Retail powerhouses Walmart and Amazon are reportedly exploring the launch of their own U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins, a move that could transform online payments and reshape the financial dynamics of global commerce, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.
The news comes as regulatory momentum around digital assets gains traction in the United States, opening new pathways for corporate adoption of blockchain-based payment systems.
Big retail eyes blockchain rails for speed and savings
While neither company has officially confirmed the development of a proprietary stablecoin, insiders suggest both Walmart and Amazon are actively evaluating the feasibility and strategic benefits of such initiatives.
A brand-specific stablecoin could provide cheaper, faster, and borderless payment capabilities, reducing dependence on traditional financial intermediaries and with it, billions in transaction fees.
Amazon, which generated $638 billion in revenue in 2024 including $447 billion in global e-commerce sales stands to gain significant operational efficiencies from an in-house, blockchain-based payment infrastructure. Meanwhile, Walmart’s e-commerce revenues topped $100 billion in 2023, representing nearly 18% of its annual global sales, further underscoring the scale at which stablecoins could impact its financial flows.
Stablecoin strategy: From cost center to competitive edge
A transition to stablecoin rails would allow these retail giants to bypass a chunk of legacy banking systems, streamlining everything from customer payments and vendor settlements to cross-border transactions. It could also help reduce latency in fund movement, enabling real-time settlements, especially valuable in high-frequency retail operations.
Moreover, with improved regulatory clarity surrounding stablecoins in the U.S., including draft legislation on consumer protection and issuance frameworks, the environment is increasingly favorable for corporate experimentation and long-term adoption.
Shopify sets precedent with USDC integration
The stablecoin trend is already gaining ground in the broader retail and e-commerce space. Shopify will roll out support for USDC a leading U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin by the end of 2025. Shopify’s embrace of stablecoin payments sets a clear precedent for peers like Amazon and Walmart, which are now exploring ways to leverage similar technologies at significantly greater scale.
The future of payments in the retail economy
If confirmed, the entry of Amazon and Walmart into the stablecoin ecosystem would mark a seismic shift in the global payments, combining the scale of retail with the programmability and efficiency of digital currency.
Such a move wouldn’t just be about payment innovation, it would represent a fundamental restructuring of how money moves in retail, reshaping consumer experiences and backend operations alike.
With institutional adoption accelerating and technical infrastructure maturing, the retail world may be on the cusp of a stablecoin-driven transformation and the biggest players are already preparing to lead the charge.
