Stablecoins are fundamentally changing how money moves across the globe. In recent years, digital currencies like USDC have achieved monumental growth, surpassing a trillion dollars in monthly transaction volume. Despite this expansion, widespread adoption in everyday commerce has remained limited—until now.
Through collaborations with industry leaders like Coinbase and Stripe, Shopify now enables merchants to accept stablecoin payments from customers worldwide directly on the Base network. This integration works seamlessly within existing payment and order fulfillment systems, requiring no additional integrations or gateway setups.
Introducing USDC Payments on Shopify
Shoppers can now pay using USDC on the Base network. They can use hundreds of compatible crypto wallets during guest checkouts or through Shop Pay, making transactions smooth and versatile.
Merchants have flexible options for receiving funds:
- By default, USDC payments are automatically converted into the merchant’s local currency with no foreign exchange or multi-currency fees. These amounts are deposited directly into their connected bank account via Shopify Payments.
- Alternatively, merchants can opt to receive USDC directly on the Base network into their own cryptocurrency wallet.
Upcoming benefits for merchants and customers:
- Eligible merchants in the U.S. and other select countries will qualify for a rebate of up to 0.50% on orders paid with USDC.
- Later this year, U.S. customers will also enjoy rebates when using USDC for payments.
Why Stablecoins Are Now Commerce-Ready
The evolution of cryptocurrency has been driven by three key innovations: stablecoins, which maintain a fixed value pegged to traditional currencies; scalable networks like Base that enable fast, low-cost transactions; and user-friendly wallets that streamline the payment process.
Digital Dollars for Global Use
Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ether, USDC is a stablecoin issued by Circle and backed 1:1 by U.S. dollar reserves. It is designed to hold a consistent value, making it ideal for everyday transactions. USDC’s circulation has surged, with year-over-year growth exceeding 78%, and it is increasingly recognized as a reliable medium of exchange. When customers pay with USDC, merchants receive funds in a secure, stable, and easily convertible form.
Faster and Smoother Checkouts
Shoppers appreciate the convenience of digital wallets that expedite the checkout process and help increase conversion rates. Stablecoin payments offer a similarly efficient experience—customers can complete transactions using any Base-compatible wallet quickly and intuitively.
Secure and Scalable Transaction Infrastructure
Base is a layer-2 network built on Ethereum that offers rapid, affordable, and highly secure transactions. It serves as a round-the-clock global payment rail that moves at internet speed. Merchants who choose to receive USDC directly can access their funds on the Base network through their preferred crypto wallet.
Advanced Payment Processing
Although stablecoins have gained traction among consumers and institutions, most existing payment systems have struggled to support modern commercial needs. No platform has effectively managed crypto transactions at scale while handling complex processes like payment authorization and delayed capture—until now.
Shopify and Coinbase developed an innovative escrow smart contract specifically designed for authorization and delayed payment capture. This contract supports standard payment operations, including tax calculations and refunds, providing a secure and trustworthy framework without intermediaries.
For those looking to implement cutting-edge payment solutions, this represents a major step forward. 👉 Explore more strategies for modern payment systems
Future-Proof Your Business with Digital Currency
Digital currencies and decentralized technologies are reshaping commerce. By accepting USDC on Base, Shopify merchants can stay ahead of industry trends, access new customer bases, and enhance sales—all within their familiar Shopify Payments workflow.
Enabling USDC payments is simple and integrates naturally into your existing checkout process. You can review and adjust payment settings directly in your Shopify admin panel. This feature is part of Shopify Payments and is available at standard domestic processing rates. Payout schedules remain unchanged and can be managed via your admin settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is USDC?
USDC is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. It combines the stability of traditional currency with the flexibility and speed of digital transactions, making it increasingly popular in global commerce.
How do I start accepting USDC payments on Shopify?
If you already use Shopify Payments, you can enable USDC acceptance in your payment settings. No additional integrations are needed—just select your preferred settlement method (local currency or USDC).
Are there fees for receiving USDC payments?
Standard Shopify Payments rates apply. There are no extra foreign exchange or multi-currency fees if you choose automatic conversion to your local currency.
Is it safe to accept USDC?
Yes. USDC is backed by dollar reserves, and transactions on Base are secure and efficient. Shopify’s smart contract implementation also ensures industry-standard security for authorization and capture.
Which countries support USDC payments?
The feature is rolling out gradually. Currently, it is available in several regions, with the U.S. and select countries being the first to qualify for rebates and full functionality.
Can I receive payments in USDC instead of my local currency?
Yes. Merchants can choose to receive funds in USDC on the Base network directly to their external crypto wallet, bypassing automatic conversion.
Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. This service may not be available in all countries. Refer to your Shopify Payment Terms of Service for updated information regarding USDC transactions.