A Smart Way to Shop: Recap of the AMA with seQura

In a recent AMA hosted by Cointelegraph, Adrián Escudé, the Chief Revenue Officer at seQura, discussed how their innovative smart shopping app is reshaping retail loyalty by blending flexible payment options with Bitcoin rewards. This approach promotes consumer ownership and transparency in shopping rewards.

Key Takeaways

Shift to Ownership: Retail loyalty systems are moving towards direct ownership rather than closed-loop rewards.
seQura's Evolution: Originally focused on flexible payments, seQura has developed a comprehensive commerce-tech platform.
Smart Shopping App: Offers versatility with product discovery, payment methods, and Bitcoin rewards.
Bitcoin Rewards: Shoppers can receive Bitcoin directly in their wallets, with an attractive adoption rate among new users.
Future Developments: Plans for new features, including a travel portal and Lightning Network integration, aim to enhance user experience.

A smart way to shop: AMA recap with seQura

Evolution of the Smart Shopping Concept

As noted by Escudé, seQura started as a provider of flexible payment solutions, particularly in Southern Europe, and has evolved into a comprehensive commerce technology platform focusing on enhancing shopper value and driving merchant growth. By initially offering installment payments, the company expanded to include tools that help retailers engage customers more effectively and foster stronger relationships. This journey ultimately led to the creation of the smart shopping app that brings together product discovery, varied payment options, buyer protection, and rewarding experiences in one platform.

The smart shopping app not only makes it easier for users to find products but also allows for enhanced payment flexibility and reward transparency. Escudé emphasized the aim of this app is to provide simple, understandable rewards, more payment methods, and more control over everyday shopping experiences. The concept arose from frustrations with traditional cashback systems, where small balances are often difficult to track, and confusing conditions can erode trust. Hence, the seQura team created an app they would personally use and then refined it for a larger audience.

Retail, E-Commerce, Rewards, Shopping, Lightning Network

Bitcoin Rewards Offer True Loyalty

The seQura smart shopping app facilitates Bitcoin rewards, which users can receive directly into their wallets. Escudé explained that shoppers can choose between accumulating a euro balance for future purchases or receiving Bitcoin, which is credited to their wallets once the return period concludes. Initial data from the app’s rollout on November 11 reveals strong interest, with approximately 40% of new users opting for Bitcoin rewards. Escudé mentioned that rewards are deposited into user-controlled wallets with support guides for various providers, ensuring clear ownership: “We send Bitcoin directly to your wallet… It’s yours.”

This loyalty model appeals to two distinct groups: Bitcoin enthusiasts, who can increase their holdings through daily purchases, and seQura's existing user base of over three million shoppers who may prefer a simpler option. The application offers a choice between a euro-denominated coins balance or Bitcoin cashback equivalent to the purchase value.

To aid users in adopting Bitcoin, seQura provides educational resources on setting up and utilizing wallets compatible with major providers in Europe. Escudé framed this approach as an easy way for users to begin their Bitcoin journey while continuing their regular shopping, avoiding additional steps or market risks.

Regulatory considerations significantly influenced the design of the rewards system. Escudé indicated that seQura opted for a non-custodial model rather than holding Bitcoin in wallets for users. This choice required thorough collaboration with legal teams but ultimately resulted in a robust product tailored for Bitcoin users, while maintaining compliance by working with authorized providers to send rewards directly after return periods conclude, ensuring alignment with user ownership principles.

Roadmap and Signals for Adoption

During the AMA, Escudé unveiled exciting new features and platforms aimed at expanding the application. A forthcoming travel portal will broaden the app's use cases by offering flights and hotels with approximately 5% cashback, with reward values locked in at the time of purchase. “You can book the trip and receive the Bitcoin after the cancellation period, with the value set at purchase time,” he mentioned.

Additionally, the team is testing a smart search feature that acts as a shopping agent, helping users find products and incentives across over 6,000 partnered stores. The initial rollout of the app is set for Spain, with further expansions into Southern Europe anticipated in early 2026, and non-European markets later in the year, depending on regulatory readiness.

Looking ahead, a Lightning Network integration is scheduled for 2026, which will facilitate quick and affordable Bitcoin transfers for small-scale rewards. Further features catering to crypto-native users are also on the horizon. Escudé articulated the long-term objective as establishing a sustainable link between retail spending and genuine monetary incentives, grounded in everyday purchases rather than trading activities.