Crypto Payment Adoption Hits 40% Among US Merchants, PayPal Survey Shows

Cryptocurrency is steadily becoming part of everyday commerce in the United States, with a growing number of merchants now accepting digital assets at checkout.

Key Points

• About 40% of U.S. merchants accept cryptocurrency payments.
• Nearly 90% of merchants say customers have asked to pay with crypto.
• 32% of mid-sized businesses accept cryptocurrency payments.
• 34% of small businesses accept cryptocurrency payments.
• 84% of merchants expect crypto to become a mainstream payment method within five years.

Crypto Payments Gain Rapid Traction Across U.S. Merchants

A survey cited by PayPal, conducted by the National Cryptocurrency Association, found that nearly 4 in 10 U.S. merchants already accept cryptocurrency payments.

Even more striking, almost 90% of merchants reported that customers have asked about paying with crypto. Together, these findings suggest that consumer awareness and demand are central to shaping merchants’ payment strategies.

The survey, conducted in October, included responses from 619 professionals responsible for payment strategies across various industries. According to PayPal, the results indicate that cryptocurrency is no longer on the fringes of commerce. Instead, it is increasingly becoming a relevant and legitimate alternative to traditional payment methods.

May Zabaneh, PayPal’s vice president and general manager, said businesses are responding directly to shifting customer expectations. She noted that shoppers increasingly want faster, more flexible ways to pay, and that many merchants recognize the value of crypto once it is introduced as an option.

Business Size Influences the Pace of Adoption

While crypto adoption is expanding, it remains uneven across the market. Large enterprises continue to lead, supported by greater technical resources and operational capacity. Still, smaller companies are beginning to close the gap.

Survey data shows that 32% of mid-sized businesses and 34% of small firms now accept cryptocurrency payments, underscoring that digital assets are no longer confined to major corporations. Well-known brands such as Walmart, Starbucks, and Home Depot are among the large US companies that already support crypto transactions.

In addition, acceptance is translating into real-world usage. Among merchants that offer crypto payments, these transactions account for roughly 26% of total sales, indicating that customers are actively choosing digital currencies when given the opportunity.

Younger Shoppers and Select Industries Lead Usage

Demographics play a significant role in shaping adoption patterns. PayPal’s analysis shows that Millennials and Gen Z shoppers are the most comfortable using cryptocurrency for everyday purchases, as their familiarity with digital tools accelerates usage at checkout.

Furthermore, industry trends highlight where crypto is gaining the most traction. Hospitality and travel, digital goods, and gaming are emerging as leading sectors for crypto payments. These industries often benefit from faster settlement times and more flexible payment systems, making digital assets particularly attractive.

Complexity Remains the Main Barrier

Despite strong interest from both merchants and consumers, challenges remain. PayPal pointed to payment infrastructure as one of the biggest barriers to wider adoption, noting that many businesses still find crypto systems difficult to understand or integrate.

In fact, the survey reinforces this concern: nearly 90% of merchants said they would consider accepting cryptocurrency if it were as easy to use as traditional card payments. This suggests that the primary obstacle is implementation, not a lack of demand.

Stu Alderoty, president of the National Cryptocurrency Association, echoed this view, arguing that understanding—not enthusiasm—is the real challenge. He stated that simplifying payment tools could unlock wider merchant participation.

To address these concerns, PayPal introduced a crypto checkout feature in July 2025, enabling US merchants to accept payments in over 100 different cryptocurrencies. The company sees this move as a step toward reducing complexity and accelerating adoption.

Looking ahead, confidence in crypto payments remains strong. According to the survey cited by PayPal, 84% of merchants expect cryptocurrency to become a mainstream payment option within the next five years. If infrastructure continues to improve, digital assets may soon become a standard feature at checkout counters across the United States.