Uber Reconsiders Crypto Payments with Fresh Focus on Stablecoins

June 6, 2025 – Ride-hailing giant Uber is once again evaluating cryptocurrency as a payment option, with CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stating the company is currently studying the use of stablecoins for international transactions.

The comments were made during Khosrowshahi’s appearance at the Bloomberg Tech conference in San Francisco, where he emphasized that stablecoins offer tangible benefits, particularly for global firms dealing with cross-border payments.

Uber Enters “Study Phase” on Stablecoins

“I think stablecoins are one of the more interesting instantiations of crypto that have a practical benefit beyond being a store of value,” Khosrowshahi said on stage. He noted that Uber is in a “study phase”, examining how stablecoins might fit into its global financial operations.

Uber’s CEO further explained that stablecoins could help lower costs and simplify international money transfers, making them particularly attractive for a company with operations in over 70 countries.

A History of Cautious Interest

This is the third time since 2021 that Uber has expressed interest in crypto payments:

• In September 2021, Khosrowshahi told CNBC that Uber was “looking into” Bitcoin and other crypto assets, though he ruled out adding them to the company’s balance sheet.
• In February 2022, he said Uber would “absolutely” accept crypto “at some point,” but only once exchange fees decreased and environmental concerns were addressed.

Despite these statements, no crypto integration has yet been implemented across Uber’s services.

Ties to Meta’s Diem Project

Uber’s crypto curiosity isn’t entirely new. The company was an early member of the Diem Association, the group behind Meta’s now-shelved Libra/Diem stablecoin initiative aimed at transforming global payments. That early involvement laid the groundwork for Uber’s continued exploration of digital currencies, especially those with lower volatility and regulatory clarity.

Past Remarks, Market Reactions

Uber’s previous crypto-related statements have coincided with mixed market outcomes. After the 2021 comments, Bitcoin traded relatively flat for several months. But following Khosrowshahi’s 2022 remarks, the broader crypto market suffered a major correction starting in spring of that year.

While no direct causal relationship has been established, investors often view corporate crypto interest as a sentiment indicator, especially when it comes from globally recognized brands like Uber.

What’s Next?

Khosrowshahi made no promises or timelines but confirmed that Uber is keeping the door open: “We’re definitely going to take a look,” he said. If implemented, stablecoin support would mark a significant step in mainstream crypto adoption, particularly for real-world, high-frequency payments.

Until then, the ride-hailing leader remains cautiously curious, signaling that crypto may one day ride shotgun in Uber’s global payment infrastructure — but not just yet.