Coinbase and Shopify Bring USDC Payments to Millions of Merchants

Crypto just scored a major win in e-commerce. At the 2025 State of Crypto Summit, Coinbase and Shopify unveiled a partnership to bring USDC payments to 5.5 million merchants across 34 countries, powered by Coinbase’s Base Layer-2 network. This move could make stablecoins as seamless as swiping a credit card at checkout, opening new doors for global commerce. Most of us have shopped from shopify platforms (knowingly or unknowingly) so lets dive into how this works, who benefits, and why it’s a defining moment.

Coinbase and Shopify Partnership

Announced June 12, 2025, this deal integrates USDC, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar, into Shopify’s $142 billion ecosystem, serving 875 million users. Coinbase’s Base network ensures fast, low-cost transactions, while Stripe converts crypto to local currency for merchants. Regulatory compliance is potentially handled via Stripe, helping merchants accept crypto without worrying about legal complexity. The rollout begins in 2025, starting with Shop Pay and guest checkouts. Coinbase’s app will also connect to Base-native DEXs like Aerodrome, giving users faster access to decentralized crypto swaps right from checkout.

Shoppers can pay with USDC using any crypto wallet via Shop Pay or guest checkout. Merchants receive fiat directly in their bank accounts, thanks to Stripe’s conversion. Coinbase’s app enhances the experience by linking to Base DEXs for easy crypto access. Setup requires a Coinbase Commerce account and a Shopify Basic plan, with minimal costs. It’s perfect for merchants eyeing global markets, crypto-savvy shoppers, or businesses wanting fast, low-fee payments. Shopify’s tools guide merchants through the process, making crypto accessible even for newcomers.

While excitement surrounds the partnership, some merchants hesitate due to crypto’s learning curve. Setting up wallets and understanding USDC takes effort, especially for small businesses. Shopify’s user-friendly guides and Coinbase’s support simplify onboarding, though. USDC’s stability avoids Bitcoin’s volatility, and Coinbase’s robust security – 98% cold storage and 2FA – ensures trust. Stripe’s reliable fiat conversion further eases concerns, making the leap less daunting for merchants.

This partnership is a milestone for crypto payments, putting USDC in the hands of Shopify’s 10% U.S. e-commerce market share. Jesse Pollak, Coinbase’s Head of Protocols, echoed this sentiment on X while sharing this update.

Shopify’s CTO Allan Leinwand echoed this, saying the goal is to “reduce global payment friction using web3 rails,” per a summit press release. It aligns with Coinbase’s Amex Coinbase One Card, which rewards Bitcoin spending, and deals like PayPal’s PYUSD integration. Visa’s $100 billion in crypto purchases shows the trend’s momentum. Base’s ecosystem could grow exponentially, making crypto a checkout staple.

Coinbase and Shopify are turning crypto payments into reality, with USDC’s speed and low fees set to transform e-commerce. Merchants gain access to 875 million shoppers without FX costs, while crypto users enjoy seamless checkouts. Crypto commerce is reshaping how we shop.