Tom Kushner A new PayPal survey reveals that nearly 40 percent of US merchants now accept crypto payments, with hospitality, travel, and gaming industries leading adoption as Millennials and Gen Z drive demand.
Crypto Payments Gain Ground in the US
Nearly 40 percent of US merchants now accept crypto payments, marking a significant leap toward mainstream adoption of digital assets in commerce. A recent PayPal report highlights that crypto payments are no longer a niche experiment but are quickly becoming a preferred option for both consumers and businesses seeking faster and more flexible ways to transact.
According to the findings, almost nine out of ten merchants have received inquiries from customers about paying with cryptocurrencies, underscoring the growing appetite among consumers for digital payment options. The survey, conducted by the National Cryptocurrency Association in partnership with PayPal, included insights from over 600 payment decision-makers across various industries in the United States.
May Zabaneh, Vice President and General Manager at PayPal, noted that the trend represents a turning point for commerce. Businesses that once viewed crypto as an experiment are now recognizing tangible value, especially as customer demand continues to rise.
Why US Merchants Are Turning to Crypto Payments
Merchants across the hospitality, travel, digital goods, and gaming sectors are leading the adoption wave. These industries are seeing some of the strongest growth in crypto payments, driven by customers who prefer faster transactions and lower international payment costs.
PayPal’s data shows that 84 percent of US merchants believe crypto payments will become mainstream within the next five years. The survey further revealed that larger enterprises have been quicker to adopt digital currencies, while about one-third of medium and small businesses have also started integrating crypto checkout options.
Prominent American companies such as Starbucks, Walmart, and Home Depot have already rolled out crypto payment systems, setting a precedent for smaller merchants to follow. Among merchants that have adopted crypto, nearly 26 percent of their total sales are now processed through digital assets a sign that when given the option, customers are eager to spend crypto in everyday transactions.
Millennials and Gen Z Are Powering Crypto Commerce
A major factor driving this surge is the growing participation of younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z consumers, often more tech-savvy and open to innovation, are leading the charge toward digital asset payments. Their familiarity with blockchain technology and preference for decentralized finance tools are reshaping how businesses think about payments and customer engagement.
These younger demographics view crypto not only as an investment but also as a functional currency for real-world purchases. For them, using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins for daily expenses aligns with their digital-first lifestyle. This generational momentum is pushing businesses to adapt or risk losing a significant share of forward-looking customers.
Simplifying Infrastructure for Mass Adoption
Despite the encouraging growth, the survey emphasizes that crypto payment infrastructure remains a major barrier for broader adoption. An overwhelming 90 percent of surveyed merchants stated they would be more likely to accept crypto if the process were as seamless as traditional credit card payments.
To address this gap, PayPal introduced a crypto checkout service that enables US merchants to receive payments in over 100 different cryptocurrencies. This move aims to eliminate friction by simplifying the backend process and automatically converting crypto payments into fiat currency when needed.
Industry experts argue that the next phase of growth will depend on improving education and streamlining integration tools. Stu Alderoty, President of the National Cryptocurrency Association and Chief Legal Officer at Ripple, noted that understanding remains the biggest obstacle. He emphasized that while interest in crypto is surging, the lack of clarity and ease of use is preventing many businesses from fully embracing the technology.
The Future of Crypto Payments in Retail
As adoption continues to accelerate, crypto is steadily transitioning from a speculative investment to a functional payment tool. The combination of merchant readiness, generational enthusiasm, and advancing infrastructure paints a promising picture for the future of retail transactions.
If current trends continue, crypto payments could soon become as common as card or mobile wallet transactions in the United States. With leading payment providers like PayPal streamlining adoption and major brands demonstrating success, the shift toward digital currency commerce appears inevitable.
The latest data underscores one clear message: crypto payments are no longer the future of commerce they are rapidly becoming the present.
Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards.
