PayPal’s decision to allow all U.S. merchants to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, announced on July 28, 2025, marks a significant shift from its initial crypto offerings in 2020, which were limited to buying, selling, and holding, potentially driven by growing consumer demand and a 2024 survey showing 46% of U.S. adults own crypto (Pew Research Center).
This move could accelerate Bitcoin’s mainstream adoption, challenging the narrative that cryptocurrencies are niche assets, as it leverages PayPal’s vast network of 400 million users, though it may also expose users to regulatory scrutiny due to mandatory tax reporting requirements under U.S. law.
The timing aligns with Bitcoin’s recent price surge and a controversial takeover attempt of Monero’s network by Qubic, suggesting a broader trend of institutional and technological convergence in crypto, though no peer-reviewed studies yet confirm long-term economic impacts of such integrations.
