Visa and Artemis report: stablecoins have become the core of AI proxy micropayments

stablecoins are expected to become the core infrastructure for AI proxy micropayments

According to recent research by Visa and blockchain intelligence company Artemis, stablecoins are expected to become the main infrastructure for micropayments between artificial intelligence agents. As the integration of artificial intelligence in digital commerce accelerates, stablecoins are seen as a cost-effective solution for high-frequency transactions between machines, while traditional card networks will remain at the core of broader consumer payments.

stablecoins gain attention in AI-driven payments

A joint analysis by Visa and Artemis explores how AI agents-software programs that can make autonomous decisions and execute transactions-can reshape the digital payment landscape. Research divides payments into macro commerce (such as consumer-processed hotel reservations or subscription services) and micro commerce (often referred to as ongoing, low-value transactions performed entirely by software).

stablecoins, a digital currency pegged to traditional currencies such as the US dollar, have performed well in the micro-business field. Its blockchain-based architecture enables low-cost, frictionless value transfer and is ideal for large-volume, small-amount transactions generated by AI-driven services.

Microtransactions between digital services often occur in the background, such as applications communicating through APIs or sharing data and computing resources. Given the high fees on traditional payment channels for such small transfers, stablecoins provide a practical alternative to maintaining economic efficiency in B2B or machine-to-machine payments.

Artemis a blockchain intelligence company focusing on data analysis and digital asset research, working with a number of large financial institutions to analyze payment technology and infrastructure. Visa and Artemis emphasized that stablecoins 'extremely low transaction costs make them ideal for software-driven recurring payments, in sharp contrast to fixed-rate card networks.

A dual-track path to future payment infrastructure

Visa expects that future payment systems will integrate traditional card networks and blockchain-based stablecoin channels to form a dual-track path. In this model, AI agents will intelligently select the most appropriate payment channel for each type of transaction: macro-payments to consumers use mature card networks, while micro-transactions that are quickly automated between machines use stablecoins.

Traditional financial giants continue to integrate stablecoin functions, highlighting the growing integration between traditional payment providers and digital asset ecosystems. Visa, known for its global electronic payment processing network, has launched plans to connect traditional transaction authorizations with blockchain settlement infrastructure. At the same time, crypto-native companies continue to invest in reliable security and authentication systems to comply with traditional standards.

Research points out that cooperation between card networks and blockchain innovators is strengthening as traditional institutions expand support for stablecoins and invest in interoperable payment applications that are compatible with traditional and decentralized networks.

Payment Types and Preferred Technology

Consumer Transactions: Card Network-The main advantages are broad merchant acceptance and mature dispute resolution mechanisms.

AI proxy micro-payment: stablecoins-the main advantages are low transaction costs, fast settlement, and suitable for automation.

Regulatory challenges and the future of autonomous payments

Although blockchain infrastructure holds hope for AI-driven micropayments, regulatory uncertainty and dispute resolution remain major obstacles. Current regulatory rules are designed around manual supervision and accountability in financial transactions, and gaps arise when these processes are entirely managed by software.

Refund and consumer protection mechanisms designed for low-volume, high-value transactions cannot handle thousands of continuous, automated transfers. In order to promote the popularization of autonomous commerce, payment service providers need to introduce agreements that specifically manage disputes and risks of machine-initiated payments.

Visa's recent initiatives focus on expanding the adoption of AI-driven and blockchain-based payment workflows. The company has joined industry organizations such as the Open Standards Alliance and worked with institutions such as MasterCard and Coinbase to support open stablecoin agreements. This multi-level engagement highlights Visa's commitment to promoting digital asset payments globally, especially in the areas of automation and microtransactions.

stablecoins have also consolidated their position by expanding partnerships and launching card plans integrated with blockchain settlements, further confirming predictions that these digital assets will become the foundation of the next generation of autonomous commerce.