Currency Exchange in the US: What to Know and Your Options

The US dollar and stablecoin alignment

The United States uses the US dollar (USD), and major stablecoins including USDT and USDC are pegged directly to it. Because of this alignment, converting a dollar-pegged stablecoin balance to US dollars for spending or withdrawal in the US involves no cross-currency conversion at all, unlike converting to any other national currency. This makes the US a unique case for anyone holding stablecoins and needing local currency.

Payment methods across the US

Card and contactless payment are extremely widely used across the US, and cash is used less frequently for everyday purchases in many parts of the country compared to some other regions. Most retailers, restaurants, and services accept card payment as standard. This widespread card acceptance means that any card-based payment method, including those funded from a crypto wallet, can be used in most situations without needing to carry large amounts of cash.

ATM withdrawals and fee structures

ATM fees in the US commonly include both a fee from the ATM operator and a possible fee from the card issuer, so checking both before withdrawing is a normal part of using any card there. This is not specific to a crypto-funded card but applies to any card used at an ATM. Understanding the fee structure of your card before making withdrawals can help you plan cash access more cost-effectively.

Traditional currency exchange options

Visitors to the US typically exchange currency at airport kiosks, banks, or dedicated exchange services. Each option has its own fee structure and exchange rate markup.

• Airport exchange kiosks are convenient but often have higher fees and less favorable rates
• Banks may offer better rates but require account access or charge service fees
• Dedicated exchange services vary widely in pricing and availability

Comparing these options with card-based payment can help you choose the most practical approach for your needs.

How Nexus Pay works in the US

Nexus Pay is a crypto wallet with a Visa card, funded across 6 networks with in-app coin swaps. Because the card is linked to your crypto wallet, you can spend directly from your stablecoin balance at any point of sale or ATM that accepts Visa. Since USDT and USDC are pegged to the US dollar, using the card in the US means no currency conversion is involved, just a straightforward spend from your wallet balance.

Common questions