WalletConnect released an educational piece highlighting the strategic opportunity in crypto payments, emphasizing how its WalletConnect Pay solution empowers payment companies to integrate seamlessly.

In 2026, crypto payments are mainstream, with stablecoin volumes up 83% from 2024-2025 and over $120 billion processed by giants like Visa and Mastercard. Stablecoins dominate 35% of transactions, while crypto cards handle $18 billion annually, signaling a shift from trading to spending.

Global crypto holders exceed 560 million, driving merchant adoption—12,800 businesses accept crypto, up 50% YoY, with 88% seeing revenue boosts. Yet, only 7% use it regularly due to integration challenges like specialized routing and reconciliation.

WalletConnect Pay addresses this by offering a single integration for any wallet and asset, functioning as an Alternative Payment Method (APM) within existing stacks. Leveraging a network of 700+ wallets and 500M+ users, it unlocks billions in transaction value without operational overhauls.

The piece urges action now, as competitors like PayPal and Stripe advance, warning that delays could cede market leadership in next-gen payments. WalletConnect Pay enables native, compliant products to tap this growing demand.