WalletConnect Launches Pay to Bring Crypto Payments to Mainstream Retail in 2026

Source: CryptoNewsNet Original Title: WalletConnect Pay set to bring crypto payments to mainstream commerce in 2026 Original Link:

Overview

WalletConnect has unveiled an expansion into the crypto payments sector scheduled for 2026, building on a year of rapid growth. In 2025, the connectivity infrastructure provider reported 119% year-over-year growth, processing more than $400 billion in network volume across its ecosystem.

The company currently supports over 700 wallets globally and serves 55.5 million active users. This strategic shift aims to bring crypto payments from onchain activity into everyday commerce, including retail, online, and financial services.

WalletConnect Pay: Bridging Digital Assets and Real-World Spending

The new initiative, branded WalletConnect Pay, will target payment solution providers and point-of-sale systems as well as online platforms. It is designed to support crypto payments across e-commerce checkouts, cards, and fintech applications seeking to add digital asset rails.

Banks and financial institutions will be able to plug into the same infrastructure to unlock crypto payment capabilities. The company leverages its existing footprint of more than 700 supported wallets, providing broad reach across the global crypto ecosystem.

Industry data shows that stablecoin transaction volume has already surpassed major card networks, with annual flows reaching trillions of dollars, outpacing traditional card schemes combined. However, real-world utility for everyday purchases remains limited—most consumers cannot reliably use stablecoins such as USDC to buy coffee or groceries, despite the massive onchain transaction base.

Strategic Partnerships Over Direct Competition

WalletConnect intends to tackle this gap through strategic partnerships with incumbent payment processors and financial infrastructure providers, integrating crypto rails into established networks. Merchants will be able to accept payments from any supported wallet or blockchain, abstracting away protocol complexity.

The company maintains existing partnerships with leading fintech platforms and integration with compliance providers, extending market reach into both retail and institutional segments. Previously, WalletConnect worked with regional partners to support point-of-sale crypto payments across Asia-Pacific.

Operating as a Neutral Network

WalletConnect describes itself as a crypto-native analog to major global card schemes—an open, neutral network connecting millions of users and thousands of wallets without favoring specific assets or chains.

The infrastructure supports transactions across hundreds of blockchain networks. Users can pay with popular stablecoins including USDC, USDT, PYUSD, and DAI, as well as major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, plus networks like Sui and Polygon. This multi-chain approach aims to deliver seamless interoperability across the onchain economy.

Looking Ahead

WalletConnect’s 2026 roadmap centers on delivering comprehensive crypto payment solutions to a global audience. The success of WalletConnect Pay will depend on execution, regulatory clarity, and merchant adoption, as the firm attempts to turn massive onchain volumes into everyday spending options.

The company’s core WalletConnect connectivity product will continue to operate alongside the new payments offering, positioning the firm to move from pure connectivity to full-stack payments infrastructure.