Deloitte reveals in a study that over 75% of US retail chains are planning to implement cryptocurrency payments in the coming next two years. There are several companies that have already integrated digital currencies into their payment system, such as Starbucks, Microsoft, Whole Foods, etc.
The European market isn't standing still either; the region ranks among the top territories for cryptocurrency transaction volumes.
Those companies which implement these solutions attract new audiences, save on costs and safeguard themselves by avoiding currency risks. This article will investigate five concrete reasons why your business should integrate crypto payments. There are no theories or any abstractions, only reasonable and practical arguments supported by real statistics.
Slashing Transaction Fees to Almost Nothing
Banking payment systems eat up a serious chunk of profit. Visa and Mastercard charge between 1.5% and 3.5% per transaction. Working with international clients? Add currency conversion – another 2-4% on top. PayPal sets fees up to 5% for international transfers. Picture an online store with $50,000 monthly turnover. Over a year, you're losing $9,000 to $18,000 in fees. That's two employees' salaries or a quarterly marketing budget.
Cryptocurrency networks operate differently. Ethereum currently charges $0.50 to $2 per transaction, regardless of the amount transferred. Bitcoin Lightning Network processes payments virtually free – average fees stay below $0.01. Stablecoins on the Tron blockchain cost around $1 per transfer of any size. Calculate the savings for that same store – up to $15,000 annually stays in the business instead of going to intermediaries.
Overstock, one of the pioneers of crypto payments among major retailers, publicly reported saving over $100,000 in fees during their first year working with Bitcoin.
Accessing a Global Audience Without Borders
International bank transfers can be a real hassle. SWIFT payments often take two to five business days, fees can easily reach $25–50, and banks occasionally block transactions over “suspicious activity” or sanctions checks. For freelancers and companies working with clients across continents, this means delays, stress, and unnecessary downtime.
Blockchain simply doesn’t care about borders. A transfer from Tokyo to Berlin settles in 10–15 minutes on the Bitcoin network, or in just a few seconds on Solana. The system runs 24/7 regardless of weekends or bank holidays. This is especially crucial for e-commerce as a customer can shop at any moment and from anywhere. This system helps payment to go through successfully in an instant.
Presently, more than 420 million use cryptocurrencies. A large number of audiences are looking for businesses where it is easy to spend digital assets. One such example is Travala, as its sales increased up to 40% after integrating crypto payments. Bitcoin was recognized as legal tender by El Salvador. Switzerland's canton of Zug allows its citizen to pay taxes in crypto. This trend has been adopted by the masses rapidly. Those companies that are integrating these technologies gain access to real first-mover advantages.
This is the reason behind the emergence of platforms like Inqud. They make accepting crypto payments straightforward by offering turnkey solutions that can handle the technical complexity, which allows businesses to focus on what they do best.
Protection Against Inflation and Currency Fluctuations
Euro, dollar, pound – fiat currencies depend on central bank decisions. Inflation eats away purchasing power. In 2022, average annual inflation across the Eurozone hit 8.4%. If your business holds revenue in a weakening currency, the real value of money drops monthly. Converting to dollars or other currencies isn't a cure-all either – banks set unfair rates and take spreads up to 5%.
Stablecoins solve this problem. USDT, USDC, BUSD are pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. You receive payment in a stable currency without going through the banking system. Tether (USDT) has a market cap exceeding $95 billion and daily trading volumes around $50 billion. That's liquidity comparable to many national currencies.
Argentine businesses are moving en masse to cryptocurrencies due to chronic inflation that in some years reaches 100%. Venezuelan companies use Bitcoin and Dash for settlements because planning even a week ahead in bolivars is impossible. European businesses working with international partners can also use this tool for hedging currency risks. Receiving payment in USDC, you lock in the rate at the moment of transaction and decide for yourself when to convert funds into euros or other currencies.
Speed of Settlement and Fund Availability
The banking system works on a schedule. A payment sent Friday evening won't arrive until Monday. International transfers can hang in intermediary correspondent banks for up to a week. For businesses, that's frozen money you can't use to pay suppliers or salaries.
Bitcoin needs roughly 10 minutes for block confirmation, Ethereum about 15 seconds, and networks like Ripple (XRP) process payments in 3-5 seconds. This fundamentally changes cash flow. You receive payment from a client and can instantly use those funds for the next operation.
Square (now Block Inc.), Jack Dorsey's company, integrated Bitcoin payments into its Cash App service. The result – over 2 million active users monthly conducting cryptocurrency transactions through the app. Speed and simplicity became key success factors. For freelancers and small businesses, the ability to receive payment in minutes instead of days means better financial stability and flexibility.
Another point – chargeback fraud. In traditional payment systems, a client can reverse a payment 60-180 days after purchase. Even if the product was delivered and the service provided, the bank might side with the client. According to Visa statistics, approximately 0.6% of transactions end in chargebacks, and for certain niches the figure reaches 2-3%. Cryptocurrency payments are irreversible. This protects sellers from dishonest buyers.
Competitive Edge and Reputation as an Innovative Company
The market overflows with identical offerings. Buyers seek not just a product or service, but a memorable experience. Companies accepting cryptocurrency automatically fall into the category of forward-thinking, technologically advanced brands. This matters especially for the 25-40 age demographic – they form the main base of crypto holders and have high purchasing power. Businesses also need to actively promote this option and educate their audience on the benefits. Learning how to get your customers to use crypto can be the difference between
Burger King in Germany launched a promotion where customers could pay for orders with Bitcoin. AMC Theatres, the largest cinema chain in the US, added support for Dogecoin and Shiba Inu for online ticket purchases. These companies received millions of social media mentions and dozens of press publications – marketing effects that would cost six figures. Here it's organic PR simply from the fact of accepting cryptocurrencies.
For the B2B segment, this works too. Companies offering cryptocurrency settlements demonstrate openness to innovation and readiness to adapt to new realities. It's a signal to partners and investors: the business looks to the future rather than being stuck in the past.
Making the Move: Simpler Than You Think
The technological barrier keeps dropping. There are several platforms that allow you to set up cryptocurrency acceptance within a day without needing deep technical knowledge. These platforms include Inqud, BTCPay Server, CoinGate, and Coinbase Commerce. Compared to potential advantages, implementation costs are minimal. Modern payment gateways handle volatility risks by offering instant conversion to fiat, so you never have to hold crypto if you prefer not to.
Regulatory clarity is also improving. The EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation came into full effect in 2024. It provides a clear framework for businesses with crypto. Major banks like Deutsche Bank and BNP Paribas have launched crypto custody services for corporate clients.
Businesses that delay integration risk losing customers to competitors who already offer this option. Companies taking a step toward cryptocurrencies today will have a loyal audience tomorrow, lower operating costs, and flexibility in international trade.
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