New survey data reveals how cryptocurrency adoption by merchants across the United States is moving from niche experimentation to mainstream commerce.
Customer demand drives merchants to adopt cryptocurrencies
new research from National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) and paypal shows that nearly 4 in 10 U.S. merchants have already implemented cryptocurrencies at checkout. According to research, 39% of businesses now accept cryptocurrencies as a payment option, reflecting a clear response to evolving customer preferences.
Moreover, expectations for the coming years are even stronger. 4 out of 5 distributors, or 84%believes that crypto payments will become a common feature of commerce within the next five years. This signals a tectonic shift in how businesses think about payments, demand, and digital customer journeys.
The main driver of this change is customer interest. Nearly 9 out of 10 sellers or 88%reports that it is receiving inquiries from shoppers about paying with cryptocurrencies. In addition, two-thirds or more, or 69%states that customers want to use digital assets at least once a month, giving sellers a clear signal that demand is regular rather than occasional.
For many businesses, cryptocurrencies are more than just an add-on. 4 out of 5 sellers or 79%agrees that accepting cryptocurrencies can attract new customers and position cryptocurrencies as both a payment method and a growth driver. However, the study notes that for businesses that already utilize cryptocurrencies at checkout, this demand has become very evident in their day-to-day operations.
From experiments to everyday crypto payments
Commenting on the survey results: May ZabanePayPal's vice president and general manager of crypto, said the data supports a tipping point. He noted that similar to how consumers already pay online, cryptocurrency payments are moving beyond early experimentation and entering the realm of everyday commerce.
According to Zabane, adoption is being driven by customer demand for faster and more flexible payment options. Once companies start offering digital asset payments, many see clear benefits. Additionally, when cryptocurrencies are offered in a way as familiar as cards or standard online payments, they become a powerful growth tool, allowing merchants to acquire new customers and access funds more quickly.
Which merchants are leading the adoption of cryptocurrency payments?
The study reveals that digital asset acceptance is no longer limited to early adopters and niche brands. The most advanced implementation is 500 million dollars In terms of annual revenue, 50% Already accepts cryptocurrencies. in contrast, 34% with small and medium-sized enterprises 32% of small and medium-sized businesses currently accepting cryptocurrencies at checkout.
However, if the seller supports digital assets, the impact on sales will be greater. Among companies that currently accept cryptocurrencies, cryptocurrencies account for more than a quarter of total revenue, with an average share of 26%. This highlights that cryptocurrencies are evolving into a meaningful means of payment rather than just a speculative investment tool.
The study also highlights growth momentum. Approximately three-quarters of merchants accept cryptocurrencies. 72%reports that cryptocurrency sales have increased over the past year. That said, this growth suggests that as soon as companies adopt digital asset payments, customers will begin to use them more frequently, strengthening the business case for adoption.
For small businesses, this change is happening on the ground. Nikisha Baileyco-founder of win-win coffeethe company said it is focused on meeting customers where they are and making it as easy as possible to engage with the brand. As payment options evolve, she argued, it's important that independent businesses are able to explore new tools in a way that feels organic and aligned with their existing operations.
Bailey added that flexibility and choice in how customers pay will help ensure small independent businesses grow with the community, rather than falling behind it. This is in line with broader cryptocurrency payments adoption trends across sectors with digitally savvy customers and high transaction volumes.
Main benefits that merchants can gain by introducing virtual currency
Merchants point to several specific benefits when starting to accept crypto payments. The main reasons include faster transaction speeds and access to new customers. All of these are 45% Number of respondents. These factors make digital asset payments particularly attractive for companies that operate online or across borders.
Additionally, the seller emphasizes improved security and privacy. 41% The main advantage is enhanced security features, but 40% It refers to enhancing customer privacy. Taken together, these benefits explain why businesses that accept crypto payments are increasingly seeing it as part of a broader digital strategy, rather than a one-off experiment.
Generational trends also play an important role. Young shoppers are seeing a lot of interest, with retailers reporting the strongest demand from young shoppers. millennial generation and generation z. According to research, 77% sellers receive the most inquiries from Millennials, while 73% High interest from Gen Z and younger customers has been reported, highlighting Gen Z's growing interest in cryptocurrencies in everyday commerce.
Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular are witnessing strong curiosity from young people. They report an especially high rate of inquiries from Gen Z shoppers. 82%compared to 67% with medium-sized companies 65% For large companies. However, this pattern suggests that small sellers may be feeling pressure to innovate more quickly to maintain the interest of younger customers.
Industries at the forefront of cryptocurrency adoption
This study identifies several areas where digital asset payments are already becoming commonplace. Leading the way is hospitality and travelhere is an impressive 81% of merchants report using or considering accepting cryptocurrencies. This is in line with the industry's focus on global customers, cross-border transactions, and fast payments.
In addition, Digital goods, games, luxury goods, specialty retail stores indicating a high level of adoption; 76% Reports strong involvement in cryptocurrency payments. These sectors often serve digitally native users and early adopters, making them a natural testing ground for new payment technologies and hospitality crypto adoption rates.
of Retail and e-commerce The segment also stands out. 69% A number of merchants in this category report significant activity regarding cryptocurrency payments. Additionally, the combination of speed, global reach, and highly online customer base is helping cryptocurrencies penetrate deeper into checkout flows, including the integration of cryptocurrency checkouts in mainstream online stores.
The final hurdle for merchants to adopt cryptocurrencies
Despite strong interest and clear demand, research shows that simplicity remains the biggest barrier. Interestingly, more than 4 out of 5 sellers 84%once again stating that they expect cryptocurrency payments to become commonplace within the next five years. But there are still many people waiting for an experience that rivals the ease of card payments.
majority, or 90%said they would be willing to try accepting cryptocurrencies if the experience was as easy as processing traditional card transactions. Similarly, 90% of merchants say they are more likely to accept digital assets if setting up payments is as easy as onboarding to accept credit cards.
Hundred Alderotapresident of the National Cryptocurrency Association, said data shows that a lack of interest is not hindering the adoption of cryptocurrencies. Rather, understanding and usability are the real challenges. He argued that too many people still do not understand how digital assets fit into daily life and regular payments.
That's why Alderoty says partnering with a trusted platform like PayPal is important. NCA and PayPal are working together to bridge the knowledge gap by showing how cryptocurrencies are simple, accessible, and easy to use for businesses and consumers alike. This includes clearer education and a more user-friendly payment experience.
About the National Cryptocurrency Association and PayPal
of National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) is 501(C)(4) An organization focused on educating consumers on how to handle digital assets safely and confidently. The group highlights real stories of Americans and businesses using cryptocurrencies, along with educational resources designed to bust through the hype and misinformation.
In addition, NCA provides guidance and support through partnerships and services that help people navigate the complexities of modern digital finance. For more information, please visit https://www.nca.org. The organization publishes updates on additional resources and advocacy efforts.
paypal has been transforming global commerce for years. 25 yearsbuilding innovative experiences that make moving, selling, and shopping money simple, personalized, and secure. The company supports consumers and businesses in approximately the following areas: 200 marketsenabling them to participate in and benefit from the global digital economy.
For more information about PayPal, please visit https://www.paypal.com, https://about.pypl.com/, and https://investor.pypl.com/. PayPal provides company information, product information, and investor information.
Research method and scope
The survey was conducted online in the United States. harris poll On behalf of the National Cryptocurrency Association. Fieldwork was conducted from October 21-27, 2025targeting 619 Payment strategy decision makers across key industries including retail and e-commerce, hospitality and travel, luxury and specialty retail, digital goods and gaming.
Respondents were full-time employees working in or responsible for the C-suite, e-commerce, digital, finance, and marketing departments of their respective companies. The sampling accuracy of the Harris Online Poll is assessed using Bayesian confidence intervals, a statistical approach to estimating the reliability of sample results.
In this study, the accuracy of the sample data is as follows. +/- 3.9 percentage points using 95% confidence level. This provides analysts with a solid foundation for interpreting research on cryptocurrency payments for both small and medium-sized businesses and large enterprises across multiple industries and customer segments.
In summary, this study shows that the adoption of cryptocurrency payments in U.S. commerce is gaining serious momentum, powered by clear customer demand and measurable sales impact. However, the broader scale will depend on making payments for digital assets as intuitive and seamless as traditional card systems, and this is where education and user experience design will be critical.
