The cryptocurrency industry has been searching for a "killer app" to bring blockchain technology into mainstream finance—and stablecoins may be the breakthrough. Major financial institutions and fintech firms have already embraced stablecoins—digital tokens pegged to the U.S. dollar—and now Big Tech companies are following suit. According to insider sources, Apple, X (formerly Twitter), Airbnb, and Google are in early discussions with crypto firms to integrate stablecoin payments into their platforms.
These confidential sources, who spoke to Fortune under anonymity, revealed that these tech giants view stablecoins as a way to reduce transaction costs and streamline cross-border payments.
Big Tech’s Growing Interest in Stablecoins
Apple, X, Airbnb, and Google aren’t the only major players exploring stablecoins:
- Meta (Facebook) has reignited its stablecoin ambitions after abandoning its earlier Libra/Diem project due to regulatory pushback.
- Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi confirmed the company is studying stablecoins for international money transfers.
This surge in interest comes as stablecoins attract millions in venture funding and legislative attention, with U.S. lawmakers debating regulations for the asset class. The trend accelerated after Stripe’s $1.1 billion acquisition of stablecoin startup Bridge, a move that signaled Silicon Valley’s growing confidence in blockchain-based payments.
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Why Stablecoins?
Stablecoins offer several key advantages for Big Tech:
- Lower Transaction Fees – Avoiding traditional payment processors (Visa, Mastercard) cuts costs.
- Faster Cross-Border Payments – No intermediaries mean near-instant settlements.
- Regulatory Clarity – Recent policy shifts under the Trump administration have eased compliance concerns.
“Stablecoins represent the biggest upgrade to payments since the SWIFT network,” said Rich Widmann, Google Cloud’s Head of Web3 Strategy.
Inside Big Tech’s Stablecoin Plans
Apple
Already a payments powerhouse via Apple Pay, Apple has been discussing stablecoin integrations since early 2025. Sources indicate talks with Circle, issuer of the USDC stablecoin.
X (Twitter)
Elon Musk’s platform is exploring stablecoins for X Money, its upcoming payments app. Discussions involve Stripe, which could facilitate crypto payments.
Airbnb
The vacation rental giant has been in talks with Worldpay to enable stablecoin payouts via BNVK, a stablecoin infrastructure provider.
Google Cloud
Already accepting payments in PYUSD (PayPal’s stablecoin), Google Cloud is leading Big Tech in real-world adoption.
Challenges Ahead
Despite growing interest, hurdles remain:
- Regulatory Uncertainty – Lawmakers are still debating stablecoin legislation.
- Choosing a Stablecoin – Options like Tether (USDT) face compliance concerns, while USDC and PYUSD struggle with adoption.
- Tech Integration – Companies must ensure seamless backend processing.
FAQs
Q: Why are Big Tech companies suddenly interested in stablecoins?
A: Lower fees, faster transactions, and clearer regulations have made stablecoins an attractive alternative to traditional payments.
Q: Will Airbnb start accepting crypto payments soon?
A: While Airbnb hasn’t confirmed immediate plans, discussions with payment processors suggest stablecoin integration is under consideration.
Q: Which stablecoin is Google using?
A: Google Cloud has accepted PYUSD (PayPal’s stablecoin) from select clients.
Q: Could Apple launch its own stablecoin?
A: Possible, but regulatory barriers make partnerships with existing issuers (like Circle) more likely.
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