Coinbase Targets Global Retail with New Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure
Coinbase has officially launched a new stablecoin-powered payment stack designed to modernize digital transactions and make blockchain payments more accessible for global businesses. This all-in-one solution—known as Coinbase Payments—features three core components: a Stablecoin Checkout system, a robust e-commerce API layer, and an on-chain settlement protocol built on Coinbase’s Layer 2 network, Base. The stack enables merchants to seamlessly accept USDC payments without needing prior experience in crypto or blockchain technology.
One of the first major adopters of this new system is Shopify, which has integrated Coinbase Payments into its platform through early access. This partnership allows Shopify vendors to accept USDC with zero gas fees and the option to receive automatic fiat conversions or retain stablecoins. To encourage usage, Coinbase and Shopify are offering a 1% USDC cashback reward for shoppers using the system. The checkout experience supports widely used wallets including Coinbase Wallet, MetaMask, and Phantom, and includes tools for managing subscriptions, refunds, and transaction tracking.
Coinbase aims to establish USDC as the default payment method for internet-based transactions. With more than $30 trillion in stablecoin volume processed last year and growing interest from large enterprises and small businesses, the move reflects the increasing relevance of blockchain in mainstream commerce. The announcement comes alongside the recent passage of the GENIUS Act in the U.S. Senate, providing clearer regulations for stablecoins and boosting market confidence. Following the news, Coinbase stock rose over 16%, while traditional payment giants like Visa and PayPal saw share declines.
By launching this payment stack, Coinbase is taking a major step toward bridging the gap between Web3 innovation and traditional e-commerce, offering faster, more efficient, and globally scalable financial infrastructure for the digital economy.