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A new report from PayPal and the National Cryptocurrency Association reveals that 39 percent of U.S. merchants now accept digital assets at checkout.
Cryptocurrency is increasingly becoming a standard payment option for U.S. businesses, with nearly 4 out of 10 merchants now accepting digital assets at the point of sale [1]. This shift is largely fueled by consistent customer demand and a desire among businesses to offer more flexible, modern payment methods [2].
Key takeaways
The transition toward digital assets is no longer confined to early adopters, according to research conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the National Cryptocurrency Association and PayPal [1]. Data indicates that adoption is most prevalent among large enterprises, while 34% of small businesses and 32% of midsize companies have integrated crypto payments [2]. For those already accepting digital currencies, the results are significant: crypto transactions now account for more than a quarter of their total sales [1].
Merchants identify several strategic advantages to this integration, including faster transaction speeds, the ability to attract new customers, and enhanced security and privacy features [2]. Industry-specific data shows that hospitality and travel lead the way with an 81% adoption rate, followed by digital goods, gaming, luxury, and specialty retail at 76% [1]. Retail and e-commerce sectors also show strong engagement, with 69% of merchants in these fields accepting digital assets [2].
Despite the current momentum, the survey highlights a clear "knowledge gap" that continues to hinder broader implementation [1]. While 88% of merchants report receiving customer requests for crypto payments, many businesses remain hesitant due to concerns over complexity [2]. According to Stu Alderoty, president of the National Cryptocurrency Association, the primary challenge is not a lack of interest, but a need for better understanding of how these assets fit into daily operations [1].
To bridge this gap, industry leaders are focusing on making the user experience as familiar as traditional card payments [1]. May Zabaneh, Vice President and General Manager of Crypto at PayPal, noted that when crypto is presented in a way that feels like standard online payment methods, it functions as a powerful growth tool for businesses [2].
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AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 2 outlets · Jun 2, 2026 · How we report
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