In the past, individuals often faced challenges when attempting to purchase software or subscribe to services due to banking restrictions on international payments. However, the emergence of cryptocurrencies has effectively resolved these issues. Nowadays, Bitcoin and various other digital currencies can facilitate access to numerous online services that traditional payment methods often struggle to support. This transformation is evident as major companies like Norwegian Air now accept Bitcoin for flight bookings, AMC Theatres for movie tickets, and Whole Foods for grocery purchases via payment applications.
Expanding Crypto Economy
As of January 2025, there are 217 active cryptocurrency exchanges processing an impressive $2.3 trillion in trades monthly. A significant advantage of using cryptocurrencies for transactions is the low fees associated with them. While banks typically impose charges ranging from 3% to 7% on international transfers, cryptocurrency transactions generally cost mere cents. For instance, sending $1,000 to a service provider in Japan might incur a $70 fee through traditional banking, whereas using Bitcoin could result in only a $2 fee.
Privacy in Payments
Cryptocurrency has proven especially beneficial for privacy-focused services. VPN providers were among the first to adopt crypto payments, with NordVPN accepting over 70 different cryptocurrencies via CoinGate, and ExpressVPN processing Bitcoin through BitPay. Surfshark also accommodates a wide range of cryptocurrencies from Dogecoin to Ethereum. This approach allows consumers to maintain their anonymity, as there are no credit card links to personal identities or bank statements revealing privacy-related purchases. Users can simply transfer crypto to obtain their desired services while remaining discreet.
Crypto in Online Gaming
The online gaming industry has further showcased the advantages of cryptocurrencies. In contrast to traditional casinos, which may require 3 to 5 business days to process withdrawals, crypto-based platforms can complete transactions in under 10 minutes, with some even providing instant payment processing. Additionally, the bonuses offered by crypto casinos are significantly more lucrative, with welcome packages reaching up to $30,000, compared to the typical $1,000 at conventional sites. Crypto expert Viola D’Elia has conducted comprehensive reviews of the leading crypto gaming platforms in South Africa, highlighting their extensive game libraries, rapid payouts, and absence of transaction fees. The regulatory landscape in South Africa is particularly noteworthy; while standard online gambling faces stringent restrictions, crypto casinos operate with far greater freedom, allowing for enhanced bonuses and complete player anonymity.
Cloud Services and Global Accessibility
Developers are also reaping the benefits of cryptocurrencies in cloud services. Companies like Vultr and Kamatera now accept Bitcoin for cloud server payments, while Hostinger accommodates over 70 different cryptocurrencies. This accessibility is especially crucial for individuals in countries facing stringent banking limitations. For example, someone living in Iran or Venezuela can access the same cloud infrastructure as someone in Silicon Valley without facing barriers or scrutiny.
Revolutionizing Domain Ownership
The landscape of domain ownership has been transformed as well, with Unstoppable Domains selling over 700,000 blockchain domains that provide true ownership. These domains come with no recurring fees, meaning that once you purchase something like “yourname.crypto”, it is yours indefinitely. Additionally, these blockchain domains can serve as wallet addresses, allowing users to receive Bitcoin simply by sharing their domain instead of a lengthy string of characters. This level of ownership and functionality is unmatched by traditional domain registrars.
Educational Access Through Crypto
Educational platforms have also begun embracing cryptocurrency, with Coursera offering several crypto-related courses that allow payment in Bitcoin. This initiative opens up learning opportunities for individuals in regions with limited banking access. For those who previously faced obstacles in accessing courses due to PayPal’s unavailability in their countries, Bitcoin provides a seamless solution, demonstrating that cryptocurrency transcends geographical boundaries. Whether it’s a hosting service that only accepts U.S. credit cards or privacy tools that governments may restrict, cryptocurrencies have the potential to eliminate these barriers. With the upcoming launch of Coinbase’s credit card in fall 2025, using cryptocurrencies for payments is set to become even more streamlined and efficient.
