The Growing Number of Businesses Accepting Crypto Payments

From Wall Street to Main Street, what was once a niche fascination is now mainstream currency. From corporate giants to cozy local shops, businesses are flinging open their doors to welcome the cryptocurrency craze. Here’s why, and which sectors have embraced the technology the most.

The Crypto Payment Trend

The Global Crypto Payment Gateway Market hit a substantial $18.20 million mark in 2021. Fast forward to 2028, and it's expected to soar to a staggering $91.97 billion. This growth represents a formidable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.45% during the forecast period. As cryptocurrencies continue to gain ground, it's a safe bet to anticipate a rising tide of businesses and individuals opting for crypto payments, especially in industries that deal with high-value transactions.

Why Businesses are Embracing Crypto Payments

A careful review of meme coins and other cryptocurrencies has shown that there's wide adoption from local stores to giant corporations and that they can be used in just about all sectors. This growing adoption of meme coins and more popular cryptos as payments is driven by crucial factors highlighting the perks of cryptocurrencies and digital transactions. These factors drive the rising demand for crypto payment systems across various sectors and regions. The following are some of the reasons businesses are adopting cryptocurrencies:

Cryptocurrency Popularity

The popularity of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum is rising, driving the need to find practical ways for real-world purchases. Many are also accepting of meme coins because of their cult following, attracting a unique audience.

Global Payments

Crypto payment gateways offer a passport to frictionless cross-border transactions, eliminating the hassle of currency conversion and intermediaries.

Financial Access

In regions with limited access to traditional banking, crypto payment gateways unlock financial services for individuals and businesses.

Security

Cryptocurrencies piggybacking on blockchain technology brings enhanced security, slashing the risk of fraud, chargebacks, and unauthorized transactions.

Lower Costs

Crypto payment gateways often trim transaction costs, especially when it comes to international dealings, compared to traditional payment methods.

Industries Leading the Way

More than 18,000 businesses have already embraced crypto as a form of payment, and this number keeps growing as various industries tap into its benefits. Here are the key sectors leading the way in crypto payments:

Gambling

Cryptocurrency is gaining popularity for gambling due to advantages like privacy, accessibility, speed, and lower fees. Casinos now accept crypto and offer bonuses for crypto deposits, attracting players globally.

Retail and E-commerce

Major players like Newegg, Etsy, and Home Depot now accept crypto payments on their websites. Platforms like Crypto Emporium enable users to buy various products with cryptocurrencies. Additionally, crypto can be used for everyday expenses through gift card exchange platforms.

Online Gaming

With over 3.09 billion active players worldwide, online gaming is thriving. Users can now use crypto to purchase in-game items and upgrades. Some even earn cryptocurrencies as rewards for achievements, watching ads, or completing surveys, which can then be exchanged for stablecoins or traditional money.

Financial Institutions

To address vulnerabilities exposed during the global financial crisis, banks and financial institutions are turning to cryptocurrency to improve their services. Leading institutions like JP Morgan are paving the way, with others likely to follow suit. Even major financial players like PayPal have started enabling cryptocurrency transactions within their networks.

Hospitality Sector

During the summer of 2021, several hotel chains, including Pavilions Hotels & Resorts, the Kessler Collection, and S Hotel & Resorts, announced their acceptance of cryptocurrencies. Just recently, it was reported that Lolly, the hospitality software house, partnered with Coincorner to bring Bitcoin payment functionality to the LollyPoS platform.

Travel and Tourism

Numerous airlines and travel agencies across the continent now accept Bitcoin and other digital currencies for booking flights, accommodations, and vacation packages. This shift simplifies transactions by eliminating the need for currency conversion and reduces associated costs. Additionally, companies like Virgin Galactic, part of Richard Branson's Virgin Group, have embraced cryptocurrencies for space travel experiences.

The Future of Cryptocurrency Payment

In the near future, we expect innovations that prioritize expanding the range of cryptocurrencies available for payments. Simultaneously, gateway systems will undergo improvements to enhance the convenience, speed, and security of crypto transactions.

Despite the current applications of De-Fi technology, there remains untapped potential. As more customers embrace cryptocurrencies, we can only expect businesses to follow suit and increasingly start catering to these evolving payment preferences.

This mutual adoption between customers and merchants will also benefit the crypto sector as a whole, highlighting the reliable operational processes inherent in payment gateways. Ultimately, we can anticipate a future convergence of the payment and crypto sectors, offering customers greater flexibility and fostering global merchant expansion.

Date: 29.09.2023