Walmart and Amazon Explore Launching USD-Backed Stablecoins to Power E-Commerce

Walmart and Amazon are exploring the possibility of issuing their own U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins, signaling a growing interest among major retailers in blockchain-based payment solutions. According to The Wall Street Journal, sources familiar with the matter say both companies are evaluating stablecoin systems to enhance digital transactions, streamline e-commerce operations, and lower cross-border payment costs.

Though neither Amazon nor Walmart has officially confirmed the move, the potential implications are significant. A branded stablecoin could reduce reliance on traditional banking rails, allowing these companies to process payments more efficiently while avoiding hefty processing fees. With Amazon generating $638 billion in revenue in 2024—including over $447 billion in global e-commerce sales—and Walmart surpassing $100 billion in online sales last year, the shift could redirect billions in transactional flow away from banks.

Stablecoins, which are digital tokens pegged to the U.S. dollar or other stable assets, offer real-time settlement and lower transaction costs. For companies with massive global footprints, the ability to settle payments instantly and cheaply could be a major financial and operational advantage.

This interest aligns with broader industry trends. Shopify, another e-commerce powerhouse, announced plans to support USD Coin (USDC) payments by the end of 2025. As regulatory clarity around stablecoins improves in the U.S., major corporations appear increasingly ready to embrace blockchain infrastructure not just for innovation, but also for practical cost savings.

While specific timelines and technical details remain unclear, any future launch of Amazon or Walmart stablecoins could accelerate mainstream adoption of digital currencies, especially if integrated seamlessly into loyalty programs or checkout systems.