19-2-2025 – New research shows that cryptocurrency adoption in everyday transactions remains surprisingly low, despite the technology’s decade-long presence. Our financial correspondent examines how Britons and global consumers are navigating the evolving world of crypto payments in 2025.
Crypto Payments: The Quiet Revolution Still Waiting to Happen
Despite the cryptocurrency market’s maturation, recent data paints a sobering picture: crypto-based transactions accounted for a mere 0.2% of global e-commerce value in 2022. However, industry experts suggest this figure is poised for significant growth as new payment solutions emerge.
“We’re witnessing a transformation in how people interact with digital assets,” says Dr. Sarah Thompson, Head of Financial Technology at the London School of Economics. “The infrastructure for everyday crypto transactions is finally catching up with the technology’s potential.”
Five Key Ways to Pay with Cryptocurrency
The most accessible method for crypto payments has emerged through specialised payment cards. Market leaders such as Crypto.com and Coinbase now offer various tiers of cards, from basic options requiring no minimum stake to premium cards offering luxurious perks such as private jet services.
Contactless payments have made significant inroads, with the tap-to-pay market projected to reach $213.39 billion by 2034. Companies like Oobit are pioneering this space, leveraging existing Visa and Mastercard infrastructure to enable crypto payments at conventional retail outlets.
Payment gateways represent another significant development. NOWPayments, supporting over 300 cryptocurrencies, has become particularly popular among British merchants, offering seamless conversion between crypto and sterling.
QR code solutions have gained traction, particularly in urban centres. KuCoin Pay’s integration allows merchants to accept cryptocurrency payments through simple QR code scans, mimicking popular mobile payment systems.
For cryptocurrency purists, direct wallet-to-wallet transfers remain an option, though this method requires both parties to be well-versed in digital asset management.
“The relatively low adoption rates we’re seeing today don’t tell the whole story,” explains James Harrison, Director of Digital Payments at the British Retail Consortium. “The infrastructure being built now will likely drive significant adoption in the coming years.”
Industry analysts predict that as these payment solutions mature and become more user-friendly, cryptocurrency transactions could account for up to 5% of global e-commerce by 2027, marking a significant shift in consumer payment habits.
However, challenges remain. Regulatory uncertainty and price volatility continue to influence adoption rates, particularly among smaller retailers. Nevertheless, the growing array of payment options suggests that cryptocurrency’s role in everyday transactions may finally be approaching its long-promised potential.
