Why Stablecoins Are Changing How People Think About Money

Most people don't think about how their money moves until fees pile up or transfers and payments take days. 

Stablecoins offer a different way to hold and move value: faster, cheaper, and borderless. They tend to make the most sense for people who regularly deal with cross-border payments, foreign currency spending, or already hold digital assets they'd like to use. If that sounds familiar, stablecoins might be worth a closer look.

For a refresher on what stablecoins are, see our Stablecoins 101 guide.

How Stablecoins Compare to Traditional Money

Traditional money (bank accounts, cards):

Traditional money (bank accounts, cards) moves through established banking networks like SWIFT or ACH. These systems are reliable, but operate within business hours, across multiple intermediaries, and often with layered fees. International transfers can take several days to settle, and it's common to pay $25 or more per transfer. Spending abroad usually comes with foreign transaction fees of around 1-3%, usually combined with exchange rate markups.

Stablecoins (USDT, USDC):

Stablecoins like USDC or USDT work differently. They move on blockchain networks and operate continuously, without banking hours or borders. Transfers often settle quickly and at low cost, and their value is designed to track a reference currency, such as the US dollar. When paired with Web3 cards, stablecoins can also be spent at merchants worldwide.

Neither is universally "better". Traditional banking might work well for many people, while stablecoins tend to shine when money needs to move across borders or when you're already earning in digital dollars.

Who Benefits Most from Using Stablecoins?

Freelancers and remote workers paid in stablecoins

More companies and platforms now offer the option to pay freelancers and remote workers in stablecoins. For those working with international clients, this can mean faster payments and lower fees compared to traditional cross-border transfers.

Stablecoins also give freelancers more control over when and how they convert to local currency. Instead of receiving funds in a foreign currency and immediately losing value to conversion fees, you can hold stablecoins and convert when you're actually ready to spend. 

Global travelers

Traveling abroad with a traditional credit card often means paying 1-3% in foreign transaction fees on every purchase, plus unfavorable exchange rate markups. Over a two-week trip, that can add up to ~$60 in hidden costs on $3,000 of spending. With stablecoins and a Web3 card, transactions pass through fewer intermediaries, reducing the layered fees common in traditional banking.

Everyday spenders with digital assets

Some people hold stablecoins from trading, earnings, or simple as a way to keep funds in a stable currency. Most stablecoins are pegged to a major currency, like the US dollar, offering a store of value, which is especially useful for those in regions with limited banking access or volatile local currencies.

How to Spend Your Stablecoins Seamlessly

For these personas, the common challenge is turning stablecoins into everyday spending power. Without a Web3 card, you'd need to sell on an exchange and withdraw to a bank, which takes up additional time and fees.

DeCard removes the conversion hassle. Users can simply load their stablecoins directly onto their card and spend at merchants worldwide. For travelers, DeCard charges just a flat 1.8% FX fee, lower than what most banks charge, and DeCard Luminaries comes with additional travel perks suited for the frequent traveler, like airport lounge access and travel insurance.

Sign up for DeCard and experience the ease of spending your stablecoins anywhere.