Mastercard Brings 24/7 Stablecoin Settlements to Global Payments Network

Mastercard, the world’s second-largest payment processing network, has announced support for 24/7 card settlement using regulated stablecoins such as USDC, RLUSD, and PYUSD, allowing banks and payment providers to move money beyond traditional banking hours. 

The launch is another sign that stablecoins are evolving from a crypto trading tool into a real payment infrastructure.

Mastercard Wants Payments to Move Beyond Banking Hours

Today, many card transactions still depend on settlement processes tied to banking schedules. While consumers can swipe a card at any time, the actual movement of money behind the scenes often happens later.

Mastercard’s new system changes that by allowing settlement through regulated stablecoins on blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, Base, Arbitrum, Canton, Tempo, and XRP Ledger.

That means participating banks and payment providers could settle transactions during evenings, weekends, and public holidays without relying solely on traditional banking rails.

Raj Dhamodharan, Mastercard’s Executive Vice President for Blockchain and Digital Assets, said the next stage of stablecoin growth will be driven by practical financial use cases.

“The next phase of stablecoin adoption is about real-world utility, especially in settlement, where timing and liquidity matter most.” 

Ripple, Circle, Paxos, and Banks Join the Initiative

The rollout includes support for several of the largest regulated stablecoins in the market.

Circle’s USDC, Ripple’s RLUSD, Paxos-issued PYUSD, USDG, and USDP, along with SoFiUSD, will be available as settlement options across supported networks.

Several institutions have already signed on to support the initiative, including ARQ, CBW Bank, Cross River, Lead Bank, and Nuvei, which are expected to be among the first participants in the United States and Latin America. 

Mastercard plans to expand the service globally through 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

Meanwhile, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, Jack McDonald, called the move a “landmark validation” that blockchain technology is becoming ready for critical payment systems.

Stablecoins Are Becoming Financial Infrastructure

The launch adds to growing evidence that stablecoins are moving beyond crypto trading and into real-world financial infrastructure.

Circle’s Chief Commercial Officer Kash Razzaghi said businesses increasingly need payment systems that operate beyond traditional banking hours. 

Meanwhile, Lead Bank CEO Jackie Reses called on-chain settlement a foundational step toward a 24/7 financial system.