TL;DR
- Merchant Adoption: Nearly 40% of U.S. merchants now accept crypto, with 9 in 10 receiving customer inquiries and many viewing digital assets as a growth opportunity, according to PayPal.
- Demographic Drivers: Millennials and Gen Z lead demand. At the same time, large enterprises show the highest adoption rates, and crypto transactions already make up 26% of sales for participating merchants.
- Ease of Use Barrier: Although interest is strong, 90% of merchants say they would adopt crypto if payments and setup were as simple as credit cards.
Crypto payments are rapidly gaining traction in the U.S. mainstream, with new survey data from PayPal and the National Cryptocurrency Association indicating that nearly 40% of merchants now accept digital assets at checkout. The findings highlight a shift driven primarily by customer demand, as businesses adapt to changing expectations around speed, flexibility, and modern payment options.
Rising Merchant Adoption Driven by Customer Interest
The survey shows that 4 in 10 U.S. merchants already support crypto payments, while 9 in 10 have received customer inquiries about using digital assets. Over two-thirds said customers request crypto payments at least once every 30 days, underscoring the growing relevance of digital currencies in everyday commerce. PayPal notes that 4 in 5 merchants view crypto acceptance as both a growth lever and a way to attract new customers.
Large Enterprises Lead, but Younger Shoppers Push Growth
Adoption is strongest among large enterprises, with nearly 50% accepting crypto compared to 32% of midsize companies and 34% of small businesses. Millennials and Gen Z are the primary drivers, with 77% and 73%, respectively, pushing for crypto payment options. Small businesses reported the highest inquiry rates from Gen Z at 82%, followed by midsize companies at 67% and large firms at 65%.
Crypto Payments Move Beyond Experimentation
PayPal’s May Zabaneh says the data shows crypto payments shifting from experimentation to everyday use, especially when integrated into familiar methods like cards or online checkouts. For merchants already accepting crypto, these transactions account for an average of 26% of total sales. PayPal also launched a crypto checkout tool enabling acceptance of more than 100 cryptocurrencies, supporting industries such as travel, hospitality, digital goods, and gaming.
Simplicity Remains the Key Barrier to Wider Adoption
Despite strong demand, usability challenges persist. PayPal’s survey found that 90% of merchants would accept crypto if the experience matched the simplicity of credit cards, and another 90% would adopt it if setup were equally easy. NCA president Stu Alderoty says interest is not the issue; understanding is. He notes ongoing efforts to close the knowledge gap and help consumers integrate crypto into daily life.
