Wat traditionele merken nog steeds niet begrijpen over het accepteren van crypto

Retailers love to claim they’ve embraced crypto, but the reality behind the checkout screen tells a different story.

While headlines celebrate the growing cryptocurrency adoption in retail, most implementations are slow, hidden, or confusing. For users who live on-chain, these experiences feel more like half-measures than innovation.

On CoinsBee alone, users can choose from over 5,000 gift card options, all purchasable with Bitcoin, Ethereum, En 200+ other digital currencies. That volume proves the demand is real. But what’s even more telling is the sharp divide between brands that design for crypto users and those that treat crypto as a checkbox.

Too often, traditional retailers bury payment options, rely on clunky integrations, or fail to communicate that crypto is even accepted. The result? Poor adoption, low trust, and high abandonment rates.

The core issue is simple: most Web2 brands still treat crypto as a novelty payment button, not a strategic revenue channel. But platforms like us, CoinsBee, your go-to place to koop cadeaubonnen met crypto, prove that when crypto payments are done right, users respond.

This article unpacks what traditional brands are still getting wrong and what they can learn from crypto-first commerce.

The State of Crypto Payment Adoption in Retail

On paper, cryptocurrency adoption in retail appears to be accelerating, but the reality is far more nuanced.

A growing number of merchants now list crypto among their accepted payment methods. Global crypto payment gateways like BitPay, Coinbase Commerce and Binance Pay continue to onboard major brands. Meanwhile, new players like OKX Pay, Bybit Pay, KuCoin Pay and Krak by Kraken have entered the scene in 2025, aiming to improve integrations and expand global reach.

E-commerce platforms are increasingly offering plug-ins and native support for crypto, often as part of broader blockchain for e-commerce strategies. These developments suggest momentum, but looking beneath the surface tells a more complicated story.

The problem isn’t adoption. It’s the execution.

In practice, many retailers advertise crypto acceptance while hiding it under submenus, requiring users to jump through multiple hoops, or integrating payment flows that feel tacked on and clunky. Despite what the stats may suggest, real-world implementation often lacks usability, visibility, or consistency.

By contrast, countries leading the charge in digital payments, like Indië and Brazil, are investing heavily in electronic cash systems with frictionless UX and near-instant settlement. The U.S. and EU are also accelerating efforts around central bank digital currencies and real-time fiat rails.

When it comes to modern digital payments, India and Brazil are setting global benchmarks. India’s projects — the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the digital rupee (e₹) — along with Brazil’s instant payment system Pix, are redefining how money moves. These nationwide platforms enable people to send and receive money in real time, directly between bank accounts, without relying on cards or middlemen.

For everyday users, the impact is massive. Payments have become faster, cheaper, and more inclusive, helping millions of people who previously had limited access to banking. With simple smartphone apps, QR codes, and 24/7 availability, these systems make digital transactions effortless and have already replaced cash for a large share of the population.

By combining ease of use with broad accessibility, the fiat payment systems, UPI, e₹, and Pix are showing the world what the future of payments can look like. These systems are raising the bar for user experience across the board.

If crypto is to compete in the same checkout and payment space, it must keep pace.

MuntenBee’s own evolution reflects how far crypto commerce has come and how far traditional retail still needs to go.

By allowing users to instantly buy gift cards with crypto through a wide range of coins and networks, CoinsBee delivers a checkout flow that is faster, clearer, and better suited to the crypto-native audience than most major e-commerce platforms.

The key difference is simple: while others treat crypto like a fringe option, CoinsBee builds around it. And that distinction is increasingly visible in how users choose where—and whether—to spend their coins.

Mistake #1: Treating Crypto as a PR Stunt, Not a Real Payment Method

It’s easy to announce crypto acceptance, but it’s much harder to implement it meaningfully.

Far too many traditional retailers still approach cryptocurrency as a PR opportunity in the bull market rather than a real business initiative. A press release goes out, a few blog posts are written, and perhaps a Bitcoin logo is added on a few pages of the website—but nothing about the actual user experience is built to support or encourage crypto transactions.

The market is evolving. Users are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on which merchants support crypto openly and conveniently. And with consumer demand for crypto payments rising globally, retailers can no longer afford to approach this as a marketing stunt. They need to think of crypto the same way they think of Visa of PayPal—as a core part of their revenue stream.

Platforms like CoinsBee, where users regularly buy gift cards with crypto, prove that treating digital assets as a serious payment method doesn’t just work—it converts.

Mistake #2: Overcomplicating the Checkout Flow

If there’s one thing that frustrates crypto users more than buried payment options, it’s clunky checkout flows. The traditional Web2 model of integrating crypto often feels like a maze:

1. Select “Pay with Crypto” at checkout;
2. Get redirected to a third-party processor;
3. Navigate through multiple pop-ups or iframes;
4. Scan a QR code on another device;
5. Wait for confirmations that can take several minutes.

By the time the order is finalized, many customers have simply abandoned the cart.

This approach reflects a mindset that still sees crypto as an afterthought. Retailers often rely on outdated plug-ins or minimal-effort crypto payment gateways instead of designing for speed and clarity. But crypto users, accustomed to the instant nature of blockchain transfers, expect a streamlined process. Anything else feels broken.

CoinsBee’s experience shows how powerful simplification can be. By eliminating unnecessary redirects and keeping the entire flow within its own platform, CoinsBee avoids the confusion that drives users away. Customers can instantly buy gift cards with crypto without being shuffled across different domains or interfaces. The result is higher conversion rates and repeat business from satisfied users.

This is especially important in the context of global crypto payment trends. As more users enter the ecosystem, they bring higher expectations shaped by Web3-native platforms, decentralized exchanges, and mobile wallets. These environments emphasize immediacy and transparency, qualities that clunky checkout flows fail to deliver.

There are several practical steps retailers can take to get this right:

• Direct Wallet Connections: Allow customers to pay straight from their wallet of choice without redirecting them to an unfamiliar processor;
• Clear Coin Options: Display ondersteunde cryptocurrencies up front, with recognizable logos and network identifiers. Avoid forcing users to dig through dropdowns or fine print;
• Real-Time Exchange Rate Locks: Lock the conversion rate at the time of selection to eliminate uncertainty. Customers should know exactly how much Binance-munt of TRON is required before they click “confirm;”
• Transparent Confirmation Status: Instead of leaving users in limbo, provide immediate feedback—“Payment received, waiting for confirmation”—with expected timelines.

When combined, these practices remove the friction that leads to cart abandonment and help crypto payments feel as reliable as credit cards.

MuntenBee’s approach proves that crypto checkout doesn’t need to be complicated. A clean, user-friendly process not only increases sales but also builds trust with an audience eager for brands that “get it.” Retailers that ignore this will continue to see poor adoption, even as the demand for crypto payments keeps rising.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Network Fees and Volatility at Checkout

One of the most overlooked aspects of cryptocurrency adoption in retail is the role of network fees and price volatility. While traditional retailers may assume that accepting Cardano of Geld is as straightforward as integrating a new crypto payment gateway, the reality is far more complex.

Unlike credit card payments, where fees are fixed and predictable, blockchain transactions can vary dramatically in cost depending on network congestion. 

During peak hours, Ethereum gas fees can exceed the price of the item being purchased. For a consumer, there’s no worse experience than abandoning a $20 checkout because the network fee is $25. This is why comparing crypto transaction fees vs. credit cards is critical: in some cases, crypto is cheaper and faster, but in others it becomes prohibitively expensive.

Volatility adds another layer of complexity. A customer may initiate payment at one rate, only to see the value of their Bitcoin or Ethereum shift significantly before confirmation. Without clear rate-lock mechanisms, users are left uncertain about what they are actually paying.

CoinsBee has witnessed this dynamic firsthand. During periods of high ETH fees, Ethereum transactions on the platform dip noticeably, while activity in alternative coins like Litecoin, Veelhoek, of TRON surges. This shows that users are highly adaptable—they will choose networks that minimize cost and maximize convenience, provided those options are available.

For merchants, the lesson is simple: flexibility is essential. Supporting multiple networks and tokens isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s a safeguard against cart abandonment. Stablecoins, for instance, can reduce volatility risks for both sides, while multi-chain support gives consumers the freedom to choose the most cost-effective path.

Traditional retailers that ignore these realities risk frustrating their audience. By contrast, CoinsBee integrates multiple cryptocurrencies and networks, locks in exchange rates at checkout, and communicates fees transparently, ensuring users know exactly what they’re paying before they confirm.

Crypto users are quick to notice when brands account for these factors, and they reward those businesses with trust and repeat transactions. Overlooking fees and volatility isn’t just a technical oversight—it’s a major barrier to meaningful adoption.

Mistake #4: Treating All Coins the Same

Not all cryptocurrencies are created equal, and more importantly, not all crypto users behave the same way. One of the most common mistakes in cryptocurrency adoption in retail is assuming that Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and stablecoins can be lumped together as interchangeable payment options. In reality, each token type attracts a different demographic and serves a distinct purpose.

Take Bitcoin, for example. It’s the most recognizable digital asset and is often used for larger, one-off purchases where brand reputation and trust matter. Ethereum users, by contrast, are more accustomed to interacting with decentralized applications and often weigh their purchases against potential gas fees. Meanwhile, meme coins like Dogecoin of SHIBA INU tend to be used for small, and perhaps spontaneous purchases.

Stablecoins like USDT of USDC occupy yet another category. These tokens have become the preferred choice for high-value or recurring purchases because they avoid volatility risk. For a shopper buying a $500 airline gift card or funding a gaming subscription for a year, a stablecoin provides predictability and confidence that Bitcoin or Ethereum can’t always guarantee.

CoinsBee’s transaction data reflects these patterns clearly. Stablecoins dominate the platform’s high-ticket gift card categories, from reis naar elektronica. Meme coins, on the other hand, are disproportionately popular in lower-value categories like vermaak and digital content, where customers are more comfortable spending quickly without worrying about long-term asset value.

For merchants, the implications are significant. Treating all coins the same means missing opportunities to optimize marketing, product placement, and even cross-sells. For instance, a retailer could promote subscription bundles to stablecoin users, who are already inclined toward predictable spending, while offering microtransaction-friendly products to Dogecoin users.

This also affects merchant crypto wallet solutions. A wallet set up only for Bitcoin may capture some transactions, but risks losing customers who prefer cheaper, faster networks or stablecoin reliability. Multi-coin wallets with analytics can reveal spending trends, enabling merchants to tailor promotions by token type.

Ultimately, the diversity of crypto is not a challenge but an opportunity. MuntenBee has leaned into this reality, offering support for over 200 cryptocurrencies and analyzing token mix to understand buyer behavior better. Retailers that fail to recognize these distinctions will continue to leave money on the table, while those that embrace them will unlock new layers of customer loyalty and revenue.

Mistake #5: Failing to Build Trust with Crypto Users

Trust is the foundation of commerce, and in the world of digital assets, it carries even greater weight. Crypto-native buyers operate in an environment where transparency is the default—transactions are visible on-chain, confirmation times are measurable, and funds are traceable. When traditional retailers ignore these expectations, they create friction that quickly erodes consumer confidence.

Consider the basics. A credit card user takes for granted that they can see a pending charge, track its settlement, and request a refund if needed. A crypto user expects the same level of clarity, but with blockchain-specific markers: confirmation counts, network status, and wallet transaction IDs. Too often, however, retailers simply plug in a crypto option without adapting their communication. Customers are left staring at vague messages like “payment processing” with no indication of what’s happening on-chain.

The same gap exists with refunds. Traditional businesses may handle returns through fiat rails, but crypto buyers expect refund policies that respect their chosen medium of payment. Without clear guidelines or automated systems, refund requests can devolve into confusion and distrust.

CoinsBee avoids these pitfalls by embedding transparency into its model. When users cadeaubonnen kopen with crypto, they receive instant confirmation that their payment has been received, with clear timelines for code delivery. The platform’s reliability builds repeat engagement, because customers know exactly what to expect every time.

For traditional retailers, the lesson is straightforward: crypto users do not want opacity; they want assurance. Integrating blockchain-native proof-of-payment tools—such as real-time transaction status tracking, automated confirmation updates, and clear refund mechanisms—goes a long way toward earning that assurance. Even simple steps, like providing a clickable transaction hash that links to a block explorer, can demonstrate credibility and reduce support inquiries.

As consumer demand for crypto payments continues to grow globally, trust will be the differentiator between merchants who thrive and those who falter. Retailers that fail to provide transparency risk alienating an audience that values it above all else. Those that embrace blockchain-native trust signals, on the other hand, position themselves as credible, reliable partners in a market where reputation is everything.

What Web2 Can Learn from CoinsBee’s Approach

For many traditional retailers, crypto payments remain an experiment. They add a token integration, announce acceptance of Bitcoin of Ethereum, and stop there. But the gap between “checking the box” and building a truly usable payment system is wide. That’s where Web2 can learn from crypto-first platforms like CoinsBee.

CoinsBee doesn’t treat crypto as an afterthought—it treats it as the foundation. Every decision in its payment design reflects an understanding of how digital asset holders actually behave, what they expect, and what keeps them coming back. Four practices stand out.

1. Prominent Visibility of Crypto Payments

Visibility is critical. Many retailers bury their crypto option under generic headings, which sends the message that it’s not a priority.

CoinsBee does the opposite. From the moment a user browses the site, it’s clear that they can buy gift cards with crypto. This direct positioning builds confidence and encourages more frequent use.

2. Multi-Coin and Multi-Network Support

Supporting only Bitcoin or Ethereum is no longer enough. Fees, speed, and demographics vary widely across networks.

CoinsBee accepts meer dan 200 cryptovaluta's and multiple networks, giving users the flexibility to choose the option that best fits their transaction needs. When ETH gas fees spike, users can pivot to Litecoin, Veelhoek, or stablecoins seamlessly. This flexibility keeps conversions high.

3. UX Built for Crypto-First Users

Traditional retailers often design crypto payments around existing Web2 frameworks, which leads to clunky redirects and complicated steps.

CoinsBee instead delivers a smooth checkout built for crypto-native behavior: no unnecessary redirects, no confusing iframes, just a direct, intuitive flow. This is what crypto consumers expect: a process that matches the simplicity of sending a wallet-to-wallet transaction.

4. Real-Time Rates and Transparent Fees

Price volatility is one of the main concerns for users. CoinsBee addresses this by locking rates at the time of checkout and displaying costs transparently. Customers know exactly how much Geld, Ethereum, of USDT they will spend, and they can see fees upfront. That level of clarity reduces hesitation and prevents abandoned transactions.

The outcome of these practices is measurable: higher conversion rates and repeat purchase behavior. CoinsBee users return not just because they can pay with crypto, but because the experience feels natural, consistent, and reliable.

Traditional Web2 retailers can take note. Success with cryptocurrency adoption in retail isn’t about making headlines—it’s about building a system that crypto consumers trust, understand, and enjoy using. CoinsBee’s model proves that when the fundamentals are done right, adoption follows naturally.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

It’s tempting to see crypto payments as just another transaction method. Add a new payment option, process a few orders, and move on. But crypto is not just another way to move money—it’s an entry point into the broader Web3 economy.

When brands get crypto wrong, the impact is bigger than a single abandoned cart. Poor execution discourages users from trying again, slows the network effects that drive mainstream adoption, and reinforces the perception that crypto payments are unreliable. Every clunky flow or hidden option pushes potential adopters further away.

On the other hand, when retailers treat crypto seriously, the rewards extend beyond payments. Crypto-native customers are some of the most engaged and brand-loyal consumers in digital commerce. They value transparency, flexibility, and innovation, and they tend to reward merchants who meet those expectations with repeat business and long-term trust. In many cases, crypto users become vocal advocates, spreading the word about brands that “get it.”

CoinsBee demonstrates how this loyalty translates into measurable outcomes. By delivering a seamless experience, the platform has built a repeat customer base that spans across regions and demographics. It’s not just about enabling transactions—it’s about building relationships with a global audience that values being understood.

This is where the early-mover advantage comes in. Brands that adapt quickly will secure a foothold in a market that is still developing but growing fast. Those who delay risk being left behind as consumers increasingly prioritize businesses that integrate digital assets into their core operations.

The bigger picture is simple: crypto-betalingen are not a side experiment. They’re a gateway into the future of commerce, and the merchants who recognize this early will set the standard others struggle to reach.

Laatste woord

The gap between simply “accepting crypto” and actually doing crypto commerce right remains wide. Too many retailers still approach digital assets as a novelty—a logo on the checkout page or a press release headline—rather than a serious revenue stream. The result is predictable: hidden payment options, clunky flows, and abandoned carts.

MuntenBee’s experience tells a different story. With thousands of global gift cards available to buy with crypto, the platform has shown that success is not about headlines—it’s about execution. A seamless user experience, multi-coin and multi-network support, and complete transparency around pricing and fees turn one-time buyers into repeat customers. Trust, clarity, and flexibility make the difference.

For merchants, the lesson is clear. Crypto users are not looking for gimmicks; they are looking for reliability and respect. Brands that meet those expectations will secure early-mover advantages and unlock loyalty in a rapidly growing market.

If you’re a retailer aiming to tap into this audience, study the data or partner with platforms that already know what works. The future of retail belongs to those who build with crypto users in mind, not just for the headlines, but for long-term growth.