South Africans can now utilize cryptocurrencies at a vast number of retail locations across the country, with a recent partnership between the QR payment platform Scan to Pay and Bitcoin payment provider MoneyBadger.

According to a report by Tech Central, this integration allows users from major exchanges like Binance, Luno, Blink, and VALR to make payments using Bitcoin, stablecoins, and other digital currencies at over 650,000 merchants enabled by Scan to Pay.

Crypto holders can efficiently checkout through QR codes, with merchants receiving settlements in rand. The connectivity occurs via the MoneyBadger platform, which integrates payments with users’ exchange accounts or Bitcoin Lightning accounts.

This enables users to purchase groceries, dining, and online shopping directly with cryptocurrency.

Simplifying Cryptocurrency Transactions for Users

Theo Koma, the Product Owner of Scan to Pay, emphasized that this partnership enhances financial inclusion. “By removing the conversion step, we’re making it possible for people to use their cryptocurrency holdings directly,” Koma stated. This advancement allows crypto users to engage in everyday purchases without needing to convert to fiat money.

Merchants won’t face additional burdens in accepting cryptocurrency payments since it will integrate smoothly with Scan to Pay’s existing network.

Crypto platform Luno mentioned that this collaboration connects its base of 30,000 merchants to Scan to Pay’s 650,000 stores, notably expanding payment options to major retail chains such as Shoprite, Checkers, Makro, and Vodacom.

A Shift from Cryptocurrency Holding to Spending

Carel van Wyk, CEO of MoneyBadger, remarked that this rollout reflects a broader trend within the local market. “South Africans are increasingly moving from holding Bitcoin as an investment to using it for everyday transactions,” he commented. “This development significantly expands the locations where South Africans can shop with Bitcoin.”

Previously, van Wyk urged the community to spend their Bitcoin, claiming that hoarding impedes adoption. He highlighted the original vision of Bitcoin as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, asserting that market demand reinforces utility and drives merchants to accept BTC payments.