Stablecoins have emerged as a revolution in payment systems, promising to lower costs and enhance transaction speed compared to traditional credit cards. US merchants currently incur over $100 billion in credit card fees annually, with interchange fees reducing profits for businesses and raising consumer prices. Stablecoins, pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar, offer faster settlements on blockchain networks and lower transaction costs. They introduce innovative loyalty programs that allow customization and flexibility, diverging from conventional cash-back systems. The growing interest from large retailers and fintech companies, such as Gemini's launch of the XRP Credit Card, shows a shift towards integrating cryptocurrency into mainstream finance. Initiatives like Ripple's RLUSD and Air Shop's Stable-Points are examples of how stablecoins are set to disrupt the industry. If stablecoins acquire even a modest market share, they could redefine the economic landscape of payments, redirecting significant savings to both merchants and consumers and positioning themselves as a central facet of the US payment infrastructure.

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