Tag: payments

  • 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.

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  • Thumzup to add Bitcoin payments for gig economy workers

    Thumzup to add Bitcoin payments for gig economy workers

    • Thumzup will soon pay its gig workers via Bitcoin.
    • The Nasdaq-listed media and marketing firm recently added BTC as a treasury asset.

    Thumzup, the media marketing company that recently adopted a Bitcoin (BTC) strategy with a $1 million purchase, has announced plans to add crypto payments for gig economy workers.

    In a Nov. 19 announcement, Thumzup Media Corporation said it planned to soon add Bitcoin to its gig economy workers. The publicly-traded company will offer this option via its Account Specialist Program (ASP). It’s a move that expands on the marketing solutions provider’s businesses that allows its clients to pay cash to fans via Venmo and PayPal.

    This latest move also adds to the growing adoption of cryptocurrency payments, particularly in the gig economy.

    For its feature, Thumzup will leverage top crypto platforms like Coinbase to integrate BTC into its payout system.

    “We’re thrilled to empower the gig economy with the option of Bitcoin payments, especially in tech-forward areas like Los Angeles and South Florida,” Robert Steele, chief executive officer of Thumzup, said in a statement.

    “This initiative offers them faster transactions, lower fees, and more financial privacy. Plus, with Bitcoin’s growing acceptance, they can easily use their earnings for daily expenses or as a potential investment,” Steele added.

    Thumzup plans to roll out the ASP feature with crypto payments from January 2025. While the new model is expected to see greater traction, Thumzup will continue to support traditional bank payments for those that prefer the existing options.



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  • Ferrari embraces crypto payments, partners with BitPay in the US

    Ferrari embraces crypto payments, partners with BitPay in the US

    • The luxury carmaker partners with BitPay to facilitate cryptocurrency transactions.
    • Ferrari is responding to growing customer demand and dealer requests.
    • The luxury car maker will start by accepting crypto payments in the US and later Europe.

    In some interesting crypto news, Ferrari, the iconic luxury sports car manufacturer, has officially announced its plans to accept cryptocurrency payments for its high-end vehicles in the United States.

    This groundbreaking decision, spurred by increasing customer demand and the rise of digital currency investments, represents a significant shift in the automotive industry. Here’s what you need to know:

    Crypto payments for iconic Ferraris

    Ferrari’s chief marketing and commercial officer, Enrico Galliera, has confirmed the brand’s intention to accept cryptocurrency payments in the US and later in Europe. This move was primarily driven by a surge in market demand and repeated requests from their dealers. Notably, Ferrari has observed an influx of young, tech-savvy investors who are enthusiastic about digital currencies.

    While the exact number of vehicles Ferrari expects to sell through cryptocurrency payments remains undisclosed, the company’s order portfolio is entirely booked until 2025, reflecting a strong demand for their luxury cars. This strategic adoption of cryptocurrencies aims to explore new avenues of connecting with potential buyers who are keen to use their digital assets for high-end purchases.

    BitPay partnership for seamless transactions

    For its initial foray into the cryptocurrency market in the United States, Ferrari has joined forces with BitPay, a major cryptocurrency payment processor. BitPay will facilitate the entire transaction process, ensuring a smooth experience for both buyers and sellers.

    Importantly, BitPay will offer conversions from popular cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, into traditional fiat currencies, like the US dollar. This conversion mechanism is designed to protect Ferrari and its dealers from the inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies, ensuring that the value of the vehicles remains consistent.

    BitPay’s involvement doesn’t stop at currency conversion. They will also play a crucial role in verifying the legitimacy of the digital currency used for payments. This measure ensures that the funds do not originate from illegal activities, money laundering, or tax evasion, reinforcing the security and compliance aspects of the transactions.

    Ferrari’s decision to embrace cryptocurrency payments marks a pioneering step within the luxury automobile industry.

    While some large corporations have hesitated to integrate cryptocurrencies due to concerns about price volatility and environmental issues, Ferrari’s forward-thinking approach demonstrates its commitment to meeting the evolving preferences of its clientele. The company intends to introduce cryptocurrency payments in Europe during the first quarter of 2024, with potential expansion into other crypto-friendly regions.

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  • Which cryptocurrencies are likely to find their way into Twitter’s payments?

    Which cryptocurrencies are likely to find their way into Twitter’s payments?

    • Investors anticipate Twitter to add cryptocurrencies to its payment methods

    • DOGE, BNB, and MASK are thought to be the likeliest additions

    • An addition would be followed by price surges

    The acquisition of Twitter by Elon Musk elicited enthusiasm from most crypto enthusiasts. A long-standing question has been whether the acquisition will pave the way for accepting cryptocurrencies as a form of payment. The potential addition of “Payments” under Twitter’s vision, dubbed Twitter 2.0, raised the speculations. The following three are touted as the most likely: 

    Dogecoin (DOGE)

    Surely Dogecoin (DOGE) cannot miss the list. After all, Musk has often been labelled the Dogecoin father owing to his support for the meme cryptocurrency. The token, created in 2013, has often been called a joke coin due to its limited utility. 

    DOGE was the first cryptocurrency to gain strongly when Musk acquired Twitter, underlining investors’ speculations. In early November, Binance announced the Bluebird Index, which included DOGE. As you already know, the “bluebird” is associated with the Twitter logo. That raised speculations that the crypto exchange was preparing to track Twitter-accepted cryptocurrencies.

    Where to buy DOGE

    eToro

    eToro offers a wide range of cryptos, such as Bitcoin, XRP and others, alongside crypto/fiat and crypto/crypto pairs. eToro users can connect with, learn from, and copy or get copied by other users.


    Buy DOGE with eToro today

    Binance coin (BNB)

    Binance (BNB/USD) is the other most rumoured cryptocurrency for Twitter payment. It is the native token of Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange. Binance helped Musk acquire Twitter, raising speculations that the billionaire investor could return gratitude by accepting BNB as payment. Besides that, BNB is now part of the Bluebird Index. Binance CEO has also hinted at possible support of BNB on Twitter. 

    Where to buy BNB

    eToro

    eToro offers a wide range of cryptos, such as Bitcoin, XRP and others, alongside crypto/fiat and crypto/crypto pairs. eToro users can connect with, learn from, and copy or get copied by other users.


    Buy BNB with eToro today

    Binance

    Binance is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. It is better suited to more experienced investors and it offers a large number of cryptocurrencies to choose from, at over 600.

    Binance is also known for having low trading fees and a multiple of trading options that its users can benefit from, such as; peer-to-peer trading, margin trading and spot trading.


    Buy BNB with Binance today

    MASK

    The token of the Mask Network (MASK/USD) is the last cryptocurrency in Binance Bluebird Index. The launch of the index was followed by a strong surge in MASK price as investors speculated it could make a cut in Twitter’s payment. After all, CZ has supported the idea of the use of several cryptocurrencies on Twitter’s payment module. The inclusion in the Bluebird index is the clearest sign that MASK is a crypto to watch if Twitter implements payments.

    Where to buy MASK

    Binance

    Binance is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world. It is better suited to more experienced investors and it offers a large number of cryptocurrencies to choose from, at over 600.

    Binance is also known for having low trading fees and a multiple of trading options that its users can benefit from, such as; peer-to-peer trading, margin trading and spot trading.


    Buy MASK with Binance today

    KuCoin

    Kucoin is a cryptocurrency exchange which offers over 200 cryptocurrencies.

    Kucoin has a wide range of services, such as; a built-in peer-to-peer exchange, spot and margin trading, bank level security and a wide range of accepted payment methods.

    Users can benefit from a beginner-friendly interface and relatively low fees.


    Buy MASK with KuCoin today

    Summary

    There are numerous cryptocurrencies that could make a cut on Twitter payments. However, DOGE, BNB, and MASK occupy the slots of top contenders. Watch their price movements if Twitter and Musk give the next hint.

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