On March 24, 2025, reports emerged that Visa, the global payments giant, is allegedly in discussions with World Network, a blockchain-based project co-founded by OpenAI’s Sam Altman, to integrate cryptocurrency wallets with Visa’s card payment system. According to an unnamed source cited by CoinDesk’s Ian Allison, this potential partnership aims to embed stablecoin payments into World Network’s self-custody crypto wallet, enabling users to spend digital assets seamlessly across Visa’s vast merchant network. While neither Visa nor World Network has officially confirmed the talks, this development could mark a significant leap forward in bridging traditional finance with the burgeoning world of cryptocurrency.
A Bold Step Toward Crypto Wallet Integration
World Network, formerly known as Worldcoin, is a crypto and digital identity initiative tied to Tools for Humanity, a company backed by Sam Altman. Launched in 2023, it seeks to create a global financial ecosystem through its World App and World ID protocol. The rumored collaboration with Visa would add Visa card functionality to World Network’s wallet, allowing users to pay with stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar—at millions of merchants worldwide. This crypto wallet integration could transform how people use digital assets in everyday transactions, from buying coffee to shopping online.
The talks are still in early stages, according to the source. This highlights a growing trend—the convergence of blockchain with traditional payment systems. Visa’s network spans over 200 countries, offering unmatched reach. Meanwhile, World Network provides a secure, self-custodied crypto wallet. If successful, this partnership could make stablecoin payments as simple as swiping a Visa card, bringing crypto closer to mainstream adoption.
Stablecoin Payments: The Core of the Deal
Stablecoins are central to this potential collaboration. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, stablecoins like USDC or USDT maintain a steady value. This stability makes them ideal for payments. World Network’s wallet already supports peer-to-peer crypto transfers and encrypted messaging via its World Chat app. With Visa’s infrastructure, it could enable real-time stablecoin transactions. As a result, users could spend digital assets without manually converting them to fiat. This would streamline the process and reduce friction.
The stablecoin payments focus aligns with broader market trends. By March 2025, the global stablecoin market has swelled to over $219 billion, driven by demand for fast, low-cost alternatives to traditional banking. Visa, which has explored crypto integrations in the past—such as its 2024 partnership with Coinbase for instant fund transfers—sees stablecoins as a potential disruptor. However, the company has also expressed caution, noting in 2023 that stablecoins could challenge its core business model. This rumored deal with World Network suggests Visa is now embracing the technology to stay ahead of the curve.
Why This Matters for Visa and World Network
For Visa, partnering with World Network could solidify its position as a leader in the evolving payments landscape. With competitors like Mastercard already dabbling in crypto cards, Visa needs to innovate to maintain its edge. Integrating Visa crypto partnership features into World Network’s wallet would tap into the growing crypto user base, offering a hybrid solution that blends fiat convenience with blockchain efficiency. It could also attract fintech firms and forex traders seeking seamless on-and-off ramps between crypto and traditional currencies.
For World Network, the stakes are even higher. Backed by Sam Altman’s vision of a global financial platform, the project has faced scrutiny over privacy concerns tied to its World ID system, which verifies human users via iris scans. A successful Visa deal could shift the narrative, showcasing practical utility and boosting Worldcoin’s token value, which reportedly rallied 13% after the news broke. This partnership would position World Network as a one-stop shop for finance, communication, and identity verification—all powered by blockchain.
The Broader Implications
If the Visa World Network talks lead to a deal, the implications could ripple across the crypto and payments industries. For one, it would validate stablecoins as a legitimate payment method, encouraging merchants to adopt them more widely. Visa’s network supports over 100 million merchants globally. Even a small percentage adopting stablecoin payments could generate billions in transaction volume. This trend aligns with recent statements from U.S. figures like Donald Trump. In March 2025, he suggested that stablecoins could strengthen the dollar’s global dominance.
Moreover, this move could accelerate crypto wallet adoption. World Network’s self-custody approach, where users control their private keys, contrasts with centralized custodial wallets, offering greater security and autonomy. Pairing this with Visa’s trusted brand could onboard millions of new users to crypto, bridging the gap between tech enthusiasts and everyday consumers.
Challenges and What’s Next
Despite the promise, hurdles remain. Stablecoins’ regulatory landscape is murky, with governments worldwide scrutinizing their transparency and stability. Visa’s past hesitance toward stablecoins suggests negotiations might hinge on compliance assurances. Additionally, integrating blockchain transactions with Visa’s high-speed network poses technical challenges, requiring robust solutions to ensure scalability and security.
As of now, the talks are exploratory, with no timeline for a deal. World Network has reportedly contacted card issuers, including Rain, a Coinbase- and Circle-backed facilitator. This signals active steps toward implementation. Whether a full Visa crypto partnership emerges remains uncertain. However, the buzz has already boosted Worldcoin’s profile.
Conclusion
The reported discussions between Visa and World Network to merge crypto wallets with card payments signal a transformative moment for stablecoin payments and blockchain adoption. By combining Visa’s global reach with World Network’s innovative wallet, this partnership could redefine how we spend digital assets. As the stablecoin market grows and crypto inches toward mainstream use, this collaboration—though unconfirmed—offers a glimpse into a future where cryptocurrency and traditional finance coexist seamlessly. Keep an eye on Visa World Network developments; they could shape the payments world for years to come.
