Visa survey: Bank-level protections could boost stablecoin use

A Visa report titled ‘Money Travels 2026’ indicates that consumer interest in using stablecoins for international transfers could increase significantly if certain protections are implemented. In a hypothetical scenario where stablecoins offer bank-level fraud safeguards and deposit insurance, the intention to use them among U.S. adults rises from 36% to 56%.

If stablecoins are provided through existing, trusted financial institutions, adoption intent increases to 45%. The survey, conducted by Morning Consult, highlights that 64% of respondents prioritize the identity of the service provider over the underlying technology when determining trust. Traditional commercial banks (61%) and global payment networks (60%) are viewed as the most reliable providers for digital currency services.

Despite the potential for growth, awareness remains a hurdle, with 56% of U.S. adults reporting they have never heard of stablecoins. Additionally, many respondents expressed concerns regarding security, noting that 36% have encountered international remittance scams and 44% fear AI-driven deepfake fraud. Visa clarified that the survey’s bank-level protection scenario is purely hypothetical and that stablecoins currently lack FDIC insurance.