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Money Travels 2026 reveals how technology is reshaping global remittances, with stablecoin interest nearly doubling when hypothetical protections added
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Report also finds nearly half (44%) of Americans worry about AI deepfakes when sending money abroad, and 1 in 3 (36%) have already encountered cross-border payment scams
Visa Inc., a global leader in digital payments, released Money Travels 2026, a global report on how technology is reshaping remittances. The research, which surveyed over 2,000 U.S. consumers, shows Americans want faster, cheaper ways to support family and friends abroad—but not at the cost of security.
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Nearly two-thirds (64%) say trust depends more on who offers a payment method than on the tech itself.
Stablecoins—digital currencies pegged to stable values like the U.S. dollar—are accounting for a growing share of cross-border money flows. The survey shows that consumer protections could unlock their adoption: in a hypothetical scenario with bank-level fraud protection and deposit insurance, U.S. adoption intent climbed from 36% to 56%.
The provider matters too. Nearly two-thirds (64%) say trust depends more on who offers a payment method than on the tech itself. Willingness to use stablecoins rises from 36% to 45% when offered through an existing financial provider.
Traditional banks and global payment networks lead on trust. Over six in ten U.S. consumers trust traditional commercial banks (61%) and global payment networks (60%) to provide digital currency services.
Despite industry buzz, stablecoins remain unfamiliar to most American consumers—over half (56%) have never heard of them. Among those who have, misconceptions are common: many assume they fluctuate like Bitcoin.
AI Scams Reach Remittances
Over 1 in 3 (36%) have encountered a scam related to international money transfers. Top tactics include fake messages, account impersonation, and fake investment schemes. 1 in 4 (24%) received AI-generated messages that seemed real, and almost half (44%) are concerned about AI deepfakes impersonating family members.
The stakes are high, with about 1 in 5 senders cutting their own spending to support family abroad.
“Remittances are a lifeline—funding education, essentials, and investment back home,” says Vira Platonova, Global Head of Visa Direct. “Our research shows what matters most to those who rely on that lifeline: trust. The future of the industry will be won by the providers that work hardest to earn that trust.”
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