Stablecoin Transfers Hit $891B in Q3 2026 as Major US Banks Expand Adoption

Stablecoin transfer volume reached $891 billion in the third quarter of 2026, more than quadrupling since early 2023, according to a new report commissioned by Coinbase and conducted by The Block Research. During the quarter, stablecoins moved more than $400 million per hour in adjusted transfer volume on average. The report also found that 73% of screened stablecoin transfer activity occurred outside traditional US banking hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays—underscoring the always-on nature of blockchain-based settlement.

Institutional and corporate adoption is accelerating. Seven of the ten largest US banks have now tested stablecoins or tokenized deposits for settlement, while 30% of mid-market companies engaged in cross-border business are using or piloting stablecoins—up from 10% in 2024. Business-to-business payment volume rose 36% year over year. The Block Research identified 293 million blockchain addresses holding stablecoins, a figure exceeding the combined number of cards issued by American Express and Discover. Researchers cautioned, however, that individual addresses do not necessarily correspond to unique users.

The report projected that moving 80% of international transactions onto stablecoin networks could add $155 billion to global GDP annually and free up approximately $3 trillion in liquidity currently held by banks to support cross-border payments. Researchers noted these estimates are based on hypothetical adoption scenarios and acknowledged that widespread stablecoin use could reduce traditional bank lending, potentially offsetting some benefits of faster, cheaper payments. Meanwhile, a separate National Cryptocurrency Association survey found that 42% of US adults—roughly 112 million people—would be more likely to open an account with a bank that offers crypto services. Some 18% expressed interest in buying or using stablecoins through their primary financial institution, though 64% said their bank, credit union, or advisor had never raised the topic of cryptocurrency. Despite surging transaction volumes, stablecoin market capitalization has remained largely flat over the past year.