Onchain dollar transfers expected to rival core US payment infrastructure
Stablecoins are on track to become a dominant force in global payments. According to new industry forecasts, stablecoin transaction volume could exceed the US Automated Clearing House (ACH) system by 2026, signaling a major shift in how digital dollars move through the economy.
Stablecoins Closing the Gap With Traditional Payments
Analysts point out that stablecoin transfers already process volumes comparable to major credit card networks and currently handle roughly half the volume of the ACH system, which underpins payroll, bill payments, and bank-to-bank transfers in the United States. Continued growth in issuance and usage is expected to accelerate this trend.
Stablecoin supply has been expanding at an estimated 30% to 40% compound annual growth rate, with transaction activity rising in parallel. This growth reflects broader adoption across payments, remittances, and settlement use cases, particularly where speed and cost efficiency matter.
One of the strongest drivers behind the forecast is expected regulatory clarity for stablecoins in the US, with clearer legal definitions anticipated in 2026. Analysts argue that well-defined rules could unlock wider institutional participation and encourage enterprises to integrate stablecoins into existing payment workflows.
The stablecoin market capitalization has surpassed $300 billion, dominated by established dollar-pegged tokens, but new entrants are reshaping the landscape. Financial institutions, fintech firms, and global payment companies are increasingly launching their own digital dollars to support low-cost, near-instant settlement.
Several major brands are preparing enterprise and consumer focused stablecoins for use in gaming, subscriptions, cross-border payments, and bank settlement networks, underscoring growing mainstream demand.
Despite rapid growth, analysts expect stablecoin consolidation as merchants and users gravitate toward one or two widely accepted digital dollars rather than dozens of alternatives.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.