Coinbase has taken a major step into the retail payments space with the launch of Coinbase Payments, a new infrastructure designed to simplify USDC transactions for merchants. The platform enables businesses to accept payments in Circle’s USDC stablecoin instantly without needing to manage blockchain complexity.
Built on Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network, Base, the system is already operational with e-commerce giant Shopify, offering merchants and consumers a streamlined, crypto-native checkout experience.
24/7 global payments without blockchain overhead
Coinbase Payments allows merchants to receive low-cost, near-instant payments from customers worldwide. Unlike traditional banking systems, the platform operates continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week eliminating delays tied to business hours or cross-border settlement processes.
The checkout interface supports hundreds of crypto wallets, including MetaMask, Phantom, and Coinbase Wallet. Notably, the system uses gasless flows, removing the need for customers to calculate transaction fees often a friction point for new crypto users.
Shopify integration sets a new standard in crypto commerce
When a customer selects USDC during checkout on Shopify, the Coinbase interface facilitates the transaction while Shopify verifies it through the platform’s API. Funds are temporarily held in smart contract escrow until the order is fulfilled. This mechanism reduces the risk of chargebacks and gives merchants real-time visibility into transaction status.
The Coinbase stack also includes fiat offramps, enabling businesses to transition between crypto and traditional finance while preserving onchain auditability. Merchants are no longer required to handle private keys or build customized crypto payment systems, significantly lowering technical barriers to adoption.
With over $30 trillion settled via stablecoins in the past year, Coinbase’s timing aligns with increasing institutional and consumer interest in using stablecoins as a global payment rail.
By embedding its tools into platforms like Shopify and capitalizing on regulatory momentum, Coinbase is positioning USDC and itself as a bridge between traditional and decentralized finance, signaling a new chapter in crypto-powered commerce.