KEYTAKEAWAYS
- PayPal Launches "Pay with Crypto" with MetaMask Support
- FIS Partners with Circle for USDC Payments in Banks
- CryptoPunks NFT Volume Surges to $24.6M, Highest Since March
CONTENT
PAYPAL LAUNCHES “PAY WITH CRYPTO” WITH METAMASK SUPPORT
Payment giant PayPal has unveiled its new “Pay with Crypto” feature, enabling merchants to accept digital assets through real-time conversion into stablecoins or fiat currencies. The service supports a wide range of Web3 wallets, including MetaMask, and is expected to reach over 650 million crypto users globally.
With transaction fees as low as 0.99%, PayPal claims this can reduce costs by up to 90% compared to traditional international card processing.
The launch marks a major breakthrough in digital payments by seamlessly integrating cryptocurrencies into everyday commerce. The instant conversion mechanism simplifies crypto payments, making it easier for users and merchants to engage in the digital economy. Its low fees and broad wallet compatibility are likely to attract more businesses to accept crypto, driving broader adoption.
Looking ahead, this innovation could inject new momentum into decentralized finance (DeFi) and pave the way for more crypto-native services, transforming global payment infrastructure.
FIS PARTNERS WITH CIRCLE FOR USDC PAYMENTS IN BANKS
Fintech leader FIS has announced a strategic partnership with Circle, the issuer of USDC, to integrate stablecoin payments into U.S. financial institutions via FIS’s Money Movement Hub. The collaboration will support both domestic and cross-border transactions using USDC, while incorporating real-time settlement and anti-fraud systems to ensure efficiency and security.
This partnership marks a significant step toward bridging traditional finance and blockchain-based payments. By enabling financial institutions to offer stablecoin payment rails, it provides a faster, cost-effective alternative for institutional and retail clients. The integration of compliance tools and fraud prevention ensures practical usability.
This initiative may catalyze broader adoption of stablecoins in the financial sector and accelerate innovation in digital payments, potentially reshaping the global financial system with more inclusive and accessible services.
CRYPTOPUNKS NFT VOLUME SURGES TO $24.6M, HIGHEST SINCE MARCH
CryptoPunks, one of the most iconic NFT collections, saw over $24.6 million in trading volume last week—a 416% increase from the previous week and the highest level since March 2024. The surge was partly driven by GameSquare’s acquisition of Punk #5577 for $5.15 million via a preferred stock deal, which also boosted floor prices and average sale values.
This renewed activity underscores the lasting cultural and investment appeal of CryptoPunks in the NFT space. Major acquisitions like this one have reignited market interest, reinforcing the perception of CryptoPunks as a premium digital collectible. As more corporations and investors enter the NFT space, the ecosystem could experience a new wave of growth, further cementing NFTs’ role in digital art and asset trading.
