Although blockchain-based payment mechanisms have many advantages over legacy payment systems, accepting crypto payments can be a double-edged sword for some companies. On the one hand, accepting crypto payments shows that a company is willing to go against the grain, embrace the future, and challenge the status quo. On the other hand, companies accepting cryptocurrencies often experience difficulties during periods of volatility in the crypto markets. Crypto payments serve as a novel marketing tool for some businesses. However, the utility of blockchain and Web3 technologies extends far beyond a gimmick. Furthermore, crypto payments services are positioned to disrupt a multi-billion dollar industry.
In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the world of crypto payments. Specifically, we’ll explore the top five companies accepting cryptocurrencies in 2022. Also, we’ll discuss why crypto payments are a major milestone for the blockchain industry and how they help promote mainstream crypto adoption.
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Top 5 Major Companies Accepting Cryptocurrencies
You may have already noticed some of your favorite stores and companies accepting cryptocurrencies as payment for a range of goods and services. As cryptocurrencies gain mainstream adoption, we can expect to see a continuation of this trend as more stores and merchants follow suit. Below, we look at the top five major companies accepting cryptocurrencies in 2022.
Microsoft
If you’re a gamer, you may already know that Microsoft accepts Bitcoin in the Xbox store. In fact, the tech giant has been accepting Bitcoin for online payments since 2014. Although the company has halted crypto payments in the past due to volatility, customers can still use Bitcoin for purchasing Xbox store credits and other digital content. So, the next time you need to level up your character, remember you can spend a few satoshis online at the Xbox store!
Home Depot
As the most prominent and recognizable hardware store chain in the US, Home Depot is one of the most significant companies accepting crypto payments in 2022. Although customers can only spend Bitcoin here, they can use crypto to buy all kinds of materials in-store. Plus, Home Depot’s Flexa’s checkout systems make Bitcoin payments straightforward and hassle-free.
Overstock
Overstock is a supplier of household goods and furniture. The company accepts multiple crypto assets as payment for a wide range of goods and services online. Also, Overstock holds Bitcoin on its balance sheet, so the company is well-positioned to serve the crypto community in the long term and align its interests with those of its users.
Starbucks
In 2019, the iconic coffee shop chain reported that stores would begin accepting direct Bitcoin payments. However, Starbucks later clarified that this initiative would utilize a partnership with Bakkt, a US-based technology and asset management firm. The Starbucks Bakkt app enables customers to load a prepaid card with Bitcoin and is now operational in stores across the US.
Whole Foods
The popular grocery chain Whole Foods has integrated SPEDN, the Flexa-powered app for spending crypto in stores. Using the SPEDN app, you can pay for your Whole Foods grocery shop using Bitcoin, Litecoin, or GUSD. Plus, the SPEDN app is available across multiple top retail chains.
Top Crypto Payments Providers
Now that we have addressed the top companies accepting cryptocurrencies, let’s look at some of the top crypto payments providers. If you’re a business owner who wants to incorporate crypto payments or simply learn how to spend your crypto, there are many different options to choose from.
Many of the top legacy payment providers offer crypto payment services to consumers. Plus, there are multiple crypto-first payment gateways that remove much of the legwork for businesses too. Not only does it help to reduce fees, but it can also speed up transaction times. Below, we take a look at some of the most popular ways to spend crypto.
Visa
Not only is Visa the biggest global debit card provider, but it is also one of the biggest players in the crypto debit cards space. Visa provides crypto debit cards for Binance, Crypto.com, Plutus, BlockFi, Nexo, and many others. Whether you’re making a big purchase or buying a morning latte, you can spend your crypto using one of the previously mentioned companies’ debit cards. Furthermore, crypto debit card users can earn crypto rewards by spending their crypto. In addition, Visa is partnering with Circle, the team behind the USDC stablecoin. This partnership aims to allow Visa to make USDC settlements on the Ethereum blockchain.
Mastercard
If you live in the western hemisphere and have a credit card that isn’t a Visa, there’s a good chance it’s a Mastercard. The global payments behemoth announced plans to enable merchants to settle crypto payments. The exact crypto assets that will be available for this service are unclear. However, this initiative will provide customers with flexibility in how they make payments online and in stores. Mastercard has dabbled with crypto in the past. However, settling transactions in crypto rather than fiat is a significant milestone for one of the biggest names in global finance.
PayPal
PayPal was originally a part of the Libra movement spearheaded by Facebook (now Meta). However, the payments giant left the project to provide crypto payments services to existing customers following a January 2021 announcement. Furthermore, PayPal is one of the most recognizable names in global payments. As such, the company has the potential to be a significant driver of crypto adoption.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay is working with crypto payments gateway BitPay to create a prepaid crypto Mastercard. The aim of this collaboration is to enable customers to pay for subscriptions and apps using crypto assets. This includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and various dollar-pegged stablecoins. Following the success of the Apple Pay crypto integration, BitPay is also working in conjunction with the rival Samsung.
Klarna
Klarna is one of the most prominent global credit providers. The recent partnership with the Swedish crypto firm Safello enables Klarna’s open banking platform to integrate the Safello brokerage suite. This means that customers can use cryptocurrencies in conjunction with various credit and payment facilities in thousands of stores worldwide.
Crypto-First Payment Gateways
Businesses also benefit from accepting crypto payments. From increased transparency to 24/7 accounting, blockchain-based payments systems are beneficial sector-wide. Below, we look at some of the most popular crypto-first payment gateways for businesses. Moreover, if you want to learn how to integrate blockchain and Web3 into your payments system, check out the Fintech 101 course at Moralis Academy.
ALFAcoins
ALFAcoins is an industry-leading crypto gateway service provider. It enables businesses to integrate crypto payments using a diverse suite of tools and services. This includes an instant payment notification (IPN) system, payment button, and WordPress plugins. ALFAcoins is available globally, with the exceptions of North Korea and Iran. Also, the platform supports a range of top crypto assets, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Furthermore, the platform facilitates withdrawals in several local fiat currencies. The 0.99% transaction fee can be paid by customers or businesses. Moreover, ALFAcoins offers a highly customizable solution that removes friction from the crypto payments process.
BitPay
Established in 2011, BitPay is one of the longest-standing crypto gateway providers. The BitPay suite is available in over 40 languages and features an open-source e-commerce plugin, crypto debit cards, and an interactive application programming interface (API). Also, businesses benefit from a QR code-based invoicing service and a competitive 1% transaction fee. Furthermore, BitPay has a number of partnerships, including collaborations with Amazon and Mastercard.
Blockonomics
Blockonomics is another prominent player in the crypto payments space. The firm provides decentralized crypto payment gateways for more than 1,000 e-commerce platforms with an integrated API and checkout service. Also, because Blockonomics is decentralized, it doesn’t use KYC (know your customer) practices or third-party authentication. Furthermore, Blockonomics enables businesses to accept Bitcoin and other crypto assets using payment buttons, web links, and QR codes. As with some of the other top crypto payment gateways, the platform also charges a 1% fee.
Coinbase Commerce
Coinbase is one of the leading crypto exchanges in the US, and Coinbase Commerce is the crypto payment gateway arm of the company. The platform facilitates high-speed crypto transactions and crypto-fiat settlements for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and USDC. Plus, the platform has a competitive 1% transaction fee. Also, Coinbase Commerce provides a highly secure crypto payments gateway to over 100 countries and supports various payout methods.
CoinGate
Established in 2014, CoinGate is a Lithuanian fintech company that provides crypto payment gateways for businesses large and small. Also, CoinGate provides permission-based account management, fiat payouts, payment buttons, web PoS application, API integration, and official plugins for the biggest e-commerce platforms. Furthermore, CoinGate has a standard fee of 1% per transaction. Plus, the platform uses offline cold storage to secure crypto assets. Available in more than 70 countries, CoinGate also provides access to the world of decentralized finance (DeFi) via the ShapeShift protocol.
Why It’s Important That Companies Accept Cryptocurrencies
If cryptocurrencies stand a chance of achieving mainstream adoption, they’re likely going to need to be seen as safe, legitimate, and a viable alternative to fiat or other commodities. Several prominent businesses already use blockchain technology to optimize global supply chains and business practices. However, far fewer companies accept crypto payments for goods and services. Further, the concept of a decentralized ledger can be applied to multiple sectors. Still, many analysts agree that crypto payments could soon be one of the biggest drivers of crypto adoption to date.
This is because some legacy crypto assets, such as Bitcoin, are generally considered to be “sound money” alternatives to fiat currencies. Accordingly, these assets will achieve their true potential when they can be used like cash without friction when paying for goods and services. Moreover, as the number of major companies and retailers accepting cryptocurrencies continues to increase, it adds legitimacy to the Web3 movement and the projects creating the new rails of global digital finance.
Companies Accepting Cryptocurrencies – Summary
There are now dozens of major companies accepting crypto payments. In some countries, crypto payments allow merchants to operate in the face of currency devaluation and economic turmoil. Crypto gives uncensored and borderless access to an ecosystem of open financial tools and services on the blockchain. Furthermore, cryptocurrencies allow individuals to take ownership of their wealth and transact with minimal costs around the clock at lightning speeds. The blockchain and Web3 movement aim to empower individuals and businesses alike by creating the infrastructure for a new financial and technological paradigm.
The use of blockchain technology is becoming increasingly prominent sector-wide. As such, being a blockchain developer puts you at an unfair advantage in the job market. There has never been a better time to learn a new skill in an emerging industry. Blockchain developers are in high demand. Plus, they can earn a handsome salary.
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Take your first steps towards a life-changing career in Web3 with Moralis Academy! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @MoralisAcademy! We’d love to hear about other companies accepting cryptocurrencies. Also, check out our “How to Invest During a Crypto Bear Market” and “Understanding Crypto Crashes” articles to learn how to safeguard your wealth during market downturns!
