TLDR
- PayPal lets U.S. merchants accept 100+ cryptos, settling instantly in USD
- Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins now accepted at PayPal checkout
- PayPal’s “Pay with Crypto” cuts fees, supports cross-border transactions
- Merchants get USD fast as PayPal converts crypto like BTC and ETH instantly
- New PayPal crypto checkout undercuts card fees, expands global reach
PayPal has introduced a new service allowing U.S. merchants to accept over 100 cryptocurrencies at checkout. The system, called “Pay with Crypto,” converts digital assets into U.S. dollars nearly instantly. It aims to cut cross-border transaction costs and offer merchants faster access to proceeds.
BREAKING: Payments giant PayPal has enabled Bitcoin and crypto payments for all US merchants 🇺🇸
This is HUGE 🚀 pic.twitter.com/t3AYwdI9I3
— Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) July 28, 2025
The feature is accessible to all U.S. businesses using PayPal’s online payment system. Merchants receive dollars, while customers pay using popular crypto wallets like MetaMask and Coinbase. This supports major coins and stablecoins covers 90% of the global crypto market cap.
The company confirmed that the service will carry a 0.99% promotional fee for the first year, rising to 1.5% later. That rate undercuts the average U.S. credit card fee, which stood at 1.57% in 2024.
Bitcoin Now a Checkout Option for U.S. Merchants
Merchants can now accept bitcoin (BTC) directly through PayPal’s new crypto feature. The system instantly converts BTC into PayPal’s stablecoin PYUSD before settling in dollars. This reduces volatility risk and streamlines payment processing.
PayPal routes transactions via centralized or decentralized exchanges depending on the buyer’s wallet provider. For example, Coinbase handles some sales while others run through Uniswap. Once the asset is sold, PayPal settles the amount in USD and delivers it to the merchant.
By offering bitcoin payments, PayPal strengthens its position as a key fintech player in the crypto space. The company has continued investing in blockchain after scaling back in 2022. It first enabled BTC trading in 2020, later expanding the feature to Venmo.
Ethereum Gains More Utility with New PayPal Checkout Integration
Ethereum (ETH) is part of the accepted payment options through PayPal’s new service. Customers can use ETH at checkout, and PayPal handles conversion to PYUSD. This allows ETH holders to transact without manually converting funds.
The Ethereum transactions follow the same processing route as Bitcoin payments. Depending on the crypto wallet used, PayPal uses exchanges like Coinbase or Uniswap. The company then settles in dollars, giving merchants immediate access to funds.
Stablecoins USDC and USDT Drive Cost-Efficient Payments
PayPal also enables payments using stablecoins including USDC and USDT. These coins offer lower volatility and are ideal for cross-border transfers. Merchants receive dollars regardless of the crypto used by the buyer.
Customers can connect wallets holding stablecoins and complete transactions without needing to swap assets manually. The payment flow mirrors that of bitcoin and Ethereum. Stablecoins are converted into PYUSD and then into U.S. dollars instantly.
PayPal leverages the efficiency of stablecoins to offer lower transaction costs. This new option benefits businesses operating in global markets and supports PayPal’s vision for a broader role in digital commerce.
