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Saved February 14, 2026
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This article discusses how onchain credit protocols and stablecoins could revolutionize unsecured lending. By using programmable money and real-time funding, the traditional credit card system can be improved, enabling better capital allocation and transparency. The piece also highlights the need for new credit scoring methods and infrastructure to support this shift.
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Credit cards dominate unsecured borrowing in the U.S., with outstanding debt at about $1.21 trillion. The traditional credit card landscape hasn't changed much since the 1990s, despite new players like neobanks and fintechs. However, the introduction of stablecoins and onchain credit protocols could revolutionize how credit is created and managed. By digitizing transactions, lenders can tokenize receivables and access funds in real-time, enabling a smoother process from authorization to settlement.
Current credit systems involve lengthy processes and risks associated with counterparty delays. Onchain solutions promise real-time liquidity and automatic repayments through smart contracts. This development could lead to more precise lending practices, similar to Buy Now, Pay Later models, where loans are underwritten at the point of sale rather than through generalized credit lines. Specialized credit pools might emerge, targeting specific borrower profiles or transaction types, which could result in a more efficient allocation of capital.
Rebuilding the credit infrastructure requires new scoring systems and credibility assessments that go beyond traditional credit metrics. While some existing scores like FICO may transition to blockchain, decentralized identity systems could offer better solutions. The entire lending ecosystem, including collection processes, needs to adapt to support stablecoin-denominated obligations. As stablecoin cards link fiat and blockchain, the integration of unsecured credit into this framework aims to facilitate seamless borrowing for consumers and transparent funding for investors.
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