Apple Pay users can now pay with cryptocurrency using BitPay while Google Pay users can look forward to similar support in the coming weeks. BitPay allows users to make purchases with cryptocurrency, digital currencies that aren’t connected to a particular country or banking system. Apple Pay, BitPay and Google Pay are all digital and hands-free, offering shoppers a way to make purchases directly from their phones, without having to dig out a plastic card from their wallet.
Setting up Apple Pay simple requires opening the Wallet app and tapping the plus symbol to add a new card. Once done, Apple Pay conveniently allows users to pay by holding their phone close to a card reader. Google Pay recently underwent a redesign back in November, which introduced new features, including the ability to find coupons within the app and pay for gas. BitPay was founded in 2011, aiming to allow users to turn cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin into cash for spending.
According to BitPay, customers can now add their BitPay card to the Apple Pay app, even without a physical card. It’s also possible to add a virtual card to Apple Pay via the BitPay app. In order to add a BitPay card, users must have the newest version of the BitPay app installed on their device. Users will then be able to use BitPay wherever Apple Pay is accepted by opening the app and scanning, or entering their BitPay card information. The feature can be used to pay for both everyday and luxury purchases, such as ordering delivery or even buying a car. Along with Google Pay, Samsung Pay users can also expect to gain BitPay support before the end of the current quarter.
Helping To Make Cryptocurrency Mainstream?
Cryptocurrency still isn’t quite mainstream, though that is slowly changing. PayPal recently added the option to buy, store and sell cryptocurrency through the app while BlockFi -- a lending platform centered on cryptocurrency -- recently introduced a Visa credit card. The BlockFi credit card acts as a normal credit card by enforcing a spending limit and even includes cash back rewards. The difference is that these cash back rewards are automatically converted into Bitcoin.
With BitPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay converging, cryptocurrency may be rising to a new level. One of the benefits of cryptocurrency is that it doesn’t require the user to provide any private information. This is important with digital transactions, considering how easy it is to access and even steal data. An integration like this could help cryptocurrency become more accessible, bringing a new and secure era of digital spending to more Android and iPhone users.
Source: BitPay