Walmart and Amazon are reportedly exploring the launch of their own US dollar-backed stablecoins, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.

They’re not alone. Other tech and e-commerce giants such as Apple, Airbnb, and PayPal are also eyeing corporate stablecoin initiatives—part of a broader trend where major enterprises seek innovative ways to optimize payment systems and reduce operational costs.

And with the U.S. regulatory environment beginning to show clarity, the timing could not be more strategic.

Although neither Amazon nor Walmart has officially confirmed these plans, the potential for stablecoin-enabled payment rails could shift billions in transaction volume away from traditional banking channels.

Amazon, which recorded $638 billion in 2024 revenue—including $447 billion from global e-commerce—and Walmart, which saw over $100 billion in online sales in 2023, are well-positioned to integrate blockchain-based solutions for efficiency and cost savings.

Stablecoin-based payments offer faster settlements and significantly lower transaction fees, cutting into the billions these companies currently pay to card processors and banks. This could also reduce their reliance on legacy financial infrastructure.

By launching their own tokens, these retail giants could move vast volumes of transactions on-chain, enabling real-time, secure, and programmable money flows.

The WSJ report also highlighted that other major players—including Expedia Group and several U.S. airlines—are reportedly considering similar stablecoin ventures.

Meanwhile, Shopify recently announced it will support USDC payments for merchants by the end of 2025, signaling growing momentum for stablecoin integration in digital commerce.

Stablecoin Plans Leverage the GENIUS Act

The rollout of Walmart and Amazon’s stablecoins will likely hinge on the progress of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act.

Recently passed in the Senate by a 68–30 vote, the bill establishes a regulatory framework for U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins, including strict collateralization rules and compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws.

Most senators, including several Democrats, voted to invoke cloture—setting the bill up for floor debate and a final Senate vote before it proceeds to the House of Representatives.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has urged full congressional support, stressing the strategic importance of stablecoins to U.S. national security and global competitiveness.

If enacted, the GENIUS Act would give corporate issuers the clarity and confidence to launch stablecoin initiatives at scale.

With its focus on consumer protection, transparency, and financial stability, the legislation could be the regulatory catalyst needed to propel institutional stablecoin adoption in the U.S.

The Financial Sector Is Watching Closely

Major banks including JPMorgan, Citigroup, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo are reportedly in discussions about launching a joint stablecoin product, showing the financial sector is preparing to adapt.

DTCC Digital Assets has labeled stablecoins as ideal instruments for real-time collateral management—highlighting their potential to overhaul core financial infrastructure.

As the GENIUS Act advances and regulatory clarity increases, the convergence of retail, finance, and tech sectors around stablecoins signals a looming transformation of the U.S. payments ecosystem.

With brand-specific stablecoins on the table, giants like Amazon and Walmart could not only reshape how consumers transact—but also how value is stored, moved, and monetized globally.

For now, all eyes remain on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are preparing to vote on the future of stablecoin regulation—and potentially, the next evolution of digital commerce.