# Survey Finds 39 Percent of U.S. Merchants Accept Crypto

**Published:** 2026-01-27T08:00:00.000Z  
**Topic:** Crypto Adoption  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/2eb6a39d-02c6-43a3-8216-bd7016b28e29

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**
* Approximately 39% of U.S. merchants currently accept cryptocurrency for transactions [1].
* Large enterprises earning over $500 million annually show the highest adoption rate at 50% [2].
* Nearly 9 out of 10 merchants report receiving customer inquiries regarding crypto payment options [1].
* About 84% of merchants expect cryptocurrency payments to become common within the next five years [2].
* Simplicity remains a primary barrier, with 90% of merchants stating they would adopt crypto if the setup were as easy as traditional credit card processing [1].

## Drivers of Merchant Adoption
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].

## The Path to Mainstream Integration
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].

## Why it matters
The findings suggest that cryptocurrency is transitioning from a niche investment tool into a functional component of everyday commerce [1]. With 84% of merchants anticipating that crypto payments will become common within the next five years, the focus is shifting toward infrastructure and ease of use [2]. As partnerships between financial platforms and advocacy groups continue to develop, the goal is to simplify the setup process to match the accessibility of credit card systems, which 90% of merchants identified as a critical factor for future adoption [1].

## Sources
1. Newsroom — [Article: Crypto Goes Mainstream: 4 in 10 U.S. Merchants ...](https://newsroom.paypal-corp.com/2026-01-27-Crypto-Goes-Mainstream-4-in-10-US-Merchants-Accept-Digital-Assets)
2. Financialcontent — [Crypto Goes Mainstream: 4 in 10 U.S. Merchants Accept Digital ...](https://www.financialcontent.com/article/bizwire-2026-1-27-crypto-goes-mainstream-4-in-10-us-merchants-accept-digital-assets)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Survey Finds 39 Percent of U.S. Merchants Accept Crypto", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/2eb6a39d-02c6-43a3-8216-bd7016b28e29