PayPal Survey: 40% of US Merchants Now Accept Cryptocurrency

In recent times, an increasing number of retailers across the United States are beginning to accept cryptocurrency as a payment option. While the extent of this trend varies, it is becoming more evident, with reports indicating that nearly four in ten US merchants now accept crypto payments, largely driven by consumer interest.

Key Takeaways

Approximately 39% of US merchants now offer cryptocurrency as a payment method.
88% of merchants frequently receive inquiries about crypto payments.
69% of merchants report experiencing demand for crypto payments at least once monthly.
Large companies (annual revenue over $500 million) are leading cryptocurrency acceptance at around 50%.
Younger consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are significantly influencing the adoption of crypto payments.

PayPal Cryptocurrency Acceptance

Growing Demand Among Merchants

A recent survey conducted by PayPal in collaboration with the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) reveals that about 39% of merchants in the US have started to accept cryptocurrency as a valid payment option. Many retailers have noted frequent queries from customers regarding the possibility of using crypto for transactions. The survey indicates that 88% of merchants have received questions about accepting cryptocurrency, with 69% observing demand at least once per month. Furthermore, 84% of respondents believe that cryptocurrency payments will become commonplace within the next five years, suggesting that business leaders anticipate broader acceptance in the near future.

Merchant Acceptance of Crypto

Who Is Embracing Cryptocurrency?

The adoption of cryptocurrency varies significantly among different business types. Large companies, with annual revenues exceeding $500 million, are at the forefront, with approximately 50% accepting crypto payments. Smaller shops are lagging behind at about 34%, while mid-sized businesses hover around 32%. Sectors such as travel and hospitality, gaming, digital goods, and high-end retail are leading the charge. These industries typically engage online customers or tech-savvy buyers, making it more logical for them to embrace this payment method quickly.

Crypto Adoption Rates

For merchants who already accept digital currencies, crypto sales can represent a substantial portion of their overall revenue. Reports indicate that for some businesses, digital assets account for over 25% of their sales. Notably, about 72% of merchants that accept crypto report seeing growth in their crypto sales over the past year. This growth helps explain the desire among businesses to continue offering cryptocurrency as a payment option.

BTCUSD Trading Data BTCUSD trading chart displaying a price of $89,026 over a 24-hour period: TradingView

Despite the positive trends, many merchants cite challenges in adopting cryptocurrency payment methods, noting that setup remains complex. Surveys reveal that around 90% of merchants would be willing to accept cryptocurrency if the process were as easy as accepting credit cards. Concerns regarding payment tools and integration persist. Merchants highlight the benefits of faster payments, reaching new customers, and enhanced buyer privacy as motivating factors to accept crypto. Additionally, younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are playing a significant role in requesting the ability to use cryptocurrency at checkout.

Conducted in October 2025, the survey involved approximately 619 decision-makers in payment strategies across various sectors, including retail, travel, and digital goods. The findings were publicly released by PayPal and the NCA at the end of January 2026. Many industry executives emphasize the need for more straightforward tools and clearer rules to facilitate the adoption of cryptocurrency. If merchants receive easier access and reliable systems for settlements, the acceptance of crypto payments could accelerate significantly.

Featured image from PayPal Newsroom, chart from TradingView