Consumers Seek Cheaper, Faster Cross-Border Remittances

Consumers are increasingly seeking cheaper and faster cross-border remittance options, according to a new Visa Inc. report titled “Money Travels 2026.” While international money transfers remain a vital service for many, high fees, delays, and usability challenges continue to frustrate users.

Fees, Delays, and Trust Top Consumer Concerns

The study highlights that fees are the most cited issue, with 24% of respondents listing them as a top concern, followed by 17% who cite slow fund access and 14% who mention ease-of-use problems. Among those who experienced remittance difficulties, 23% found fees too expensive, 12% criticized delays in retrieving funds, and 8% were dissatisfied with the transfer process.

Stablecoins, digital assets pegged to traditional currencies like the U.S. dollar, are seen as a potential solution to reduce costs and speed. However, uncertainty around their use persists. Only 16% of U.S. consumers express strong trust in these assets for remittances, compared to 25% who trust cash or digital transfers. Many still associate stablecoins with higher risk, with 48% placing them in the same category as bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.

Education and Trust Shape Adoption

A Visa survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers found that 19% have sent money internationally, with 32% of Canadian respondents doing the same. While 56% of U.S. adults say they have never heard of stablecoins, awareness grows when benefits are explained. Once informed that these assets maintain their value and may offer tax advantages, 60% indicated they would be more likely to use them.

Trust in providers also plays a key role. Traditional banks are trusted by 60% of respondents, while payment networks like Visa and Mastercard earn 59% trust. Government and central banks trail at 49%, and tech companies such as Apple and Google at 43%. Crypto exchanges like Coinbase and Binance are trusted by just 33%.

Stablecoins Gain Interest With Protections

Visa notes that stablecoin-based remittance services could see increased adoption if they include bank-level fraud protection and deposit insurance. Such features could boost willingness to use them from 36% to 56% among U.S. consumers. The study emphasizes that transparency, consumer safeguards, and trusted providers are critical for gaining mainstream acceptance.

Vira Platonova, global head of Visa Direct, explained in an interview that consumers recognize these assets’ potential for faster, seamless transfers but need more education. “People still want to know their money will arrive safely, reliably, and as expected,” Platonova said, adding that adoption will depend on trust and transparency.

Cross-border payments align well with stablecoin technology, Platonova argued. “Money to move quickly, reliably and on their terms,” she said. Visa’s research shows interest in innovation exists, but adoption hinges on consumer protections. These digital currencies are one of several technologies that could expand global money movement as expectations evolve.

The report relies solely on consumer survey responses and does not include Visa Direct transaction data or usage figures.