Coinbase Debuts Stablecoin Payment Stack Following Shopify Partnership.

June 18, 2025

Coinbase, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has launched a new Stablecoin Payment Stack, signaling a major push into decentralized commerce following its expanded partnership with Shopify, the global e-commerce giant. The initiative aims to bring fast, low-cost, and borderless payments to millions of merchants and shoppers by leveraging blockchain-based stablecoins.

Reimagining E-Commerce Payments

The newly unveiled payment stack is designed to make USDC (USD Coin) and other select stablecoins usable for day-to-day purchases, positioning Coinbase as a key enabler of real-world crypto adoption. The stack combines a suite of APIs, smart contract tooling, and integrated wallets that allow merchants to accept stablecoin payments directly, with near-instant settlement and minimal fees.

“The launch of the Stablecoin Payment Stack is a milestone for decentralized finance meeting real-world utility,” said Lauren Goode, VP of Product at Coinbase. “Our goal is to make stablecoin payments as seamless as using a credit card—but without the 3% fees, long settlement times, or geographical limitations.”

Shopify Integration: A Strategic Leap

As part of the rollout, Shopify merchants can now opt in to accept USDC payments through Coinbase’s on-chain infrastructure. The integration is currently live for select U.S. and Canadian merchants, with global expansion expected in the second half of 2025.

Shopify, which powers over 4.5 million online stores globally, has been exploring crypto integrations for several years. This partnership represents its most ambitious blockchain collaboration to date.

“We’re excited to offer our merchants cutting-edge tools that meet the evolving expectations of global buyers,” said Elena Robinson, Head of Crypto Partnerships at Shopify. “With Coinbase’s payment stack, we’re giving merchants a fast, secure, and low-cost way to engage with digital-native consumers.”

How the Stack Works

The Stablecoin Payment Stack includes:

  • Smart Wallet Integration: One-click wallets powered by Coinbase’s non-custodial wallet SDK.

  • Payment APIs: Easy-to-use developer tools for checkout integration.

  • Stablecoin Support: Initially supporting USDC on Base, Ethereum, and Solana, with plans to add more chains and tokens.

  • On-chain Settlement: Payments settle in seconds with full blockchain transparency.

  • Fiat Off-Ramping: Optional tools to convert stablecoins to fiat currency automatically.

The stack is built on Base, Coinbase’s Layer 2 Ethereum network, ensuring lower fees and high-speed performance.

A New Competitive Edge in Fintech

This move places Coinbase in direct competition with traditional fintech players such as PayPal and Stripe, both of which have recently expanded their own blockchain-based offerings. However, Coinbase’s solution is distinctly more decentralized, leveraging on-chain tools that align with Web3 values.

“This isn’t just a plug-in—it’s a decentralized payment rail that doesn’t rely on legacy banking infrastructure,” said Raj Patel, lead developer at a Shopify merchant beta-testing the feature. “It’s ideal for international sales, digital goods, and subscriptions.”

Regulatory Readiness and Global Expansion

Despite increasing scrutiny of crypto-related financial services, Coinbase says its payment stack is fully compliant with existing U.S. regulations and designed to adapt to evolving international frameworks.

Coinbase has hinted at future integrations with point-of-sale (POS) terminals, support for cross-border payroll, and business-to-business (B2B) transactions, indicating that this is just the first step in a broader stablecoin strategy.

Conclusion

With its new Stablecoin Payment Stack and deepened Shopify partnership, Coinbase is taking a bold step toward making crypto payments mainstream. By simplifying blockchain integration for merchants and reducing friction for consumers, the exchange is positioning itself at the forefront of decentralized commerce—and potentially reshaping the global payments landscape in the process.