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In a move set to bridge traditional retail with blockchain technology, Ingenico, a global leader in payment acceptance and services, has announced a strategic partnership with WalletConnect Pay.
This collaboration introduces stablecoin payments at checkout, allowing merchants to accept digital currencies like USDC directly from customers' mobile wallets.
The initiative aims to enhance payment flexibility in everyday transactions, leveraging Ingenico's vast infrastructure and WalletConnect's expertise in crypto payments.
Key Takeaways
- Stablecoin Integration at Checkout: Merchants can now accept USDC payments on chains like Polygon, Base, Arbitrum, and Ethereum Mainnet, with more networks planned.
- Wallet Compatibility: Supports popular WalletConnect-enabled apps such as MetaMask, Trust, and Safe for seamless mobile payments.
- Real-World Applications: Designed for sectors including retail, hospitality, transportation, fuel, parking, vending, and self-service.
- Native Transactions: Unlike crypto-linked cards, this enables direct stablecoin transfers, promoting faster settlements and reduced dependency on legacy systems.
- Global Scale: WalletConnect has processed over $400 billion in network volume this year, including billions in stablecoins, while Ingenico operates in 32 countries with tens of millions of devices.
- Launch Timeline: Available to acquirers and payment service providers starting January 2026.
Partnership Details
The partnership combines Ingenico's payment acceptance infrastructure with WalletConnect Pay's technology to facilitate stablecoin transactions in brick-and-mortar settings.
Merchants benefit from a plug-and-play solution that integrates with existing systems, ensuring security and compliance. Customers simply scan a QR code or use their mobile wallets to pay with supported stablecoins, bypassing traditional card networks.
This differs from existing crypto payment methods by enabling native on-chain transactions. Funds move directly from the customer's wallet to the merchant's provider, streamlining processes and potentially lowering fees.
WalletConnect's integration with over 700 wallets underscores its role in handling high-volume stablecoin activity, making it a natural fit for Ingenico's merchant-focused ecosystem.
Benefits and Industry Impact
For merchants, the solution offers operational simplicity and access to a growing demographic of crypto users.
Stablecoins like USDC provide stability tied to fiat currencies, reducing volatility risks. In sectors like vending or parking, where quick, contactless payments are key, this could drive efficiency.
Jess Houlgrave, CEO of WalletConnect, emphasized the practicality: "Stablecoins have become an important payment instrument for moving value quickly and efficiently. By working with Ingenico, we’re extending stablecoin payments into real-world retail environments in a way that is practical, familiar and easy for both merchants and consumers around the world."
Floris de Kort, CEO of Ingenico, added: "Ingenico’s role is to ensure merchants can accept the payment methods their customers want to use, in a way that is secure, compliant and operationally simple. We’re seeing growing interest in stablecoin payments, and this integration with WalletConnect gives our partners a way to offer stablecoin acceptance using existing payment systems."
The rollout targets acquirers and PSPs, enabling widespread adoption without major infrastructure overhauls.
Conclusion
This Ingenico-WalletConnect partnership marks a significant step toward mainstreaming stablecoin payments in global commerce.
By merging secure retail infrastructure with blockchain innovation, it positions merchants to meet evolving consumer preferences.
As digital currencies mature, solutions like this could reshape payment landscapes, fostering faster, more inclusive transactions.
Availability begins in January 2026, with potential for expanded chain support.
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FAQs:
1. What is the new partnership between Ingenico and WalletConnect Pay about?
The partnership enables merchants to accept stablecoin payments like USDC directly at checkout using mobile wallets, integrating blockchain with traditional retail systems for seamless transactions.
2. Which stablecoins and networks are supported?
Initially, USDC on Polygon, Base, Arbitrum, Ethereum Mainnet, and other EVM-compatible chains, with plans to add more networks.
3. How do customers make payments with this solution?
Customers use any WalletConnect-compatible wallet (e.g., MetaMask, Trust, Safe) holding stablecoins to pay via QR code or direct transfer, without needing crypto-linked cards.
4. What benefits does this offer merchants?
Faster settlements, reduced reliance on legacy infrastructure, and easy integration into existing payment systems, suitable for retail, hospitality, and more.
5. When will this stablecoin payment option be available?
It launches for acquirers and payment service providers in January 2026.
6. How does this differ from traditional crypto payment methods?
It supports native stablecoin transactions directly from wallets, avoiding card networks for more efficient, on-chain processing.
Disclaimer:
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice; no material herein should be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument, and readers should conduct their own independent research or consult a qualified professional.
