Crypto at checkout: how Bitget Wallet turns stablecoins into everyday cash
Paying with crypto for coffee, a Netflix subscription, or airline tickets is no longer futuristic. Bitget Wallet COO Alvin Kahn told dev.ua how cryptocurrency has transformed from a niche tool into a full-fledged payment system in just a few years. The article discusses the new role of stablecoins, the fiat + blockchain hybrid, trends from Asia and Latin America, and how a crypto wallet is becoming a mainstream financial application.
Paying with crypto for coffee, a Netflix subscription, or airline tickets is no longer futuristic. Bitget Wallet COO Alvin Kahn told dev.ua how cryptocurrency has transformed from a niche tool into a full-fledged payment system in just a few years. The article discusses the new role of stablecoins, the fiat + blockchain hybrid, trends from Asia and Latin America, and how a crypto wallet is becoming a mainstream financial application.
— How has the approach to crypto payments changed over the past five years? How often do people now use cryptocurrency for everyday payments?
Over the past five years, the approach to crypto payments has shifted from building infrastructure to solving real-world problems. What started as an experiment has become a practical financial tool — especially in developing countries. The change has come not only due to improvements in technology, but also due to increased usability. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC have helped address the issue of volatility, and mobile wallets like Bitget Wallet have lowered the barriers for new users.
Today, users can pay for purchases in a variety of ways — by scanning a QR code, swiping a crypto card, or through built-in marketplaces in the app, without having in-depth knowledge of blockchain. The question is no longer whether it is possible to use crypto for payments, but how easy it is. The number of points of sale accepting cryptocurrency has increased dramatically, and users expect payments to be fast, simple, and integrated with real life. According to the latest Onchain report by Bitget Wallet, 40% of users worldwide use cryptocurrency for payments, and among Generation Z this figure reaches 43%. In Southeast Asia, more than 60% use cryptocurrency primarily for transfers — thanks to its high speed and low fees. Stablecoins, payment gateways, and scaling technologies such as Layer-2 are accelerating this process. The trend is clear: users want cryptocurrency to work as quickly and conveniently as traditional finance, but without its limitations.
— How do crypto payments affect business? Do they make it more efficient?
Crypto payments eliminate many of the drawbacks of traditional systems, especially in cross-border transactions. Settlements with stablecoins are instant, fees drop to less than 1% (versus 2-5% in traditional systems), and the risk of chargebacks disappears. For global and digital merchants, this means better margins and faster cash turnover.
Payment gateways like Paydify make it easy for businesses to get started: merchants can accept stablecoins with no fees, receive funds instantly, and integrate with local QR systems. This is especially important in countries where such payments are already commonplace. In addition, crypto opens up new revenue streams — up to 40% of buyers who pay with crypto are new customers, and they spend more on a single purchase.
Bitget Wallet is the first self-custodial wallet with maximum flexibility: users can scan QR codes from merchants, pay with a crypto card, or make purchases in the app. This lowers barriers for both businesses and consumers, and self-custodial storage adds a layer of control and security. Crypto does not replace fiat, but rather expands business capabilities, helping to adapt to new customer expectations.
— How do crypto payments work today? What can you buy with cryptocurrency?
Modern crypto payments are comparable in convenience to mobile banking, but with greater reach and fewer restrictions. With the Bitget Wallet, you can pay in three ways: by scanning QR codes (both blockchain-format and national), by applying a crypto card to the terminal, or by paying directly through built-in platforms.
Settlements are usually made in stablecoins (USDT, USDC), and transactions are confirmed in seconds. Crypto can be used to pay for food, groceries, mobile games, flights, hotels, and electronics. In some countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America, national QR systems allow you to pay in cafes with cryptocurrency as easily as through a regular wallet. Through the built-in stores in Bitget Wallet, you can buy goods and services from Amazon, Apple, Google Play, Netflix, and others — without converting to fiat. All this makes crypto payments as close as possible to the usual digital services — only faster, cheaper, and without borders.
— How can crypto payments change the economy? Can they compete with fiat money?
Crypto payments do not replace fiat, but complement it where it falls short. In countries like Brazil, which have currency restrictions and high inflation, about 90% of crypto activity is in stablecoins. People use them to make purchases, transfer money, and store money.
Wallets like Bitget Wallet integrate national QR systems, making crypto accessible in a familiar trading environment. Stablecoins can already compete with fiat for everyday payments due to their speed and low costs, although volatility and regulatory risks are still present. In the future, features such as automatic transfers, crypto salaries, and smart contracts will become standard — especially in countries with underdeveloped banking systems.
The economic impact is reduced costs of participating in global trade and increased access. A freelancer from Vietnam or a seller from Nigeria can now get paid in seconds, not days. A hybrid fiat + crypto system will improve cross-border payments and provide greater reach in the digital economy.
— What are the pros and cons of crypto payments?
Advantages: high speed (transactions in seconds), low fees (up to 1%), no chargebacks and 24/7 availability without banks. Users control their funds, and payment history is stored on the blockchain, which increases transparency and reduces fraud risks.
For businesses, this means fast turnover and minimizing intermediaries. However, there are also disadvantages: different regulatory frameworks in different countries, complexity of UX for beginners, need for knowledge about keys and blockchains. Stablecoins reduce volatility, but storage risks still need to be considered.
The main barriers are not in technology, but in regulation, education, and adoption. But as they are overcome, crypto will become a full-fledged means of payment.
— Where and how is it best to store cryptocurrency? How to use a crypto wallet for payment?
It all depends on your goals. For everyday transactions, a mobile self-custodial wallet, such as Bitget Wallet, is suitable. It gives you full control, allows you to invest, pay, and interact with dApps without intermediaries. For long-term storage, it is better to use a hardware wallet — it reliably protects assets from online threats.
Paying with crypto has also become easier: scan a QR code, attach a crypto card, or pay through the built-in marketplace. Bitget Wallet supports all three options. It doesn’t matter whether you pay in USDT via Solana or in your local currency — the transaction is instant, and the seller receives the money immediately, without returns. This makes crypto convenient for everyday use, not just for storage.
— Who uses cryptocurrency for payments most often today — young people or the older generation?
According to our report, young users, especially Generation Z, continue to lead the way in the adoption of crypto payments. This is due to their digital literacy and willingness to try new things. In regions with expensive or inaccessible banking services, crypto is becoming a necessity.
In Southeast Asia, 60% of users send money using cryptocurrency, and 46% pay for purchases. In Africa, these figures are 53% and 45%, respectively. South Asia shows a similar picture. In Latin America and Eastern Europe, about 41% use crypto for everyday payments.
— Does the use of crypto payments violate international law?
Crypto payments are not prohibited in most countries. The main thing is to follow local regulations, including KYC, AML, and licensing. Crypto is just a tool. Violations depend on how and where it is used.
If the payment involves regulated actions (e.g., exchange to fiat or access to tokenized assets), the responsibility for compliance lies with licensed service providers. Platforms that use them must only work with legal partners. With the right structure, crypto payments are perfectly legal. The main thing is to work within the law.
— How do you see the future of crypto payments in the next five years?
In five years, crypto payments will become an «invisible» part of everyday life. Users will not think about paying «on the blockchain» — they will just pay. Stablecoins will become the main payment layer, and wallets will integrate with local QR systems, terminals, and online stores.
The experience will be similar to today’s payment apps, but faster, cheaper, and more accessible. The interface will be simplified, more regulation will emerge, and self-custodial wallets and payment gateways will become commonplace. Crypto can be spent anywhere — without the need to understand the technology. All of this will accelerate the development of cross-border trade and the digital economy.
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