The post 39% of Merchants, 60% of Banks: Crypto Payments Hit Tipping Point appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.

Signs that cryptocurrency is transitioning from a speculative asset to a legitimate payment method are emerging across the United States. The convergence of merchant adoption, major banks entering the Bitcoin business, and massive investment flowing into payment infrastructure is fueling predictions that 2026 could mark the tipping point for crypto payments. Sponsored 39% of Merchants Already Accept Crypto According to a survey released Jan. 27 by PayPal and the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), 39% of US merchants already accept cryptocurrency payments. Meanwhile, 84% expect crypto payments to become commonplace within the next five years. Consumer demand is driving adoption. Eighty-eight percent of merchants report receiving customer inquiries about paying with crypto, and 69% say customers want to use crypto at least once a month. By generation, interest from Millennials (77%) and Gen Z (73%) is overwhelming. Notably, small businesses see the highest inquiry rates from Gen Z at 82%, far exceeding mid-size companies (67%) and large enterprises (65%). Source: National Cryptocurrency Association and PayPal By industry, hospitality and travel leads at 81%, followed by digital goods, gaming, and luxury retail (76%), and retail and e-commerce (69%). “What we’re seeing both in this data and in conversations with our customers is that crypto payments are moving beyond experimentation and into everyday commerce,” said May Zabaneh, Vice President and General Manager of Crypto at PayPal. “When crypto payments are offered in ways that feel as familiar as cards or online payments, they become a powerful growth tool.” A striking finding is that 90% of merchants said they would accept crypto if the setup process were as simple as accepting credit cards. Sponsored “What this data makes clear is that interest in crypto isn’t the problem; understanding is,” said Stu Alderoty, President of the NCA. “We’re working together to help close the knowledge…

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Filed under: News - @ January 28, 2026 2:25 am