Glassnode and NOWPayments reveal stablecoin merchant payment habits

New research from Glassnode and NOWPayments has provided a clear view into how businesses are utilizing stablecoins to process payments today. The study tracks the movement of funds from the point of sale to the merchant treasury, revealing a strong preference for assets like USDT and USDC. In 2026, merchants are showing a clear trend toward keeping these funds in digital form rather than converting them immediately to fiat.

The findings show that businesses value the speed of blockchain settlement, which is significantly faster than traditional credit card processing. Because stablecoins offer a predictable value, merchants are finding it easier to manage their accounting without worrying about extreme price swings. The data indicates that the majority of merchants now prefer to hold a portion of their revenue in stablecoins to pay for operational costs or to reinvest in their supply chains.

Another interesting point raised by the report is the geographic diversity of these payments. Merchants globally are adopting these digital tools to bypass the high fees associated with international wire transfers. By using stablecoins, businesses are cutting out the middleman and keeping more of their margins. This trend is particularly visible in emerging markets where local currencies may face high volatility or limited access to global financial rails.

However, the report also notes that merchant adoption is not without its hurdles. Many businesses still struggle with the technical side of managing private keys or integrating payment gateways that require a deep understanding of wallet infrastructure. Glassnode suggests that the next phase of growth depends on how well service providers can simplify the user experience for business owners who do not have a technical background.

As we look at the data for 2026, it is evident that stablecoins have moved beyond simple speculation and into the realm of daily utility. Merchants are no longer just experimenting with crypto as a marketing gimmick. Instead, they are integrating these assets into their core financial operations. This shift is a positive sign for the industry, as it demonstrates that digital assets are solving real problems for businesses around the world. Future growth will likely follow the path of least resistance, where payment providers make the process as simple as sending an email.