Hey there, crypto enthusiasts and blockchain curious folks! If you’ve been scrolling through X lately, you might have stumbled upon a thought-provoking post by MartyParty that’s got everyone talking. The big idea? Payment intermediaries like Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal could be on a "redundancy curve" heading toward obsolescence by 2028, thanks to the rise of native blockchain adoption. Let’s dive into this juicy topic and see what it means for the future of money!

The Redundancy Curve: What’s Happening?

MartyParty’s post suggests that traditional payment middlemen—think Visa, Stripe, and even Apple Pay—are facing a slow fade-out. Why? Because blockchain technology is stepping up as a faster, cheaper, and more transparent alternative. The post points to a chart from Bitwise showing stablecoin transaction volumes creeping closer to Visa’s payment levels. Stablecoins, like USDT or USDC, are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets (usually the dollar), making them perfect for everyday transactions without the wild price swings of Bitcoin.

The argument is simple: as more people and businesses adopt blockchain for payments, the need for intermediaries shrinks. No more hefty fees or slow cross-border transfers—blockchain could handle it all directly. MartyParty predicts this shift will accelerate through 2028, with exponential money velocity (how quickly money changes hands) driving the change.

Why Blockchain Could Win

So, why is blockchain gaining traction? For starters, it cuts out the middleman. Traditional payment systems rely on banks and processors, each taking a cut and adding time. Blockchain, on the other hand, uses a decentralized network where transactions are verified by computers worldwide—think of it like a global ledger everyone can trust. This is a game-changer for international payments, as highlighted in a recent article from The Payments Association.

Plus, stablecoins are proving their worth. According to Coinbase Insights, the stablecoin market settled over $10.8 trillion in transactions in 2023 alone. That’s a massive leap, and with volumes growing 17% year-over-year, it’s clear these digital currencies are catching up to giants like Visa. Faster speeds and lower costs are the big draws, making blockchain a serious contender.

What This Means for Visa and Mastercard

Does this mean Visa and Mastercard are doomed? Not quite yet! These payment giants are no strangers to innovation. As noted in a Medium post, both companies are already experimenting with blockchain to streamline cross-border payments and boost security. They’re adapting to stay relevant, but the pressure is on. If blockchain adoption keeps climbing, they might need to pivot hard or risk becoming the “new Nokia” (a nod to another iconic brand that missed the tech shift).

The 2028 Prediction: Hype or Reality?

MartyParty’s 2028 timeline is bold, but it’s not out of left field. With stablecoin use cases exploding—think Fireblocks’ report on $5.7 billion in telecom settlements—adoption is accelerating. Regulatory clarity, especially in regions like North America, is also smoothing the path. Still, challenges like scalability and widespread user education remain. Will we see a full shift by 2028? Maybe not, but the trend is undeniable.

What’s Next for Meme Token Fans?

If you’re into meme tokens (and hey, you’re on meme-insider.com, so we know you are!), this shift could open new doors. Imagine meme coin-based payment systems or decentralized apps (dApps) powered by stablecoins. It’s a wild thought, but the foundation is being laid. Keep an eye on projects leveraging blockchain for real-world use—they might be the next big thing!

Final Thoughts

The idea of payment intermediaries fading by 2028 is a hot topic, and MartyParty’s post has sparked some great debate on X. From Racheal calling it “borrowed time” to suircra comparing Visa to Xerox, the community’s buzzing. What do you think? Are we heading toward a blockchain-dominated payment world, or will traditional players hold their ground? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!