World App Starts Virtual Bank Accounts Pilot for USDC Payroll Deposits

World App, the gateway to the Sam Altman-founded blockchain network World, has begun piloting virtual bank accounts in the U.S., giving its users a new way to plug their everyday finances directly into the crypto economy.

The feature issues unique virtual account numbers, allowing users to receive direct deposits, like payroll payments, straight into the World App without employers interacting with blockchain rails or worrying about gas fees.

Once funds hit their virtual account, they’re automatically converted into $USDC.

The pilot is commencing in the U.S. for the first phase, with expansion to additional countries coming in future phases.

In addition, users can add money from a bank, send $USDC internationally, or spend it instantly, all without fees. The company pitches this as a key step toward simplifying on-ramps into crypto-native money.

"Virtual bank accounts embody World's vision of universally inclusive finance," the team wrote in a press release exclusively shared with CoinDesk. "While traditional banking infrastructure struggles with cross-border complexity, time zones, and fees, World App offers something revolutionary: fast, global, 24/7 finance that just works."

The World blockchain project can boast significant interest in the crypto industry through the association with its founder Sam Altman, also the CEO of OpenAI. As a response to the growing difficulty of distinguishing humans from highly advanced AI and bots online, World's central aim is to create a universally verifiable, privacy-preserving digital identity network known as World ID.

Read more: Sam Altman’s World Crypto Project Launches in US With Eye-Scanning Orbs in 6 Cities