The world of online payments just got a major shake-up — and crypto lovers are at the center of it.
As digital currencies go more mainstream, PayPal is stepping up its game with a new feature that could change how we shop online.
The company has rolled out a fresh way to pay for goods and services using over 100 cryptocurrencies, making it easier (and faster) for people to use their digital wallets across borders.
‘Pay with Crypto’ Lets You Use Wallets Like Coinbase and MetaMask
The newly launched ‘Pay with Crypto’ option means you can now link popular crypto wallets like Coinbase or MetaMask directly to your PayPal account and pay just like you would with a card.
The best part? Your crypto is automatically converted into US dollars or stablecoins at the moment of purchase.
That way, merchants don’t have to worry about wild price swings or the headache of handling volatile tokens.
Lower Fees and Faster Cross-Border Payments
One of the biggest draws for businesses is how much cheaper this could be.
Instead of paying the usual 1.5% to 3.5% in credit card fees, PayPal is offering a promotional 0.99% rate for merchants through July 31.
That’s a serious cut for any company dealing with international customers, especially those who’ve been frustrated by delays and high fees with traditional banks and card networks.
PayPal says this system helps businesses not only save money but also get access to their funds faster, a game-changer for small and global businesses alike.
CEO Says This Builds on 25 Years of Innovation
PayPal CEO Alex Chriss is pitching this move as the next evolution in the company’s legacy.
“You can now link your crypto wallet, pay with any token, instantly convert it, and merchants get US dollars within seconds,” he said in a statement.
“The result? Merchants pay less in fees and can instantly use funds.”
Retail Giants Like Amazon and Walmart Exploring Stablecoins
PayPal isn’t the only one eyeing the future of digital money.
Amazon and Walmart are reportedly toying with the idea of launching their own stablecoins — digital currencies tied to the US dollar.
Why? Because they want to cut out the middlemen like Visa, Mastercard, and even the big banks that rake in transaction fees.
The goal is the same across the board: make payments cheaper, quicker, and more in the retailer’s control.
The Rollout Will Expand Later This Year
Right now, businesses can sign up for early access to a limited version of the new payment feature.
PayPal plans to expand availability later in the year, aiming to get more businesses onboard once the system has been tested and refined.
Crypto Still Faces Big Hurdles — PayPal Wants to Fix That
Despite the promise of a faster, cheaper, global financial system, crypto hasn’t been without problems.
According to Chriss, issues like price volatility, confusing wallet systems, and irreversible transactions have made adoption tricky.
He claims ‘Pay with Crypto’ helps smooth out those rough edges — especially by giving users more control and making transactions feel more like traditional online payments.
Trump Administration Doubles Down on Crypto Support
The launch also comes during a crypto-friendly time in Washington.
President Trump, during his second term, has thrown his support behind the digital currency industry.
Just last week, he signed the GENIUS Act into law — the first major piece of crypto legislation that sets out a national regulatory framework.
Even members of the Trump family have been getting in on the trend, launching their own “meme coin” cryptocurrencies aimed at attracting younger, online-savvy audiences.
PayPal’s Push Comes After Stiff Competition and Job Cuts
PayPal was one of the pioneers of digital payments — especially with its acquisitions of Venmo, Xoom, and Honey.
But in recent years, it’s been under pressure from competitors like Apple Pay and Zelle.
That competition has taken a toll, forcing the company to lay off 9% of its workforce last year.
With crypto, PayPal seems to be betting on the future of finance to keep itself relevant — and profitable.
But Watch Out for Scams Hitting the Platform
As promising as all of this sounds, PayPal is still dealing with another major headache: scammers.
One scheme tricks users with fake invoices or support numbers that look like they’re from PayPal itself.
These scammers can request personal login details, payment card info, or worse — install malware that secretly steals passwords and banking credentials.
It’s a growing issue that PayPal hasn’t fully solved yet.
If you ever get a suspicious invoice or a strange message claiming to be from PayPal, don’t call the number.
Instead, go directly through the official app or website to verify what’s real and what’s not.
What’s Next for Crypto and PayPal?
With this latest rollout, PayPal is clearly setting itself up for the next era of digital finance — one where crypto might be just as normal as a debit card.
But the company still has work to do, from protecting users against fraud to standing out in an increasingly crowded field of fintech giants.
Whether this move finally brings crypto to the mainstream or ends up being just another experiment, it’s clear that the race to reshape global payments is well underway.