Imagine walking into your favorite coffee shop or online store and paying with Bitcoin or stablecoins just as easily as swiping a card. This isn’t a distant future—it’s happening right now in the United States. A recent survey from PayPal and the National Cryptocurrency Association reveals that nearly 40% (specifically 39%) of U.S. merchants already accept cryptocurrency payments at checkout. This marks a major turning point where digital assets shift from niche experiments to everyday tools for business growth.
This surge didn’t come from hype alone. It’s fueled by real customer demand, easier technology, and clear business advantages. Let’s break down why so many merchants are jumping on board and what it means for regular shoppers like you.
The Surprising Numbers Behind the Shift
The PayPal and National Cryptocurrency Association study, conducted in late 2025 with over 600 payment decision-makers, shows crypto acceptance isn’t limited to tech startups. Large companies lead the way: about 50% of businesses earning more than $500 million annually now take crypto. Smaller businesses lag a bit, with 34% of small ones and 32% of midsize firms on board, but the overall figure hovers around 40% when rounded.
Even more telling, 84% of surveyed merchants expect crypto payments to become standard within the next five years. Among those already accepting it, crypto makes up over a quarter (26%) of their sales on average, and 72% report higher crypto-related sales in the past year.
Customer Demand Is the Biggest Driver
Merchants aren’t adopting crypto out of curiosity—they’re responding to shoppers. A whopping 88% of businesses in the survey received inquiries from customers wanting to pay with crypto, and 69% get these requests at least monthly. Younger generations, like Millennials and Gen Z, are leading this push, seeking faster and more flexible payment options.
Many people now hold crypto in wallets on their phones and prefer using it for purchases instead of converting back to dollars first. When businesses ignore this, they risk losing sales to competitors who offer the choice.
Key Benefits That Make Crypto Attractive for Merchants
Why go through the effort? Merchants point to several practical wins:
- Attracting new customers: 79% agree that offering crypto draws in fresh buyers who might skip traditional payment methods.
- Faster settlements: Crypto transactions often clear quicker than bank wires, giving businesses access to funds sooner.
- Lower fees in some cases: Especially for international sales, crypto can cut costs compared to credit card networks.
- Standing out in competitive markets: In sectors like travel, gaming, luxury retail, and e-commerce, acceptance rates are even higher—up to 81% in hospitality.
These perks turn crypto from a “nice-to-have” into a smart business move.
How Technology Made It Simple Enough for Everyone
One big reason for the jump: setup is no longer complicated. Platforms like PayPal make adding crypto as straightforward as enabling credit cards. Many processors convert crypto to regular dollars instantly, shielding merchants from price swings. This removes old barriers like volatility fears or technical headaches.
If the process feels as easy as traditional payments, 90% of merchants say they’d try it. Simplicity drives adoption more than anything else.
What This Means for Everyday Shoppers
For the average person, this trend opens doors. You can now use crypto for coffee, travel bookings, online shopping, or digital goods without hassle. It gives more payment choices, especially if you already hold digital assets.
Looking ahead, with stablecoins (crypto tied to steady values like the dollar) gaining traction, expect even smoother experiences. The survey’s 84% confidence in mainstream adoption by 2030 suggests this is just the beginning.
In short, the 40% milestone shows cryptocurrency moving firmly into daily commerce. Driven by customer requests, business gains, and user-friendly tools, it’s no longer “if” but “how fast” more merchants will join. If you’re curious about trying crypto payments, check your favorite stores—chances are good they already support it.
