Thunes Brings 24/7 Euro Payments to 140 Countries with Circle's EURC

Alejandro Martínez · 2026-08-13

The global payments landscape just got a whole lot more interesting. Thunes, a major player in cross-border payments, has teamed up with Circle to enable round-the-clock euro payments using the EURC stablecoin. And here's the kicker: this service now spans 140 countries. That's a big deal for businesses and individuals who've grown tired of waiting for traditional banking hours to move money across borders. If you've ever sent an international payment, you know the drill. You hit send, and then you wait. Sometimes it's hours, sometimes it's days. And if you're dealing with different time zones, well, good luck getting anything done over the weekend. That's exactly the problem Thunes and Circle are tackling head-on. ### What Exactly Is EURC? EURC is Circle's euro-backed stablecoin. Think of it as the euro's digital twin. Each EURC token is designed to be redeemable 1:1 for actual euros, held in regulated financial institutions. It runs on multiple blockchains, which gives it flexibility and reach. For anyone who's used USDC, Circle's dollar-backed stablecoin, EURC works in a similar way—but it's pegged to the euro instead. The beauty of using a stablecoin for payments is speed. Traditional bank transfers can take days, especially across borders. With EURC, transactions can settle in seconds, any time of day, any day of the week. That's a game-changer for businesses that need to move money quickly, whether it's paying suppliers, settling invoices, or supporting remote teams. ### Why 24/7 Payments Matter Let's face it: the 9-to-5 banking model is outdated. In a world where e-commerce never sleeps and freelancers work from every time zone, waiting for a bank to open is a bottleneck. Thunes' new capability means that a company in the U.S. can pay a contractor in Germany at 2 a.m. Eastern Time, and the funds can arrive almost instantly. No more checking the clock to see if the bank in Frankfurt is open. Here's what this means in practical terms: - **Faster settlements**: Payments that used to take days now happen in seconds. - **Global reach**: 140 countries covered, which is a huge chunk of the world's economies. - **Reduced friction**: No need to worry about banking hours or public holidays in different countries. - **Cost efficiency**: Stablecoin transactions often come with lower fees than traditional wire transfers. ### The Bigger Picture for Cross-Border Payments This move by Thunes is part of a broader trend. Stablecoins are increasingly being used for real-world payments, not just trading. Companies like Visa and Mastercard have started integrating stablecoins into their networks. Central banks are exploring digital currencies. The infrastructure is slowly but surely being built. What's interesting here is the focus on the euro. Most stablecoin activity has been dollar-centric, with USDC leading the pack. By enabling euro payments, Thunes is catering to a significant market that's often overlooked. Europe has a fragmented payments landscape, with different currencies and systems across countries. A euro stablecoin could simplify things considerably. ### What Does This Mean for Businesses? If you run a business that deals with international payments, this is worth paying attention to. The ability to send euros instantly, 24/7, to 140 countries could streamline your operations. Imagine not having to hedge against currency fluctuations or worry about transfer delays. It's not just about speed; it's about reliability and predictability. Of course, there are still questions to consider. Regulatory clarity around stablecoins is still evolving. And while EURC is designed to be stable, it's not without risks. But the direction is clear: stablecoins are becoming a legitimate part of the payments ecosystem. ### Final Thoughts Thunes and Circle are making a bold statement. By enabling 24/7 euro payments across 140 countries, they're pushing the boundaries of what's possible in cross-border transactions. It's a reminder that the financial world is changing, and those who adapt early will have an edge. Whether you're a finance professional or just someone who sends money abroad occasionally, this development is worth watching. The days of waiting for the bank to open might be numbered.