Stablecoin remittances cost 84% less than traditional transfers

A new report finds that stablecoin-funded remittances are dramatically cheaper and faster than traditional international money transfers, offering major savings particularly in emerging markets.

According to data from stablecoin payments network Borderless.xyz, sending a $200 remittance via stablecoins cost a median of $2, or 1%, in Q3 2026. This compares to a cost of $12.72, or 6.36%, for traditional transfers based on World Bank data, making stablecoin remittances roughly 84% cheaper. The savings were pronounced in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where stablecoin transfers cost 2.9% versus 8.46% for traditional methods.

The report also highlighted significant cost advantages for business payments. A $10,000 stablecoin transfer to the eurozone could cost as little as $26, compared to between $135 and $150 for a traditional international bank wire when including fees and foreign-exchange margins.

Beyond cost, stablecoin payouts settled in minutes through local networks like Brazil’s PIX and Mexico’s SPEI, whereas traditional SWIFT transfers typically took a full business day. However, payment completion rates varied, with some networks like Costa Rica’s SINPE showing lower reliability.