Nubank Plans Stablecoin Payments for Credit Cards in Latin America

Latin America’s leading digital bank, Nubank, will soon allow credit card payments with stablecoins. The announcement was made by vice-chairman Roberto Campos Neto, former governor of Brazil’s Central Bank, at the Meridian 2025 conference. Details remain scarce, but the plan reflects a closer relationship between financial institutions and blockchain technology.

How Stablecoins Are Gaining Practical Use?

At the Meridian 2025 event, Nubank vice-chairman Roberto Campos Neto pointed out a change in how digital assets are used. Cryptocurrencies were first seen mostly as a store of value, but stablecoins are now increasingly used for real transactions.

Campos Neto said banks must adapt, looking at ways to accept tokenized deposits and provide credit backed by digital assets. Around the world, financial institutions are starting to see digital assets as a lasting part of banking rather than a passing trend.

In Brazil, stablecoins are very popular. Nearly 90% of crypto activity involves coins like USDT or USDC. High inflation and a weak local currency have led people to seek safer options for storing and using money. Nearby countries show similar trends. In Argentina, stablecoins made up over 70% of crypto purchases in 2024, and in Venezuela, they are replacing local currency for daily use.

Stablecoins make it easier for Latin Americans to trade across borders without worrying about currency swings, supporting traditional financial systems.

Nubank’s Crypto Expansion Strategy

Nubank continues to expand its presence in digital assets with a new stablecoin initiative. The São Paulo bank entered the crypto market in 2022 by offering Bitcoin allocations and trading, and by early 2025, it had added several altcoins, including Cardano, Cosmos, Near Protocol, and Algorand.

This careful growth shows Nubank’s plan to introduce digital assets safely and in ways customers understand. The stablecoin pilot follows the same principle, focusing first on credit card payments, a familiar banking service.

Stablecoins are also gaining attention worldwide. Banks and regulators are exploring them to make payments simpler and cheaper. In the U.S., the GENIUS Act, backed by President Trump, shows its value as a secure, dollar-linked tool.

Implications for Latin American Traders

Nubank’s actions could transform how Latin Americans approach money management. Stablecoins help shield against inflation, maintain value, and facilitate cross-border payments. In Bolivia, which ended its crypto ban in 2024, banks are now permitted to handle Bitcoin and stablecoin transactions, reflecting a slow but steady shift in regulations.

In Venezuela, almost half of crypto transactions under $10,000 use stablecoins, showing they are becoming part of everyday spending. If Nubank connects stablecoins to credit cards, it could make payments simpler, letting people avoid problems with currency changes or exchange rates.

This may also push other banks and fintech companies to start using stablecoins. Challenges remain, like regulations, security, and teaching users, but Nubank’s move shows that stablecoins are moving into mainstream finance.

The Future of Payments in Latin America

Nubank’s plan to add stablecoins to credit card payments shows how the region’s financial system is changing. By combining blockchain technology with traditional banking, the bank aims to make transactions safer and more efficient.

The program is in its early stages, but it could have a big impact. Customers may benefit from protection against currency changes, while Nubank continues to lead in digital banking. As more people in Latin America adopt stablecoins, the bank could become a key player in the region’s financial system.