- Walmart and Amazon are exploring their own stablecoins to improve how people pay.
- Regulatory changes in the U.S. could open the door for these new digital currencies.
- If successful, this move could transform online payments and challenge traditional finance.
In a move that could reshape how millions of people shop and pay online, retail giants Walmart and Amazon are reportedly exploring the idea of launching their own stablecoins. According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, both companies are closely watching developments in U.S. stablecoin regulations as they evaluate this bold step into the world of digital currency.
This development isn’t just about tech—it signals a potential transformation in how transactions happen in the digital age. If the two largest retailers in the country introduce their own blockchain-based currencies, the impact could ripple far beyond the checkout page.
What Are Stablecoins, and Why Do They Matter?
Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency that is pegged to a stable asset, typically the U.S. dollar. Unlike more volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, stablecoins are designed to hold a steady value. This makes them useful for everyday transactions and business operations that require predictable pricing.
For companies like Walmart and Amazon, the appeal of stablecoins lies in their ability to reduce payment processing fees and improve the speed of transactions. Every year, these companies spend billions of dollars on credit card fees. By using a proprietary stablecoin system, they could lower those costs significantly while also offering faster settlements for suppliers and customers.
The Role of Regulation in Timing
One key reason these companies haven’t moved forward yet is the current uncertainty around stablecoin laws in the United States. However, this is changing quickly. Lawmakers are working on new legislation, such as the GENIUS Act, which would create a legal framework for stablecoins. If passed, it would allow non-bank institutions, like Walmart and Amazon, to issue stablecoins with proper oversight and consumer protections in place.
The clearer the rules become, the more likely we are to see big tech and retail players enter the space. These companies are not just passively waiting—they are lobbying and preparing so they can move quickly when the time is right.
Why Walmart and Amazon Are Interested
Both Amazon and Walmart have long histories of pushing into new technology spaces. Amazon started with books and grew into a cloud computing powerhouse. Walmart has invested heavily in fintech solutions for its customers, including a digital banking platform in partnership with fintech companies.
By launching their own stablecoins, these companies could build more efficient payment ecosystems within their platforms. For example, Amazon could allow users to pay with an Amazon Coin that is pegged to the dollar, potentially offering discounts or loyalty perks for using it. Walmart could introduce a similar system in its stores and online services, targeting its large base of everyday shoppers.
Stablecoins would also offer more flexibility for international transactions. In many parts of the world, sending money can be expensive and slow. A branded stablecoin could make cross-border payments quicker and cheaper, giving both companies a competitive advantage.
The Bigger Picture for Digital Payments
If Walmart and Amazon do go ahead with launching stablecoins, it would mark a significant milestone in the broader trend of digital financial services. It could encourage other large companies to follow suit, bringing stablecoins further into the mainstream.
This wouldn’t just affect the companies themselves—it could also shift power away from traditional payment networks like Visa and Mastercard. If more transactions happen on blockchain-based rails, the entire financial ecosystem could become faster, cheaper, and more accessible.
However, there are challenges too. Security, privacy, and the risk of fraud are all concerns that need to be addressed. The companies will need to ensure that their stablecoins are not only efficient but also safe and compliant with global financial laws.
What Happens Next?
For now, both companies are still in the research phase. They are exploring technical requirements, regulatory considerations, and business models that would make a stablecoin system viable. Nothing is guaranteed, and much will depend on how U.S. lawmakers proceed in the coming months.
Still, the very fact that companies like Walmart and Amazon are seriously considering issuing their own digital currencies is a strong sign of where the future may be headed. As digital payments continue to evolve, stablecoins could become a familiar part of our everyday shopping experience.
