With more businesses operating online, today’s customers expect a diversity of payment options. While overseas payments move slowly and high transaction fees deter people, hassles associated with foreign bank accounts don’t help matters.
It isn’t enough to accept bank transfers, credit or debit card payments, or a payment service. Stablecoins have become a popular alternative for many consumers, and due to the Treasury’s 2025 stablecoin payment framework, there’s momentum for this payment type in Australia.
Many businesses are accepting stablecoins as payment, with more freelancers and SMEs being asked about their payment policies. As consumers seek the best payment options, small businesses and freelancers risk losing business if they don’t accept stablecoins.
Let’s look at seven key benefits of using stablecoins.
-
1. From days to minutes, process payments in seconds
Why wait days when you can send and receive money in seconds? Slow settlement speed disrupts cash flow, interrupts payroll, and can significantly impact your operational processes.
Stablecoin settlement speed depends on the network, but many offer instant settlement, and the longest settlement period is around three days for the slower networks, which is still quicker than standard international payments to keep your business ticking. Whereas using a traditional bank can take as long as 10 days to process payments.
One Australian startup is a perfect real-life example of how quickly stablecoins settle, converting them to AUD within minutes; it has never been easier to diversify your digital wallet or payment options.
-
2. Lower fees on everyday transactions
The best services in life are rarely free, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find low fees on everyday transactions and invoices. Services like Wise, Stripe, and Revolut typically charge minimal fees.
| Feature | Bank | PayPal | Stablecoins |
| Transaction fee | From $15 to $50 per transaction. | Fixed fee at a high interest rate. | Minimal costs, generally a few cents up to a few dollars. |
| Foreign Exchange costs | 2-5% markup | Baked into the rate. | There is no exchange cost; it’s a 1:1. |
| Intermediary fees | Significant | Baked into the rate. | None. |
| Settlement speed | Up to five days. | Several days. | Within minutes, as quickly as seconds. |
-
3. Bypass the foreign bank account struggles
Opening a foreign bank account isn’t as simple as opening and maintaining it; there are also overseas regulations to consider and compliance laws you don’t want to fall foul of. Instead of dealing with the hassles of foreign banking, you can opt for the simplicity of stablecoins.
Stablecoins provide a wallet address, automatic conversion, and there’s no need to worry about your money held in a foreign bank account that’s regulated by a foreign jurisdiction.
-
4. Credibility and regulatory safety
You’ve likely heard the discussions and concerns surrounding crypto risk, including security, regulation, and volatility. Stablecoins are pegged to the US dollar and are regulated under AUSTRAC, which is subject to AML/KYC rules.
On the Australian side, the frameworks regulating stablecoins are rapidly evolving, and FastStables is an excellent example of a platform designed to provide businesses and SMEs with the confidence and peace of mind needed to comply with Australia’s strict regulations.
-
5. Diversify payment options without a systems overhaul
Many franchisees and SMEs avoid adding payment options, believing it requires a total systems overhaul.
Luckily, with stablecoins, there’s no need for an overhaul. You can simply add stablecoins as one of your payment methods right alongside PayPal, cards, and bank transfers. That way, you get the flexibility you want without the disruption.
Mainstream payment platforms, such as Stripe and Visa, have added stablecoins as a global payment option.
-
6. Global solutions
As crypto adoption grows, businesses in the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Singapore are increasingly dealing with consumers who prefer stablecoin payments.
By offering this option, franchisees and SMEs can build trust, smooth international transactions, and encourage repeat customers. Beyond speed, stablecoins can also help secure better terms for both parties.
-
7. Future-proof your business
Stablecoins are growing in popularity, and as they spread across the globe, franchisees and SMEs are under increasing pressure to future-proof their businesses by accepting a wide range of payment options.
The earlier you adopt a quicker, smoother payment option, the better you position your business to upgrade when the next payment infrastructure trend emerges. Change is the one thing we can guarantee, but you can position your company to roll with every change.
-
A payment advantage SMEs and franchisees can’t afford to miss
Stablecoins are faster, they’re safer, and they’re cheaper, so if you’re looking for a flexible payment option to ensure that franchisees and SMEs of all sizes can compete globally just as competitively as they do domestically. With a quick and easy alternative, more consumers will be drawn to your products and services.
Whether it’s a mistrust of banks or worries about rising fees, deliver a seamless shopping experience for your clients and customers by partnering with a platform that can settle payments in seconds.
