Cryptocurrencies have grown in popularity in recent years, with individuals and businesses in the UK amassing substantial crypto wallets. However, many struggle with the challenges associated with actually using these cryptocurrencies in everyday life. Fortunately, there are some emerging solutions that make crypto spending easier.
Emergence of Web3 cards
One of the best ways to actually make use of cryptocurrencies in everyday life is to acquire a Web3 card. In particular, getting hold of a Web3 card with crypto top up functionality allows you to make payments at local shops, at the point of sale or at the ATMand still benefit from the security and transparency that is so strongly associated with blockchain technology.
This is important because one of the single biggest barriers to entry for using crypto is finding merchants who will actually accept cryptocurrencies. As a result, use of crypto has largely been limited to online retailers, a small number of other online platforms, such as the UK fundraising platform JustGiving, and direct transfers.
Web3 cards have the potential to remove this barrier to entry and can make cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum a much more viable option for users who may not be the most tech-savvy. Removing these barriers is essential for the future of cryptocurrencies because research on crypto users shows they are currently predominantly men who are university-educated. Diversifying this user base is important for achieving wider crypto acceptance.
Furthermore, Web3 cards have the power to provide greater financial inclusivity, because they help to provide financial service options for people who either do not have a bank account or who are unable to access one.
Physical and virtual cards
The Web3 cards offered by reputable companies like Mpayment provider and exchange Mountain Wolf come in two varieties: virtual and physical cards. There are some significant benefits linked to both options, so the choice is typically a personal one.
Virtual cards are designed to allow for easy online transactions and can also integrate easily with Apple Pay and Google Wallet. This means they can be securely used via your smartphone and cannot be accidentally lost or misplaced. However, they are not able to be used for physical cash withdrawals from an ATM.
Physical cards, meanwhile, are more like the physical credit and debit cards people are used to having in their bag or wallet. They can be easily used for in-person shopping and for ATM withdrawals. Having something tangible, like a physical card, often appeals to less tech-savvy users and most physical cards come with a higher monthly top up limit.
As cryptocurrencies continue to grow, the intersection between traditional finance and cryptocurrency becomes greater and more inevitable. Both virtual and physical cards can help to facilitate this. At the same time, individuals and businesses can continue to benefit from the various added protections associated with using cryptocurrencies.
The last word
Despite the growth in cryptocurrency adoption, some challenges associated with actually using it in everyday life remain. However, the emergence of both virtual and physical Web3 cards is helping to make regular, offline use of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin a more realistic prospect for average users.
