Crypto Payments Live at 650,000 South African Merchants
Scan to Pay has partnered with Bitcoin payment provider MoneyBadger to launch seamless crypto payments at more than 650,000 merchants across South Africa. Users of Binance, Luno, Blink and VALR can now complete crypto payments—including Bitcoin and stablecoins—directly at checkout via QR codes, while merchants receive settlements in rand through MoneyBadger’s integration with exchanges or Lightning Network accounts.
By eliminating the crypto-to-fiat conversion step, this solution enables holders to spend digital assets on groceries, dining and online shopping at major chains such as Shoprite, Checkers, Makro and Vodacom. Luno’s 30,000-strong merchant network further extends coverage. MoneyBadger CEO Carel van Wyk and Scan to Pay product head Theo Koma say the rollout marks a shift from hoarding to everyday spending, boosting financial inclusion and practical Bitcoin adoption.
Bullish
This partnership significantly expands Bitcoin’s real-world utility by enabling crypto payments at 650,000 merchants, which can drive higher transaction volumes and on-chain activity in the short term. By removing conversion hurdles and plugging into major retail chains and Luno’s 30,000-merchant network, it also lays the groundwork for broader consumer adoption and stable demand for Bitcoin over the long term. Overall, greater merchant acceptance and everyday use cases strengthen network effects and are likely to support upward price pressure.