By 2025, cryptocurrencies have moved beyond niche interest thanks to major Web2 companies like PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard, facilitating their integration into daily life.
Financial Players with Skin in the Game
Since 2020, PayPal has allowed users to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies such as BTC and ETH. By 2024, they introduced the stablecoin PYUSD to 430 million users. Visa has settled over $2.5 billion in crypto-linked transactions since 2021, and Mastercard is promoting crypto debit cards and piloting blockchain payments. These firms make cryptocurrency feel more accessible.
Partnerships Driving Adoption
Web3 projects eagerly partner with major Web2 players. PayPal and Visa have streamlined cryptocurrency payouts using Visa Direct and USDC. Mastercard's partnerships with wallets like MetaMask enable easy crypto card top-ups. Mercuryo collaborates with Polygon and supports euro crypto cards using Mastercard, paving the way for everyday crypto use.
What This Means for Traditional Users
Cryptocurrencies are becoming more accessible to the general public. With the support of giants like Visa and PayPal, the interfaces of crypto services are intuitive and secure. A survey by Deloitte found that 62% of U.S. adults would try cryptocurrency if offered by a known brand, making crypto more of a mainstream financial tool.
Web2 giants like PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard are actively advancing the integration of cryptocurrencies into daily life, bringing them to the forefront of digital finance. Their involvement helps remove barriers for new users and makes cryptocurrencies more understandable and safe for the broader audience.
