- Trip.com now accepts stablecoin for hotel and flight bookings.
- Multiple supported blockchains enable faster, flexible cross-border payment options for travelers.
Trip.com is opening a new space for travelers by accepting stablecoin payments for hotel and flight bookings. This move comes as users increasingly want to conduct cross-border transactions without relying entirely on traditional payment methods.
This feature has been active in various regions for the past few months and is increasingly being used by travelers accustomed to using crypto wallets for their daily activities. Stablecoin options like USDT and USDC now appear alongside credit cards, providing a more flexible option, especially for travelers who frequently move between regions.
Stablecoin Support Brings Faster, Easier Bookings
Following the launch of this feature, Trip.com provides support for a number of popular blockchain networks. This flexibility also streamlines the checkout process, as users can use any wallet they own across Ethereum, Tron, Polygon, Solana, Arbitrum One, and TON.
Furthermore, this method is also attracting attention from those looking to avoid currency conversion fees. Some field experiences even indicate potential savings on certain bookings. Not only that, hotel users only need to provide their name and email address when making payments, making the process more convenient than traditional methods that require numerous forms.
In some countries, booking flights with stablecoins is said to provide more competitive prices, although this is of course influenced by many factors. However, the main attraction remains the ease of cross-border transactions, something previously difficult to achieve without international banking.
Trip.com’s work with crypto-focused payment processors keeps transactions moving smoothly and quickly, even when travelers are far from their home banking hours. For many frequent flyers, it simply matches the way they already move across borders.
On the other hand, the adoption of stablecoin payments increasingly appears to be a trend spreading across various sectors. In mid-December, we reported that Exodus joined forces with MoonPay to introduce a dollar-pegged stablecoin tailored for Exodus Pay. It was created with self-custody in mind and works smoothly with worldwide payment rails, letting users pay wherever they go without leaning on a single platform.
On December 13, we also highlighted Interactive Brokers’ move to enable account funding using stablecoins, connecting crypto wallets directly to brokerage accounts. Funds are then automatically converted into the base currency, making access to funds faster than traditional bank transfers.
Also, in early December, we reviewed Western Union’s plans to launch a prepaid Visa card that holds dollar stablecoins in an effort to help users cope with extreme inflation in some countries. The card is connected to USDPT on the Solana network, offering faster cross-border transfers and potentially lower fees for global users.
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