A report from Borderless.xyz indicates that stablecoin-based remittances are 84% cheaper than traditional methods. Sending $200 via stablecoin rails costs a median of 1%, or $2, while traditional transfers average 6.36%, or $12.72.
Cost advantages are significant in emerging markets. In Sub-Saharan Africa, stablecoin transfers cost 2.9% against 8.46% for traditional ones. In Latin America, the figures are 1.25% compared to 5.64%.
Business payments also show savings. A $10,000 transfer to the eurozone via stablecoins costs $26 at the lowest-cost provider, whereas traditional bank wires range from $135 to $150.
Stablecoin payments offer faster settlement times, often reaching local bank accounts in minutes. In Brazil, PIX network payouts settled in two minutes, while Mexico’s SPEI took three minutes.
Traditional SWIFT transfers typically settle the next business day, with the slowest 10% taking three days. Completion rates for stablecoin networks vary, reaching 98.6% in Mexico and 73% in Costa Rica.
Standard Chartered projects the stablecoin market will reach $2 trillion by 2030. This forecast follows observed growth in transaction volumes despite stable market capitalization.
