Crypto Comes Mainstream: PayPal’s Sparkling Digital Shift

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A new study by PayPal and the National Cryptocurrency Association reveals that cryptocurrency payments have ceased to be mere garnish and have taken center stage in the American ledger, with four in every ten merchants now accepting crypto, converting these audacious alternatives into everyday coin for digital natives.

One suspects the coin has learned to flirt with the wallet, and we, dazzled, pretend it is a serious business.

PayPal Study: Crypto Payments Going Mainstream in the U.S.

A new study shows cryptocurrency, which had once failed to dent the payments industry, is now more than a mere footnote in the sector.

According to a joint study conducted by payments giant PayPal and the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), cryptocurrency payments have become commonplace in the U.S. The study, which polled 619 payment strategy decision makers in several industries, found that four in ten merchants already accept crypto for payments.

The industries leading adoption include hospitality and travel, followed by digital goods and gaming companies, and retail and e-commerce sites.

Adoption is also rising, as merchants recognize that crypto payments comprise 26% of their total sales, a testament to the rising relevance of these alternatives as everyday solutions used by Americans.

Customer interest is also high, as nine of ten merchants reported receiving inquiries about accepting crypto payments, and four of five merchants believe that crypto payments will become common in the next five years.

Potential reasons behind adopting crypto payments vary, but transaction speed and attracting new customers come first and second, respectively, followed by enhanced security and privacy for customers.

Interestingly, millennials are the generation most interested in paying with crypto (77%), followed closely by centennials (73%).

May Zabaneh, Vice President and General Manager of Crypto at PayPal, stated that the company recognizes that crypto payments are moving from experimentation into everyday commerce.

He stated:

“Adoption is being driven by customer demand for faster, more flexible ways to pay-and once businesses start accepting crypto, they see real value. When crypto payments are offered in ways that feel as familiar as cards or online payments, they become a powerful growth tool, helping businesses reach new customers and access funds more quickly.”

PayPal has made inroads in this sector, allowing merchants to accept crypto using its platform and even launching its own stablecoin, PYUSD, which reached a market capitalization of over $3.5 billion.

FAQ

  • What recent study highlights cryptocurrency’s impact on the payments industry?
    A study by PayPal and the National Cryptocurrency Association shows that cryptocurrency payments are increasingly commonplace in the U.S., with 40% of merchants accepting crypto.

  • Which industries are leading in cryptocurrency payment adoption?
    The hospitality, travel, digital goods, gaming, and retail sectors are at the forefront of adopting cryptocurrency for payments.

  • What percentage of total sales do crypto payments represent for merchants?
    Merchants report that cryptocurrency payments account for 26% of their total sales, indicating growing acceptance as a viable payment method.

  • What is driving the interest in cryptocurrency payments among merchants?
    Speed of transactions and attracting new customers are the primary reasons for adoption, with strong interest noted especially among millennials and centennials.

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2026-02-03 10:57