move underscores how digital assets are evolving from speculative instruments into practical payment tools.


Final Summary

  • Stablecoin adoption is accelerating, and real-world USDC spending only speeds it up.
  • The foundation for everyday crypto payments is already forming.
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Related Questions

QWhat is the new partnership between XDC Network and OrbitX Pay designed to achieve?

AThe partnership is designed to allow users to spend USD Coin (USDC) held on the XDC Network directly at merchants that accept Visa, testing the potential for on-chain assets to be used in everyday transactions.

QAccording to the article, what is a key benefit of spending stablecoins directly instead of converting to fiat?

AA key benefit is the reduction of the need for fiat conversions and third-party off-ramps, which often add cost and delays to transactions.

QWhat does the data from BVNK's research report reveal about stablecoin user behavior?

AThe report found that 56% of stablecoin users plan to acquire more stablecoins over the next 12 months, and more than half increased their holdings over the past year.

QWhat is the current total market capitalization of stablecoins mentioned in the article?

AThe total market capitalization of stablecoins is holding above $307 billion.

QWhat does the move to enable direct stablecoin spending signify about the evolution of digital assets?

AIt underscores how digital assets are evolving from speculative instruments into practical payment tools for real-world use.

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