Uber Revisits Crypto Ambitions, Eyes Stablecoins for Practical Payments

Uber is once again exploring the possibility of accepting cryptocurrency, with CEO Dara Khosrowshahi indicating a renewed interest in stablecoins as part of the company’s evolving payments strategy.

Speaking at the Bloomberg Technology Summit in San Francisco, Khosrowshahi said the ride-hailing giant is “actively studying” stablecoin applications to support cross-border operations. “Stablecoins offer real-world utility, especially for international payments,” he said. “They feel more relevant to our use case than speculative crypto assets.”

This isn’t the first time Uber has flirted with crypto. The company first broached the topic in 2021, then again in 2022, but both instances failed to yield any firm commitments or product launches. Now, with global stablecoin infrastructure maturing and regulatory frameworks tightening, Uber’s latest comments suggest a more practical, utility-driven approach.

Khosrowshahi reaffirmed his earlier skepticism about volatile cryptocurrencies like bitcoin for treasury purposes but acknowledged their growing legitimacy. “Bitcoin has earned its place as a store of value,” he said. “But stablecoins are better suited for what we need operationally.”

Uber had previously backed Meta’s now-defunct Diem project, an ambitious stablecoin initiative that ultimately folded under regulatory pressure. The company’s continued curiosity about crypto indicates a broader trend of tech firms re-engaging with digital assets after the speculative wave of the early 2020s.

While no launch timeline was offered, the renewed attention on crypto from a global platform like Uber adds to the sense that mainstream adoption could accelerate — especially if focused on utility over hype.