August 15, 2025 – NOWPayments, a leading crypto payment gateway, reports that over 45% of all processed transactions now occur in stablecoins, according to internal data. This marks a clear shift in merchant and user behavior toward lower volatility digital assets as the crypto payments landscape matures.
According to NOWPayments' year-over-year data, stablecoin usage in crypto payments has grown from just 7.13% in 2020 to 55.14% in early 2024, and reached an all-time high of 57.08% in the first half of 2025. At the same time, reliance on USDT has gradually declined from 100% in 2019 to 96.45% in 2025, showing that merchants are increasingly diversifying toward alternatives like USDC.
Among NOWPayments’ merchant base, several blockchain networks stand out in terms of popularity: Tron (TRC-20) leads for its low fees and speed, especially among high-volume payout platforms such as gambling and affiliate projects. Ethereum (ERC-20) remains a strong second for B2B services and SaaS businesses, while BNB Chain and Polygon are gaining traction due to their balance of stability and cost-efficiency. For each vertical, NOWPayments offers custom solutions that help businesses route payments through the chain that best fits their operational model.
The surge in stablecoin adoption represents a fundamental change in how businesses and consumers approach cryptocurrency transactions. Rather than viewing digital assets purely as speculative investments, users are increasingly embracing crypto as a practical medium of exchange.
“Stablecoins have become the preferred choice for both merchants and customers, and now it's up to us, service providers, to offer the optimal payment landscape", said Kate Lifshits, CEO of NOWPayments.
Stablecoins drive payment stability
The rise in stablecoin usage spans multiple major tokens, including USDT (Tether), USDC (USD Coin)I. These digital assets offer a compelling value proposition by combining the speed and flexibility of cryptocurrency with the price stability of traditional fiat currencies.
For merchants operating in volatile markets, stablecoins eliminate the concern of receiving payments that could lose significant value between transaction and settlement. This predictability has made crypto payments more attractive to businesses that previously hesitated due to price volatility concerns.
The trend extends across various industries, from e-commerce platforms processing customer purchases to SaaS companies handling subscription payments. The data suggests that as stablecoins become more widely accepted, they're bridging the gap between traditional finance and the crypto economy.
Global shift toward practical crypto usage
NOWPayments' internal data aligns with broader global trends showing increased stablecoin adoption for payments rather than trading. Businesses worldwide are seeking faster, borderless payment solutions that don't expose them to crypto price swings, making stablecoins an ideal solution.
The payment gateway's comprehensive platform supports over 300 digital assets and 20+ stablecoins, serving thousands of merchants worldwide. This extensive cryptocurrency support ensures businesses can accept payments in their preferred tokens while offering customers maximum flexibility.
Founded in 2019, NOWPayments has positioned itself at the forefront of practical crypto adoption by offering tools that make digital asset payments accessible to mainstream businesses. The platform's features include auto conversion, fiat settlement options, and instant payouts – addressing the key concerns that previously prevented widespread crypto payment adoption.
Enhanced business tools drive adoption
The company's robust API enables seamless integration of cryptocurrency payment solutions, empowering businesses to adopt stablecoin payments with ease.
The company's suite of business tools has played a crucial role in facilitating this shift toward stablecoin payments. NOWPayments offers Custody feature with conversion capabilities that allows merchants to store, manage and swap cryptocurrencies within their accounts, as well as send mass crypto payouts.
The platform's payment widget integration makes it simple for businesses to start accepting crypto payments, while their affiliate program helps expand adoption across different sectors.
These tools have been instrumental in reducing the technical barriers that previously prevented businesses from accepting cryptocurrency payments, contributing to the increased adoption of stablecoins as a payment method.
Looking forward
Over the next 12 months, NOWPayments plans to focus on maintaining high platform stability and ensuring fast, reliable support, especially in complex situations. The company aims to continue refining the user experience while remaining a trusted partner for businesses navigating the evolving crypto landscape.
The significant shift toward stablecoin usage suggests that cryptocurrency payments are maturing beyond their speculative origins. As more businesses recognize the practical benefits of stablecoins for everyday transactions, this trend is likely to accelerate, potentially reshaping how digital payments are processed globally.
For businesses interested in exploring crypto payment solutions, NOWPayments offers comprehensive integration guides and support to help companies get started with crypto payments.
About NOWPayments
NOWPayments is a leading cryptocurrency payment gateway founded in 2019. Custody option is available. The platform enables businesses to accept over 300 digital assets seamlessly, serving thousands of merchants worldwide. With features including auto conversion, fiat settlement, instant payouts, mass crypto payouts, NOWPayments makes crypto adoption practical and accessible for businesses of all sizes. The company is committed to providing stable, reliable payment infrastructure while helping businesses navigate the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
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