South Africa is emerging as one of the most active markets for everyday cryptocurrency use, with over 13.9 million people using digital assets by 2024. What was once a niche investment has entered mainstream life, allowing consumers to pay for groceries, flights, fuel, and meals with crypto. This shift signals growing financial inclusion and digital maturity across the country’s payment ecosystem.
Everyday Crypto Spending Takes Off
Paying with crypto is now as simple as scanning a QR code through apps like Zapper, which enable quick and secure transactions without cards or cash. Stablecoins such as USDT give users protection from market volatility while merchants receive settlements in rands, ensuring business continuity. With over 31,000 merchants already connected to Zapper, CEO Mike Bryer says the goal is to “help merchants grow their businesses” by offering more flexible payment options.
Expanding Access Through Strategic Partnerships
Zapper’s partnerships with Money Badger, Luno Pay, Binance Pay, and AltCoin Pay have extended crypto payments across South Africa. Customers can now pay directly using bitcoin or stablecoins via their exchange apps, with transactions processed instantly in rand. Theo Koma, product owner at Scan to Pay, said the integration removes the conversion barrier, enabling South Africans “to use their cryptocurrency holdings directly” in everyday transactions.
Luno Pay and AltCoin Trader Integration
Luno Pay allows Zapper-enabled merchants to accept crypto payments seamlessly, with funds landing instantly in rand accounts through existing settlement systems. Customers open their Luno app, scan the Zapper QR code, and confirm payment, earning up to 20% cashback in USDT until October 31, 2025. Similarly, AltCoin Trader’s xZAR—a rand-pegged token—lets shoppers spend crypto in a way that feels as natural as using local currency, whether buying coffee or making R100,000 purchases.
Binance Pay Powers Large-Scale Adoption
Binance Pay has joined forces with Zapper to offer fast crypto payments across thousands of retail points nationwide. Customers scan a Zapper QR code with their Binance app and pay in seconds, while merchants still receive rand settlements by the next business day. “Our collaboration with Binance Pay enhances the payment options available to our extensive merchant network,” said Mike Bryer, calling it a milestone in secure and seamless payment innovation.
Everyday Utility and Merchant Benefits
Crypto payments are now available at leading retailers like Dis-Chem, Baby City, Yuppiechef, CoriCraft, PNA, and at restaurants such as Seattle Coffee, Kauai, and Wimpy, as well as at selected fuel stations. For merchants, adopting crypto requires no new systems, since payments are settled in rand and reconciled as usual. This new option reduces checkout friction, attracts crypto users, and strengthens customer loyalty while keeping operations simple and stable.
Crypto is no longer just an investment in South Africa—it’s becoming a practical part of daily commerce. Through integrations with major crypto platforms and payment providers, South Africans can now spend bitcoin and stablecoins at nearly 700,000 outlets nationwide. This shift reflects a maturing market that blends digital innovation with convenience, positioning South Africa as a leader in everyday crypto adoption.