- Shopify merchants can now accept USDC payments using Coinbase and Stripe with no extra setup needed.
- Crypto payments are enabled by default on Shopify and merchants must opt out if they do not want them.
- Shopify offers cash back on USDC sales to help increase stablecoin use in online shopping.
Shopify has launched a new partnership with Coinbase and Stripe to bring USDC stablecoin payments to millions of merchants. The integration will allow over 5.5 million merchants worldwide to accept cryptocurrency payments with minimal changes to their existing systems. The new feature is now available in early access and will expand later this year.
The system enables payments through Coinbase’s Base blockchain. Merchants can accept USDC from hundreds of crypto wallets, including during guest checkout and through Shop Pay. Shopify automatically converts payments into local currency unless merchants choose to receive USDC directly. No foreign transaction or exchange fees apply.
This new approach shifts away from traditional opt-in crypto systems. Shopify has enabled USDC payments by default. Merchants must manually opt out if they prefer not to use the feature. This marks a significant shift in how crypto payments are introduced in retail settings.
Seamless Setup and Retail-Focused Design
The collaboration aims to make stablecoin payments simple for businesses. It does not require any new payment gateways or third-party plugins. Merchants can continue using their existing checkout and fulfillment processes.
Shopify and Coinbase co-developed a payment protocol for the Base network. It is designed to handle retail-specific issues like chargebacks and refunds. Stripe’s involvement ensures full support through Stripe Connect. This allows stablecoin payments to function smoothly alongside traditional payment methods.
Shopify is offering up to 0.5% cash back on USDC transactions for merchants in the U.S. and select markets. Later in the year, customers using USDC will also receive cashback incentives. These benefits are designed to increase usage and make crypto more attractive in daily commerce.
Stablecoins Gain Traction in Retail Commerce
The move comes as stablecoins like USDC continue to grow in popularity. USDC now processes over a trillion dollars in monthly payments worldwide. It is gaining trust for its speed, stability, and low fees.
Visa has reported nearly $100 billion in crypto purchases using cards. It has also handled $25 billion in crypto-based transactions. This reflects growing adoption across financial and consumer markets.
Other tech giants are also exploring crypto options. Companies such as Meta, Apple, and Google are developing crypto payment features. As regulation improves, more businesses are expected to follow.
Shopify’s new integration places it at the front of this shift. By enabling stablecoin payments by default, it offers merchants more flexibility. It also sets a new standard for how digital currencies can be used in mainstream commerce.
