bitcoinlfg

Tag: Accept

  • PayPal launches “Pay with Crypto” to help US merchants accept digital asset payments

    PayPal launches “Pay with Crypto” to help US merchants accept digital asset payments

    PayPal launches “Pay with Crypto” to help US merchants accept digital asset payments

    • Businesses can now accept over 100 cryptocurrencies with near-instant conversions.
    • Pay with Crypto reduces transaction costs by up to 90%.
    • US merchants are now connected to a $4T market and over 650M crypto users

    Indeed, the latest stablecoin regulation in the United States was a game-changer.

    Besides bolstering bullish momentum, the GENIUS Act has seen many firms stepping deeper into the future of fintech.

    To support the increasing cryptocurrency adoption, PayPal has rolled out Pay with Crypto.

    The new product will allow US-based merchants to accept payments in over 100 different coins, including stablecoins, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.

    The best part. Businesses can automatically convert the received tokens to stablecoin or fiat with a 0.99% transaction fee.

    The new feature reduces the costs traditionally linked to cross-border transactions.

    Most businesses that operate internationally suffer from high fees, complex banking requirements, and delays.

    PayPal aims to solve this through a smoother payment process.

    It also unlocks global growth with a borderless customer base.

    PayPal CEO and President Alex Chriss says:

    Businesses of all sizes face incredible pressure when growing globally, from increased costs for accepting international payments to complex integrations. Today, we’re removing these barriers and helping every business of every size achieve its goals.

    Solving the international payment crisis

    Businesses globally lose billions yearly through international payment models.

    Delayed settlements, unpredictable exchange rates, and credit card fees have dented global trade.

    That is where Pay with Crypto comes in.

    PayPal introduces instant crypto-to-stablecoin or fiat conversion in an already colossal financial infrastructure.
    Furthermore, merchants will not have to worry about the technical side of digital asset transactions.

    PayPal promises to handle everything, including minimizing volatility, to ensure simplicity without compromising speed and security.
    Also, merchants can use PayPal’s Pay with Crypto to increase their profit margins.

    For instance, they will enjoy up to 90% lower processing fees compared to credit cards.

    Also, businesses that hold their funds as PYUSD (PayPal’s stablecoin) will earn rewards.

    Chriss added:

    Imagine a shopper in Guatemala buying a special gift from a merchant in Oklahoma City. Using PayPal’s open platform, the business can accept crypto, pay lower fees, and grow their business – all in one simple step.

    What’s next?

    All merchants in the US will access PayPal’s Pay with Crypto feature in the coming weeks, allowing them to receive payments in over 100 supported digital tokens.

    Businesses can link with trusted wallets like Coinbase, Exodus, OKX, and MetaMask to enjoy instant conversion from crypto to stablecoins like USDT or fiat.

    United States citizens will soon use digital currencies like ETH, BTC, and SOL to pay for goods and services.

    Meanwhile, PayPal is establishing itself as a pioneer amid growing crypto adoption.

    Recently, it integrated with Arbitrum to support PYUSD growth.

    Moreover, OKX tapped PayPal to simplify cryptocurrency purchases across Europe.

    These developments come as digital currencies gain ground in the financial landscape.

    The global crypto market cap hovers at $3.93 trillion after correcting from recent highs above $4 trillion.
    Share this article
    Categories
    Tags



    Source link

  • Steak ‘n Shake to accept Bitcoin at 300 US outlets from May 16

    Steak ‘n Shake to accept Bitcoin at 300 US outlets from May 16

    Steak ‘n Shake to accept Bitcoin at 300 US outlets from May 16

    • All 300+ US locations included in launch. Starbucks.
    • Chipotle use fiat-converted crypto.
    • Venezuela and El Salvador show mixed results.

    Bitcoin is about to face one of its most practical tests yet.

    American fast-food chain Steak ‘n Shake announced that it will begin accepting the world’s largest cryptocurrency at all of its US locations starting 16 May.

    With more than 300 outlets and over 100 million customers annually, the rollout positions Steak ‘n Shake as a major player in the push to normalise crypto in everyday transactions.

    The decision also comes at a time when mainstream retailers are under pressure to modernise payment systems.

    For Bitcoin, long seen more as a store of value than a spendable currency, the partnership presents a real-world opportunity to demonstrate its utility—particularly in a low-margin, high-speed retail setting that will challenge its scalability and efficiency.

    Thin margins, high volume

    Fast food chains rely on speed, volume, and efficiency to remain profitable.

    Unlike high-end retail, where large margins allow room to experiment with alternative payment methods, companies like Steak ‘n Shake must ensure any system change is reliable and cost-effective.

    Bitcoin’s integration, therefore, becomes more than a gimmick—it is a stress test for how well the cryptocurrency can perform under retail pressure.

    The announcement was teased in March with a post on X (formerly Twitter), where Steak ‘n Shake asked followers whether it should accept Bitcoin. That post drew attention from high-profile figures, including former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.

    The company followed up with crypto-themed marketing, including a tweet referencing Elon Musk’s Mars ambitions and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vocal support for both Bitcoin and beef tallow.

    Past attempts and pilots

    The upcoming rollout differs from earlier, limited experiments by other food chains.

    Starbucks enabled BTC wallet top-ups in 2021 through the Bakkt app, though the crypto was converted to dollars before reaching the till.

    Chipotle began accepting over 90 cryptocurrencies in 2022, including Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana, through Flexa—again with automatic conversion to fiat currency.

    Subway was one of the first fast food chains to test Bitcoin payments back in 2013 at select franchises.

    Although some stores in crypto-forward cities later revived the initiative, there was no national implementation.

    Global rollouts and legal tender

    Outside the US, crypto adoption in food retail has typically responded to local economic pressures.

    In Venezuela, Burger King briefly accepted Bitcoin and other digital assets in 2020 via a partnership with Latin American platform Cryptobuyer.

    However, this was limited in scope and short-lived.

    El Salvador went further by declaring Bitcoin legal tender in 2021.

    Major brands like Pizza Hut and Starbucks quickly offered crypto payments in the country.

    Despite the fanfare, national usage has remained low, with some reports citing infrastructure gaps and inconsistent user experiences.

    Native crypto or fiat?

    Steak ‘n Shake has yet to confirm whether it will process Bitcoin natively or convert it to fiat at checkout.

    Previous retail integrations have mostly favoured instant conversion tools to manage volatility.

    The answer could define whether this rollout represents genuine on-chain adoption or simply another workaround.

    If the rollout succeeds, it could prompt other national chains to reassess crypto payments.

    If it fails, it may reinforce doubts about Bitcoin’s use in everyday commerce.

    Share this article
    Categories
    Tags

    Source link

  • Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages becomes first cruise line to accept Bitcoin payments

    Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages becomes first cruise line to accept Bitcoin payments

    Virgin Voyages becomes first cruise line to accept Bitcoin payments
    • Virgin Voyages becomes the first cruise line to accept Bitcoin for bookings.
    • Passengers can use Bitcoin to book for cruises including the upcoming Virgin Voyages’ Annual Pass.
    • Virgin Voyages targets younger travellers with crypto adoption in a competitive market.

    Virgin Voyages, the innovative cruise line founded by Sir Richard Branson, has announced that it now accepts Bitcoin (BTC) as a payment option for bookings.

    This move makes Virgin Voyages the first cruise line to adopt crypto payments amid a growing trend in the travel and hospitality industries to embrace digital currencies.

    Annual Pass cruise passengers can book using Bitcoin

    According to Virgin Voyages’ announcement, passengers can now use BTC to pay for cruises across its fleet, including its highly anticipated “Annual Pass.” Virgin Voyages’ Annual Pass, which provides a variety of exclusive benefits to frequent travellers, is also the first cruise product to accept cryptocurrency payments.

    This bold step highlights Virgin Voyages’ commitment to appealing to younger, tech-savvy travellers and digital asset enthusiasts, who are increasingly integrating cryptocurrency into their everyday transactions.

    Notably, Virgin Voyages’ decision to accept Bitcoin comes at a time when other sectors of the travel industry are exploring cryptocurrency options.

    Of late, airlines and hotels have started accepting crypto payments to capitalize on the growing interest in digital currencies. Platforms like Travala, a crypto-native travel service, have already partnered with major travel websites like Skyscanner to allow users to book over 2.2 million hotels using cryptocurrency.

    Virgin Voyages’ ambition to become a unique cruise line

    The move is part of a larger strategy by Virgin Voyages to differentiate itself in a competitive industry.

    Founded in 2014 as a joint venture between the Virgin Group and Bain Capital, Virgin Voyages has consistently aimed to offer a modern, youthful alternative to traditional cruising. The company’s fleet, which includes the Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, and Valiant Lady, offers itineraries designed for a younger demographic, with shorter Caribbean cruises and exclusive experiences.

    Virgin Voyages’ embrace of cryptocurrency is likely to further set the cruise line apart as it continues to push the envelope in customer service and innovation.

    As digital currencies become more mainstream, Virgin Voyages’ decision to accept Bitcoin may inspire other cruise lines to follow suit in the near future.

    Share this article
    Categories
    Tags

    Source link

  • Miami mayor to accept presidential campaign donations in BTC

    Miami mayor to accept presidential campaign donations in BTC

    • Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, a Republican, announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election in June.
    • Miami has currently been trending for all the right reasons from Lionel Messi mania to the mayor accepting BTC donations.
    • The mayor has also said that he would ban a central bank digital currency (CBDC).

    Bitcoin-friendly Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has said that he will accept Bitcoin (BTC) donations for his presidential campaign.

    Speaking on a popular media TV outlet, Suarez said:

    “Officially, my campaign is accepting bitcoin,” Suarez explained. “This is a process of developing technologies that will create democratising opportunities for wealth creation and will not be manipulated by a human being’s ulterior motives, political goals, and so on.”

    According to Suarez, supporters can now donate as little as 0.00034BTC, or the equivalent of $1, at his campaign website.

    Suarez’s view on CBDCs

    Suarez, who is known to advocate for Bitcoin, has said that he would ban a central bank digital currency (CBDC).  He said that people do not want the federal government to know where they have their money and how much money they have.

    Suarez launched the MiamiCoin (MIA) in 2021, which he hoped would be used to pay a recurring Bitcoin stimulus (similar to dividends) to Miami citizens.

    The mayor has criticized the current US administration led by Joe Biden. Castigating the government, Suarez said:

    “The biggest mistake that this administration has made is they don’t understand crypto so they have gone to a regulated-by-enforcement mechanism as opposed to set the ground rules. You have to be able to classify certain digital products, you have to be able to have certain guidelines and rules that are clear with respect to the custody of assets.”

    Share this article
    Categories
    Tags

    Source link

  • Elon Musk Still Wants McDonald’s To Accept Dogecoin

    Elon Musk Still Wants McDonald’s To Accept Dogecoin

    Source link