Visa in Talks with World Network for Crypto Wallet Integration
On March 24, 2025, reports surfaced that Visa is in discussions with World Network, a blockchain project co-founded by Sam Altman. According to CoinDesk’s Ian Allison, the talks focus on integrating stablecoin payments into World Network’s self-custody crypto wallet. This would allow users to spend digital assets across Visa’s vast merchant network.
Neither Visa nor World Network has confirmed the discussions. However, if true, this partnership could bridge traditional finance and crypto payments like never before.
A New Era for Crypto Wallet Payments
World Network, previously called Worldcoin, is backed by Tools for Humanity. Launched in 2023, it combines crypto payments and digital identity. The project’s World App and World ID protocol aim to create a global financial ecosystem.
A deal with Visa would let users pay with stablecoins—crypto pegged to fiat currencies—at millions of merchants. This could revolutionize everyday crypto spending, from buying coffee to online shopping.
The talks are still in early stages, but they reflect a broader trend: blockchain merging with traditional finance. Visa operates in over 200 countries, while World Network offers secure self-custody wallets. If successful, this could make stablecoin payments as easy as swiping a Visa card.
Stablecoins at the Core of the Deal
Stablecoins are the key focus of this potential partnership. Unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum, stablecoins maintain a fixed value. Popular examples include USDC and USDT, both pegged to the U.S. dollar.
World Network already supports peer-to-peer transfers and encrypted messaging through its World Chat app. With Visa’s help, it could enable real-time stablecoin transactions. This would eliminate the need for manual crypto-to-fiat conversions, simplifying payments.
The stablecoin market has surged to $219 billion by March 2025. Visa, which partnered with Coinbase in 2024 for instant crypto transfers, sees stablecoins as a fast, low-cost alternative to banking. However, Visa has also been cautious, warning in 2023 that stablecoins could challenge its core business. This rumored partnership suggests a shift in strategy.
Why Visa and World Network Need This Deal
For Visa, this move strengthens its position in the future of payments. Rival Mastercard has already entered the crypto card space. Visa must innovate to stay ahead. Partnering with World Network taps into the growing crypto user base and attracts fintech firms seeking seamless fiat-to-crypto transactions.
For World Network, this deal could change everything. The project, led by Sam Altman, has faced criticism over privacy concerns tied to its World ID system. A high-profile Visa partnership could shift the narrative and prove real-world utility. After reports of the talks, Worldcoin’s token price surged 13%.
What This Means for the Crypto Industry
If Visa and World Network finalize a deal, the impact could be massive:
- Stablecoins could gain mainstream adoption, bringing billions in new transactions.
- Visa’s 100 million merchants may start accepting stablecoin payments.
- Crypto wallet adoption could skyrocket, thanks to Visa’s trusted brand.
Some U.S. policymakers, including Donald Trump, have praised stablecoins as a way to strengthen the U.S. dollar. This move could accelerate regulatory acceptance and push more businesses to adopt crypto.
Challenges and What’s Next
Despite the excitement, hurdles remain. Stablecoin regulations are unclear, and Visa may require strict compliance guarantees. Also, blockchain transactions must integrate smoothly with Visa’s high-speed network.
World Network has also reached out to card issuers, including Rain, a Coinbase- and Circle-backed firm. This suggests the company is actively exploring multiple options.
For now, Visa and World Network have not confirmed any deal. However, if this partnership moves forward, it could reshape how the world spends digital assets.
Conclusion
Visa’s reported talks with World Network could mark a major shift in crypto payments. By merging Visa’s global reach with World Network’s innovative wallet, stablecoins could become widely accepted.
As the stablecoin market grows, Visa’s involvement could bring cryptocurrency into the mainstream. If finalized, this deal may define the future of digital payments
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
