Why Traditional Businesses Are Turning to Cryptocurrencies in 2025

Not long ago, cryptocurrencies were dismissed as a niche toy for IT specialists and risk-seeking investors. Big companies kept their distance — the market was volatile, the legal picture unclear, and the technology looked too complicated to adopt.

That has changed. By 2025, crypto has begun to be adopted in some capacities at PayPal, Gucci, and experimental projects at large brands such as Starbucks and Walmart. Businesses use it for payments, loyalty programs and cross-border settlements.

Why are more companies moving into crypto? What benefits does it offer, and what pitfalls should firms be ready for? We’ll examine those questions in detail.

EMCD helps companies deploy crypto payments quickly and securely.

From Speculation to Practical Use

In its early years, crypto was mostly associated with hype. The 2017 surge made Bitcoin famous worldwide, but it also cemented its reputation as a volatile asset for traders.

Starting in 2020, however, important changes began to take place:

• PayPal added the ability to buy and hold cryptocurrencies, and later, to pay with them. By 2025, PayPal supports over 100 crypto tokens for merchant payments in the U.S., with automatic conversion to fiat (or stablecoin) to protect merchants from volatility
• Visa is reportedly exploring pilot programs with stablecoins for international settlements and account top-ups, aiming toward faster cross-border flows
• Starbucks and Walmart hae undertaken pilot studies using blockchain for logistics and loyalty, though large-scale crypto-payment adoption is not yet confirmed
• Gucci now accepts ETH and DOGE in selected U.S. boutiques, reinforcing its appeal among younger, crypto-aware consumers

By the mid-2020s, crypto had evolved beyond a “trading toy” into a real business tool.

Financial Efficiency: Fast and Transparent Transactions

One of the main drivers behind companies’ interest in crypto has been the financial benefits.

1. Speed of Payments

Crypto payments often settle in minutes or hours (though delays can occur during network congestion), which offers a speed advantage over traditional cross-border transfers that can take days.

2. Independence from Banks

Cryptocurrencies can help reduce dependence on certain banking constraints and currency controls in unstable jurisdictions — though using them this way may run into regulatory, compliance, or sanction-related risks.

For example, some Russian firms working with partners in Asia or Latin America use crypto to complete payments without the risk of bank transaction freezes.

3. Transparency

All transactions are recorded on the blockchain. This reduces the risk of fraud and makes the process more controllable.

4. Fees

Bank transfers and card acquiring can be expensive. With crypto, fees are often much lower —particularly when using stablecoins or optimized networks like Bitcoin’s Lightning Network or Ethereum L2 solutions. That said, network congestion can sometimes drive fees up, so businesses need to be prepared.

Cost Reduction and Budget Optimization

Traditional financial tools come with a range of hidden expenses:

• account maintenance fees
• currency exchange costs
• high acquiring charges

Cryptocurrency can help reduce these costs. In many cases, USDT or other stablecoin transfers incur fees of a small fraction of a percent (depending on the network), while international bank transfers often charge 2–5 % and take days.

E-commerce companies and freelance platforms are already using crypto for international transactions because it’s faster and more cost-effective.

Asset Diversification and Inflation Hedge

Cryptocurrencies are increasingly seen as a new asset class.

Portfolio Diversification

Traditional instruments — stocks, bonds, real estate—are tied to economic and political conditions. Crypto can behave differently, helping to create a more balanced portfolio.

Inflation Hedge

Bitcoin is often dubbed “digital gold” because its supply is capped at 21 million. While that gives it a potential inflation-hedge characteristic, its effectiveness as such depends on market conditions and regulatory context.»

Volatility—A Risk, But Also an Opportunity

Cryptocurrencies can indeed experience sharp swings, but the long-term trends of Bitcoin and other major coins show consistent growth. Many companies adopt a dual strategy—holding part of crypto assets as investment, using the rest for payments—while actively managing volatility and regulatory compliance.

Attracting New Customers and Partners

Cryptocurrency opens access to a new audience for businesses:

• Digital-savvy customers prefer paying with crypto—it’s familiar and convenient for them
• International users can purchase goods and services without currency conversion
• Younger audiences see companies that accept crypto as modern and forward-thinking

For example, Gucci captured the attention of millennials and Gen Z when it started accepting crypto in its boutiques.

For B2B, when both parties are crypto-ready, transactions may incur lower costs and paperwork — though compliance obligations remain significant in many jurisdictions.

Innovation and Brand Strengthening

For businesses, cryptocurrency is more than just fast payments—it sends a signal to the market: the company is ready for new technologies and willing to experiment with what others are still only discussing.

Smart Contracts

These are programs that automatically execute the terms of a deal. For example, a supplier is paid only when the goods are delivered and confirmed. No intermediaries, fewer disputes, and fewer errors. Solutions like this are already being applied in logistics, rental services, and even insurance.

Smart contracts can automate payments upon delivery confirmation, reducing intermediaries and disputes — though they rely on trusted data feeds (oracles) and careful coding. Some logistics, rental, and insurance pilots already explore this.

Asset Tokenization

A company can issue digital tokens backed by real-world assets—stocks, real estate, or even warehouse inventory. This creates new ways to attract investment and simplifies trading. Imagine a factory selling a portion of its future production as tokens to quickly raise working capital.

Asset tokenization allows issuing digital tokens backed by real assets—stocks, real estate, inventory—creating novel investment and liquidity models, provided local securities and property laws permit it.

DeFi Services

Decentralized finance allows companies to borrow, invest, and earn income without traditional banks. It’s faster and more flexible than conventional lending products, though careful platform selection is essential.

The most important impact of blockchain adoption is on a company’s image.

For customers, it signals a modern business that prioritizes security and convenience and is open to new approaches. For investors, it shows a company that embraces innovation and can adapt to future trends.

In 2025, these qualities are especially valuable. Against the backdrop of global digitalization and Web3 development, companies adopting crypto solutions are seen as market leaders. They attract partners more easily, inspire greater trust, and gain a competitive edge not just through their products, but as technologically advanced players.

Access to New Markets and Web3

In 2025, cryptocurrency is not just a payment method — it’s a gateway to the Web3 ecosystem.

International Markets

Businesses can accept payments from customers around the world without being limited by the traditional banking system.

NFTs and Tokenized Ecosystems

Companies are creating tokens for loyalty programs, NFTs to promote their brand, and assets for participation in metaverses.

DeFi and New Collaboration Models

Decentralized platforms enable businesses to interact directly, without intermediaries.

Some services restrict users in certain countries — e.g. Tornado Cash and various DeFi protocols are blocked in Russia. Crypto can be a tool for globalization, but its usability depends heavily on regional legal and infrastructural conditions

Competitive Advantage

Companies that adopt cryptocurrencies gain benefits on multiple fronts:

• Fast Payments. Transfers take minutes instead of days. This matters for international trade, freelance platforms, and online services, where time literally equals money
• Savings on Fees. Crypto transfer fees are often low (fractions of a percent), though during network congestion they may spike. Bank transfer fees, especially cross-border, can range from <1 % to several percent depending on banks and corridors
• Access to a New Audience. Young, tech-savvy customers are eager to pay with crypto. It’s convenient for them, familiar, and signals that the company is “in the know”
• Strong Brand Image. Businesses that accept crypto appear modern and technologically advanced. This appeals not only to customers but also to investors, who see readiness for new markets and innovative business models
• Access to New Markets. In 2025, cryptocurrencies can serve not just as payments but as gateways into Web3 ecosystems—NFTs, token-based loyalty, decentralized finance—but adopting them doesn’t guarantee full Web3 integration

In many crowded markets, these advantages may offer a competitive edge.

Risks and Barriers

Cryptocurrency isn’t a magic solution. It has downsides that businesses need to keep in mind:

Rules and Regulations

In many jurisdictions, crypto is treated as property for tax purposes, so companies must report gains. Some countries restrict or prohibit using crypto for domestic retail payments. Regulatory frameworks remain evolving.

Price Volatility

Crypto can rise or fall sharply in a short time. To reduce risk, many companies rely on stablecoins — tokens pegged to the dollar or euro.

Technology and Security

Wallets need to be set up correctly, private keys protected, and employees trained. Mistakes or phishing attacks can lead to financial losses.

Geographical Restrictions

Not all services are available everywhere. Some DeFi platforms block users from certain countries, which must be taken into account.

Yes, the risks are real. But most of them can be managed by choosing reliable services, using secure wallets, and keeping records as carefully as with fiat money.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrency is no longer just for enthusiasts. In 2025, the world’s largest companies are adopting it, seeing it as a tool for growth and competitive advantage.

Yes, risks remain — volatility, regulation, and technological challenges — but the benefits outweigh them.

For traditional businesses, crypto offers the ability to:

• accelerate payments
• reduce costs
• attract new customers
• access international markets and Web3
• strengthen brand image and market position

Those who start using crypto today will gain an edge tomorrow.

FAQ

Which companies use cryptocurrencies?

• PayPal, Visa — payment services
• Starbucks, Walmart — loyalty programs and logistics
• Home Depot — payment experiments
• Gucci — accepting crypto in boutiques

How safe is it?

Blockchain ensures transparency and protects against fraud. Proper crypto storage is essential: secure wallets, 2FA, and phishing protection.

What risks exist for businesses?

Volatility, cyberattacks, user errors, and legal restrictions.

Are taxes required?

Yes. In most jurisdictions, crypto is considered property. As of 2025, companies must declare income from transactions and account for the exchange rate at the time of the deal.

Is it better to hold crypto or use it for payments?

A balanced approach works best: hold some as a long-term investment and use the rest for transactions.

How does crypto affect brand image?

Positively. It makes a company appear modern and innovative, boosting customer trust and investor appeal.