PayPal Survey: 40% of Merchants Accept Crypto, 85% Expect Widespread Adoption by 2030

A recent PayPal survey conducted in October 2025 reveals significant momentum in cryptocurrency adoption among merchants, with 40% already accepting digital currencies at checkout and an overwhelming 85% expecting crypto payments to become commonplace by 2030. The survey, which polled merchants across various sectors, shows that large enterprises are leading the charge in crypto acceptance, suggesting that major players are paving the way for broader adoption.

This data points to a maturing cryptocurrency ecosystem where digital assets are transitioning from speculative investments to practical payment methods. The survey results indicate that merchants see value in offering crypto payment options, likely driven by customer demand, reduced transaction fees compared to traditional payment processors, and the ability to tap into a global customer base without currency conversion complications.

The findings align with broader trends in the cryptocurrency space. Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer, recently announced it now holds approximately 140 tons of gold worth around $23 billion, with plans to continue accumulating one to two tons per week. This move suggests that major crypto players are increasingly diversifying their reserves and seeking stability in traditional assets while maintaining their digital currency operations.

Meanwhile, Tether has launched USAT, a US-regulated stablecoin issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, marking the company's direct return to the US market after leaving in 2018. This development could provide merchants with more regulated and compliant options for accepting cryptocurrency payments, potentially accelerating adoption rates further.

The survey's projection that 85% of merchants expect crypto to be commonplace by 2030 reflects growing confidence in the technology's staying power. This optimism comes despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny and market volatility. The cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve, with companies like PayPal, Tether, and others building infrastructure to support mainstream adoption.

However, the path to widespread crypto acceptance isn't without challenges. Security concerns remain paramount, particularly for smaller merchants who may lack the technical expertise to properly secure digital wallets and transactions. The recent case of CISA's interim director Madhu Gottumukkala triggering automated security warnings by uploading sensitive documents to ChatGPT in summer 2025 serves as a reminder of the ongoing cybersecurity challenges in the digital age.

Despite these hurdles, the survey results suggest that merchants are increasingly viewing cryptocurrency as a viable payment option rather than a passing fad. The fact that large enterprises are leading adoption indicates that the technology has reached a level of maturity and reliability that makes it attractive to risk-averse organizations.

The PayPal survey comes at a time when the broader tech industry is grappling with various challenges and opportunities. Amazon recently announced plans to cut approximately 16,000 roles across the company as part of an effort to reduce organizational layers and bureaucracy. Meanwhile, chipmaker ASML reported record quarterly bookings of €13.2 billion in Q4, beating estimates and projecting 2026 full-year sales between €34 billion and €39 billion.

In the artificial intelligence space, OpenAI has launched Prism, a free cloud-based LaTeX editor that embeds GPT-5.2 to assist in scientific paper drafting and citation management. This tool demonstrates how AI is being integrated into specialized workflows, potentially opening new avenues for cryptocurrency applications in research and development.

The cryptocurrency payment landscape is also being shaped by regulatory developments. TikTok recently settled a California lawsuit ahead of a landmark social media addiction trial, while WhatsApp launched Strict Account Settings, a high-security mode to protect high-risk users like journalists and public figures from sophisticated cyberattacks. These developments highlight the increasing focus on user protection and data security across digital platforms, including those handling cryptocurrency transactions.

As merchants continue to adopt cryptocurrency payments, the technology's success will likely depend on addressing key pain points such as transaction speed, cost, and user experience. The survey's findings suggest that the industry is making progress on these fronts, with 40% of merchants already on board and the majority expecting widespread adoption within the next five years.

The convergence of merchant adoption, infrastructure development, and regulatory clarity could create a perfect storm for cryptocurrency payments to become mainstream. PayPal's survey provides concrete evidence that this transition is already underway, with large enterprises leading the way and smaller merchants following suit.

Looking ahead, the cryptocurrency payment industry will need to continue innovating to meet the evolving needs of merchants and consumers. This includes improving transaction speeds, reducing costs, enhancing security measures, and providing better user experiences. The survey's projection of widespread adoption by 2030 suggests that these challenges are being addressed effectively, paving the way for a future where cryptocurrency payments are as commonplace as credit cards and mobile payments are today.

The PayPal survey results represent a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency industry's journey toward mainstream acceptance. As more merchants adopt crypto payments and infrastructure continues to improve, the vision of a decentralized, digital-first economy moves closer to reality. The next few years will be crucial in determining whether the optimistic projections of 85% merchant adoption by 2030 will materialize, but the current trajectory suggests that cryptocurrency payments are here to stay.