Shopify Partners with Coinbase and Stripe to Enable USDC Stablecoin Payments

E-commerce giant Shopify has announced a groundbreaking partnership with cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and payment processor Stripe to integrate USDC stablecoin payments across its platform. Beginning in June, consumers can pay with USDC on Base through Shopify Payments, bringing onchain payments to millions of storefronts. The collaboration represents a significant milestone in bringing cryptocurrency payments to mainstream commerce.

Stripe said the ability for merchants to accept USDC will be available to Shopify merchants in 34 countries. The initiative leverages Coinbase's Base layer-2 network to facilitate fast and secure transactions while maintaining low fees. Shopify is joining forces with Coinbase and Stripe to bring frictionless, secure stablecoin payments to merchants around the world, marking a crucial step toward mainstream adoption of digital currencies in retail.

The pilot program will begin later this month. Shopify plans to expand stablecoin payments to all merchants across the U.S. and Europe by the end of 2025. The partnership includes the development of an open-source payment protocol, demonstrating the companies' commitment to creating industry-wide standards for cryptocurrency commerce. Shopify said it plans to give 1% cash back to customers who pay with USDC. This feature that will launch later in the year.

In parallel with Stripe's developments, Shopify is also deepening its involvement in the crypto space. Shopify recently integrated Solana Pay, enabling merchants to accept USDC payments directly through the Solana blockchain. This move could open the door to support for additional crypto assets in the future. Additionally, Shopify now supports Avalanche-based NFTs through the Venly Shopify NFT app, allowing merchants to offer digital collectibles to customers without needing specialized blockchain knowledge.

These integrations position Shopify at the forefront of the evolving payments landscape, where stablecoins are increasingly viewed as viable alternatives to traditional payment methods. With USDC's market capitalization exceeding $61 billion, this partnership could significantly accelerate the adoption of cryptocurrency payments in everyday commerce, potentially transforming how consumers and merchants interact in the digital economy.