Shopify Begins Testing USDC Payments on Coinbase’s Base Network

Shopify is taking a bigger step into digital payments by testing out stablecoin transactions using USDC on Coinbase’s Base, a fast, low-cost Ethereum Layer-2 network.

A small group of merchants was granted early access starting June 13, with a broader launch expected later this year via Shop Pay and Shopify Payments.

The move is part of a deeper partnership with Coinbase, aimed at building a modern, blockchain-powered payment system. Shopify’s CEO, Tobi Lütke, described stablecoins as a natural fit for online commerce, emphasizing the project’s potential to streamline global transactions.

Incentives like 1% cash back in local currency are also in the pipeline, signaling Shopify’s intent to make stablecoin payments more appealing to users. Shoppers will need a compatible crypto wallet to complete purchases in USDC.

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Base, the network supporting this initiative, already hosts about 6% of all USDC, making it a significant player in the stablecoin ecosystem. While Shopify hasn’t confirmed plans to support other blockchains, some users online have urged the company to expand compatibility.

Shopify has been no stranger to crypto. It has supported Bitcoin payments through external gateways since 2013 and now offers several crypto payment integrations, including with BitPay and Solana Pay. However, Shopify still recommends its own payment system for high-speed sales, citing crypto’s slower settlement times.

This isn’t the first time Shopify and Coinbase have collaborated. Both were part of Meta’s now-defunct Diem stablecoin project—a sign that while past experiments didn’t stick, the vision of crypto-powered commerce is still very much alive.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.