It's time U.S. Merchants shifted into the Freshest Payment Model, Crypto

The payments world has changed more in the past decade than in the previous fifty years – what used to be a choice between card or cash has morphed into a vast system of digital wallets, contactless methods, buy-now-pay-later, and increasingly, digital currency. Consumers are at the heart of this shift, demanding more flexibility, speed, and security at checkout, and rewarding businesses that give it to them by becoming loyal. For U.S. merchants, crypto isn’t just the newest payment trend; it’s becoming a necessity as more and more customers learn how to buy crypto and spend it on their favorite products and services, save the holdings for the future, or even invest in 401(k)s.

Consumers are Leading the Charge

Crypto is no longer a small niche limited to early adopters or speculative investors; millions of people now hold BTC, ETH, XRP, stablecoins, meme coins, and other digital assets. And more importantly, they want to spend these coins. For youngsters who are more familiar with digital payment methods and wallets, this alternative spikes in popularity by the day. In fact, a new survey by real estate company Redfin found that 12.7% of today’s young homebuyers, with millennials included, prefer to make their down payment in crypto. Digital currencies are giving those under 40 a valuable edge they’ve so far missed out on: financial leverage.

Crypto has become an expansion of the digital-first individuals, and it’s not surprising. Just as mobile wallets went from optional to expected, crypto payments are following the same trajectory. By 2027, analysts expect one in four companies in North America to integrate crypto in some form, so merchants who fail to adapt to the trend risk missing out on a fast-growing, valuable demographic.

Crypto Adoption is Rising at Breakneck Speed

Looking at the overall market performance, even the newest beginner can deduce that the latest months have been at least unforgettable for the crypto sector. Bitcoin has hit record highs with its latest milestone of +$124K, Ethereum is quietly approaching the $5K mark, XRP has managed to sell for $3 a unit, and the list goes on with numerous other notable price performances. Crypto was barely seen as a potential financial product not long ago – fast forward to today, and it’s backed by the White House. A recent executive order from the newest administration has made the introduction of crypto in 401(k) portfolios possible.

All things related to Bitcoin have surged in 2025 as investors continue to inject capital into crypto-related companies. The recent traction gained is only the tip of the iceberg; and a good enough reason to reflect on integrating crypto payments in your business, or at least starting to review your payment strategy. Modern customers are no longer satisfied with two or three payment possibilities – they want the whole menu at their disposal.

One in Four to Adopt Crypto by 2027

Crypto’s rising acceptance among corporations across North American states is primarily driven by a combination of long-awaited regulatory clarity, which now allows businesses to interact with crypto on their balance sheets, real-world use cases, and boardroom momentum. A recent Deloitte survey of 200 North American Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) found that approximately 23% planned to integrate cryptocurrency payments and treasury functions within their organizations over the next two years. When it comes to companies generating more than $10BN a year, 40% expect to adopt crypto soon, suggesting digital assets are no longer just experiments but breaking into strategic planning.

Many of the latest milestones in crypto are a result of recent regulatory developments, such as the order that led to the establishment of a strategic U.S. Bitcoin reserve and the Senate’s passage of stablecoin legislation. All these developments gain corporations’ trust and reassure them that digital assets are being integrated into mainstream financial systems – it’s just a matter of time, which is justifiable since the industry is only 16 years old.

Today’s freshly updated accounting guidelines look nothing like the old accounting rules established in December 2023. Companies had to write down values when prices dropped, but when they recovered, the gains couldn’t be recorded. This has understandably triggered reluctance towards holding crypto since balance sheets always looked distressing.

But the newest rule states that digital assets are to be recorded at current market values, and both losses and gains are to be recognized in financial statements. This gives CFOs more confidence to introduce crypto payments and is expected to keep fostering confidence down the road.

Challenges haven’t Vanished

Despite the rising interest in integrating crypto on corporate balance sheets, challenges remain, particularly those stemming from the market’s volatility and accounting’s increased complexity. However, crypto is now a regular item on boardroom agendas; the Deloitte study found that only 2% of surveyed CFOs prefer their companies to avoid crypto discussions entirely, with the rest being comfortable to do so. For many North American corporations, digital assets are no longer a peripheral experiment, but a serious tool for payments, investment, operations, and thus proliferation.

That’s not to say that corporations can’t navigate crypto and leverage it safely. There are some good practices they can adopt and stick to, such as avoiding excessive exposure to a single token by diversifying their holdings, integrating stablecoins and volatile assets, and balancing price potential with stability. Many treasurers are utilizing hedging instruments, such as crypto futures, to mitigate the impact of excessive volatility.

Additionally, corporations can proactively engage with regulators and auditors to stay ahead of evolving compliance frameworks, and then establish dedicated crypto policies, including internal controls, to ensure they’re managing risks effectively. For safety reasons, many corporations are testing cryptocurrency through pilot programs, such as stablecoin payments in limited markets or holding a small percentage of reserves in Bitcoin, rather than going all-in.

What Benefits can Merchants Reap? 

Besides meeting the newest consumer demand, crypto offers direct business benefits, such as reduced fees compared to those typical of credit cards and increased margins. Payment settlements also take less time, occurring within minutes instead of days, as is the case with traditional payment processors. Plus, for businesses operating internationally or online, crypto unlocks access to a wider category of buyers who may lack a reliable banking option, but have digital wallets and assets available to spend. 

The advantages are numerous; businesses just need to give careful consideration to what they earn and what they compromise when taking this step.