South Africa Cryptocurrency Payments Expand to 650,000 Retailers

Background

A new partnership between Scan to Pay, a leading South African QR payments platform, and Bitcoin payments provider MoneyBadger is enabling South Africans to make cryptocurrency payments at over 650,000 retail stores nationwide. The integration facilitates the use of Bitcoin (BTC), stablecoins, and other digital assets for everyday purchases, representing a major advancement in South Africa cryptocurrency payments. Reporting via Cointelegraph.

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How the Payment Process Works

Crypto holders using major local exchanges—including Binance, Luno, Blink, and VALR—can now pay for products and services directly at participating merchants through existing Scan to Pay QR codes at checkout. The process connects users’ exchange or Bitcoin Lightning Network accounts with the MoneyBadger platform. Merchants continue to receive settlement in South African rand, streamlining the acceptance process without requiring additional technical setup.

According to Scan to Pay’s product owner, Theo Koma, this initiative furthers financial inclusion: “By removing the conversion step, we’re making it possible for people to use their cryptocurrency holdings directly,” Koma said via Cointelegraph.

Market Reaction and Retail Impact

The partnership’s rollout allows grocery stores, restaurants, online retailers, and major chains—including Shoprite, Checkers, Makro, and Vodacom—to accept cryptocurrency as payment, broadening the options for consumers. Luno, a participating crypto platform, emphasized that its 30,000 merchant base is now connected to Scan to Pay’s extensive outlet network, thus increasing the reach of South Africa cryptocurrency payments.

MoneyBadger CEO Carel van Wyk stated that this expansion reflects an industry shift: “South Africans are increasingly moving from holding Bitcoin as an investment to using it for everyday spending,” van Wyk told Cointelegraph. He also highlighted that growing utility drives merchant adoption and supports the original peer-to-peer electronic cash vision outlined in the Bitcoin white paper.

What’s Next for Crypto Payments in South Africa

With the integration now in place, South Africans no longer have to convert crypto funds to fiat currency for everyday transactions. The simplified payment method is expected to increase the adoption of digital assets for retail use. Industry observers suggest that such developments could further establish cryptocurrencies’ practical applications in mainstream commerce across the region.

South Africa’s expanding crypto infrastructure may influence digital payment trends in other emerging markets, bolstered by partnerships that prioritize ease of use and wide merchant acceptance.

For broader coverage on cryptocurrencies and their market impact, visit the Vizi Cryptocurrency section.