Imagine you own a small business in Russia and need to pay a supplier in China. A regular bank transfer takes 3-5 days and costs a 1-3% commission. But with USDT or USDC, your money arrives in minutes with a tiny fee.

Stablecoins are digital dollars, always worth exactly 1 US dollar. They are already changing cross-border payments.

Why will 2026 be the year they completely dominate? Let's break it down in simple terms.

What are stablecoins?

Stablecoins work like a digital version of the dollar. Each token is backed by real dollars or reliable US Treasury bonds.

As of February 25, 2026, the total stablecoin market was approximately $308 billion. USDT (Tether) was $183.62 billion, and USDC (Circle) was $74.93 billion. Together, they account for almost 90% of the market.

In 2025, the total transaction volume reached $33 trillion, a 72% increase year-on-year. Of this, real payments (not trade, but business and personal transfers) accounted for $390 billion, double the 2024 figure. This is comparable to entire traditional payment sectors.

Why USDT and USDC are leading the way

USDT is the champion in accessibility and liquidity. It is popular in Asia, Latin America, and on the Tron network, where fees are near zero.

USDC is the choice of large companies and banks. Circle undergoes rigorous audits, making it trusted by institutional players.

Together, they have become a convenient bridge between traditional finance and blockchain: dollar stability + internet speed + 24/7 operation.

The main driver of 2026 is the GENIUS Act

In July 2025, the US passed the GENIUS Act, the first comprehensive federal law on stablecoins. It requires 100% reserves in dollars or bonds, monthly reports, and user protection.

The law provided clear rules that were previously lacking. Following it, business confidence increased dramatically. Companies like Visa, Stripe, and large corporations began actively integrating USDT and USDC into their systems. This is why 2026 is being called the "breakthrough year."

How stablecoins are changing international settlements

Traditional transfers go through a chain of intermediary banks—slow and expensive. Stablecoins are sent directly over the blockchain.

For individuals, this means cheap transfers to family members abroad.

For businesses, this means instant money management across borders. Payment systems are already using them for settlements, and the number of such transactions will increase even further in 2026.

In 2026, USDT and USDC will become the new global unit of account thanks to regulatory clarity (the GENIUS Act) and tangible advantages: speed, low cost, and 24/7 availability.

They won't completely replace traditional banks, but they will become the most convenient tool for international payments.

If you frequently transfer money, you can start with USDT or USDC.