Amazon & Walmart Explore Own Stablecoins
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 8:02 am
Amazon and Walmart are reportedly exploring the idea of creating their own stablecoins—U.S. dollar–pegged digital assets—to streamline payments and cut billions in processing fees. By issuing in-house stablecoins, these retail giants could shift away from traditional banking and card networks, gaining faster settlement times and improved cost efficiencies—especially on cross-border transactions where fiat delays are common.
This isn’t their first rodeo: both companies secured patents for digital currencies as far back as 2019, targeting supply-chain efficiency and consumer reach. Today, the push is fueled by evolving regulatory sentiment. With the GENIUS Act advancing through Congress, clearer rules for stablecoins could empower major merchants to operate under a defined framework. If passed, it would pave the way for major retailers to launch compliant digital dollars.
Beyond cost-saving motives, their entry could reshape the payment landscape. Amazon and Walmart boast massive customer bases and extensive data systems—if they launch stablecoins, they could reinvent loyalty programs, streamline refunds, and potentially influence how other merchants, like Target or Costco, approach digital payments. However, banks and regulators remain cautious. Concerns around security, consumer privacy, monetary control, and competition are driving scrutiny as lawmakers evaluate how these tokens might intersect with the financial system.
For crypto enthusiasts, this potential move represents a watershed moment. Merchant-issued coins could introduce digital finance to everyday consumers who’ve so far stayed on the sidelines. But success won’t be guaranteed; trust, transparency, and regulatory compliance will determine whether Amazon and Walmart’s stablecoins can compete with established tokens like USDC or USDT—or if they join past efforts that failed to gain traction.
This isn’t their first rodeo: both companies secured patents for digital currencies as far back as 2019, targeting supply-chain efficiency and consumer reach. Today, the push is fueled by evolving regulatory sentiment. With the GENIUS Act advancing through Congress, clearer rules for stablecoins could empower major merchants to operate under a defined framework. If passed, it would pave the way for major retailers to launch compliant digital dollars.
Beyond cost-saving motives, their entry could reshape the payment landscape. Amazon and Walmart boast massive customer bases and extensive data systems—if they launch stablecoins, they could reinvent loyalty programs, streamline refunds, and potentially influence how other merchants, like Target or Costco, approach digital payments. However, banks and regulators remain cautious. Concerns around security, consumer privacy, monetary control, and competition are driving scrutiny as lawmakers evaluate how these tokens might intersect with the financial system.
For crypto enthusiasts, this potential move represents a watershed moment. Merchant-issued coins could introduce digital finance to everyday consumers who’ve so far stayed on the sidelines. But success won’t be guaranteed; trust, transparency, and regulatory compliance will determine whether Amazon and Walmart’s stablecoins can compete with established tokens like USDC or USDT—or if they join past efforts that failed to gain traction.