Why Walmart and Amazon Are Reportedly Considering Their Own Crypto Stablecoins

Published: Friday, June 13, 2025 at 2:20 pm

**Walmart and Amazon Eyeing Stablecoins to Cut Payment Costs**

Major retailers Walmart and Amazon are reportedly considering the launch of their own cryptocurrency stablecoins, a move that could significantly reshape the landscape of customer payments. The potential shift, according to reports, is driven by the desire to reduce the substantial fees these companies currently pay for credit card transactions.

Stablecoins, a specific type of cryptocurrency, are designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a reserve asset, typically the U.S. dollar. This feature distinguishes them from more volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. By issuing or accepting stablecoins, companies like Amazon and Walmart could potentially bypass traditional banking systems and credit card providers, thereby avoiding the associated fees.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the potential savings could amount to billions of dollars, particularly in interchange fees paid to major credit card networks such as Visa and Mastercard. The report also indicates that other companies, including Expedia and various airlines, are also exploring similar options.

However, the path to launching corporate stablecoins is not without hurdles. The development of this technology is dependent on regulatory frameworks. The Senate is currently considering the Genius Act, a bill that aims to establish a regulatory framework for private companies to issue stablecoins. The bill has passed an initial procedural vote but still requires a full vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Following the reports, shares of Visa and Mastercard experienced declines, while the stock prices of Walmart and Amazon remained relatively stable. Both Walmart and Amazon have declined to comment on the matter.

BNN's Perspective: The potential for large retailers to adopt stablecoins presents both opportunities and challenges. While it could lead to lower costs for consumers and businesses, it also raises questions about the role of traditional financial institutions and the need for robust regulatory oversight to ensure consumer protection and financial stability. A balanced approach that fosters innovation while mitigating risks is crucial.

Keywords: Walmart, Amazon, stablecoins, cryptocurrency, payment processing, credit card fees, Visa, Mastercard, Genius Act, retail, finance, digital currency, blockchain, Senate, regulation, business.

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