Crypto has transitioned from a niche to a mainstream asset. Customers now use it to buy groceries, petrol, flights, meals, and more. In South Africa, the market is booming and continues to grow, with approximately 13.9 million people using cryptocurrency as of 2024.
Surveys also show that roughly two-thirds of South Africans report having bought or used cryptocurrency. In other words, your next customer is likely to have a crypto wallet in their pocket and a reason to use it.
Everyday spending with crypto
People choose crypto payments because it’s quick, convenient and an additional currency they can tap into. Paying takes only a moment with a mobile app and a simple QR checkout, eliminating the need for cash or cards. Zapper is also known for secure and convenient digital payments, which makes the experience feel familiar and trusted.
Stablecoins such as USDT behave like digital cash. They help customers avoid price swings at the moment of payment and make crypto feel useful for everyday purchases. This “crypto to rand” conversion gives shoppers peace of mind.
Acceptance is expanding rapidly, so people are noticing more ways in which crypto fits into their daily lives. Through Zapper, customers can already pay at more than 31,000 merchants across South Africa, both in-store and online.
“Our mission is to help Zapper merchants grow their businesses, which is why Zapper is one of the most widely used QR code payment solutions in South Africa.” – Mike Bryer, CEO of Zapper.
Money Badger x Zapper
Through our partnership with Money Badger, Luno Pay, Binance Pay, and AltCoin Pay, bitcoin holders can now spend their crypto at any Zapper-supported merchant.
All they need is the respective Money Badger, Luno, Binance, or AltCoin app, bitcoin in that wallet, and a Zapper QR code.
Luno crypto payments with Zapper
Zapper and Luno Pay make crypto payments simple, secure and rewarding. Any Zapper-enabled business can accept payment from a Luno wallet with no extra effort or process changes.
At checkout, the customer opens the Luno app, selects Luno Pay, scans the Zapper QR code, enters the amount in rands, chooses the crypto wallet to use, and confirms.
Funds land in that business’s account in rands straight away through the usual Zapper settlement, so nothing changes in the back office.
The checkout is also quick and familiar, just like any other mobile payment. Customers enjoy the smooth experience and the value.
You can also earn up to 20% in USDT with Luno Pay when you spend your crypto at any Zapper-enabled merchant across the country. Offer runs until 31 October 2025. T&Cs apply.
AltCoin with Zapper
Zapper has also partnered with AltCoin Trader to broaden the choice for shoppers. ACT Pay uses xZAR, a rand-pegged token, so spending feels as familiar as using rand, and the amount spent is easy to understand.
To pay, the customer tops up a rand balance in the AltCoin Trader app, goes to ACT Pay, taps “Scan to Pay”, scans the Zapper QR code, confirms the amount, and completes the payment.
The business accepts rands while the customer spends xZAR. Payments cover everything from small spends like coffee to R100,000 big-ticket buys across Zapper merchants.
Binance with Crypto
Binance Pay is another partner offering everyday crypto payments through Zapper’s nationwide network. With the Binance app, a wallet balance, and your Zapper QR code, customers can pay in seconds by tapping Pay, scanning, choosing their crypto, and confirming.
For South African merchants, the benefit is simple: you still receive settlement in rand, typically by the next business day, while opening your doors to millions of crypto users looking for everyday ways to spend.
“Our collaboration with Binance Pay enhances the payment options available to our extensive merchant network, facilitating seamless and secure transactions for both consumers and businesses.” – Mike Bryer, CEO of Zapper.
Where customers already make crypto payments
Shoppers can pay with crypto almost anywhere that accepts Zapper. This includes daily essentials at Dis-Chem and Baby City, as well as home and lifestyle shopping at Yuppiechef, CoriCraft, PNA, and other well-known brands.
Additionally, there are options for coffee or dining at popular restaurants such as Seattle Coffee, Kauai, Wimpy, and Hussar Grill. Travellers can book domestic flights with FlySafair, whereas fuel is available at selected BP, Caltex, Engen, Sasol, Shell and Total stations.
Availability can vary by branch, but the reach is extensive and growing, providing customers with numerous reasons to use crypto for their purchases.
As a launch special offer, you can earn 50% crypto back every time you pay with Binance Pay at a Zapper-supported merchant.
How merchants benefit from accepting crypto payments
If you’re already a Zapper merchant, you can accept crypto today with no extra effort. Your customer enjoys more choice and can influence where they choose to shop. You receive settlement in rands as usual, with no exposure to crypto volatility and no change to reconciliation or banking.
The commercial story is simple. Crypto acceptance helps you reach a growing and engaged audience, lowers checkout friction with QR checkout, and turns payment choice into a reason to visit.
Turn acceptance into demand
Treat cryptocurrency as a marketing asset, rather than just a means of payment. Add a line to your website, e-commerce checkout, and receipts stating that crypto is accepted with Zapper.
Tips to help customers spend their crypto at your store
- Make it visible: Put up “Crypto Accepted Here” signage at your till, window, or checkout page.
- Update online touchpoints: Add a Binance/Luno/AltCoin or “Pay with Crypto” badge to your website and e-commerce checkout.
- Spread the word: Share posts on social media announcing that you now accept crypto with Zapper.
- Guide your staff to help customers: Train staff to show customers how simple it is so they can guide customers in store. Give them a one-page explainer so they can confidently answer questions about crypto payments at checkout.
- Email your base: Let loyal customers know they can now shop with crypto, as it’s a great way to bring them back in.
Ready to welcome crypto customers
Crypto to rand payments is here. It’s simple to use, secure and already popular. With our crypto partners, your business can tap into this demand right now.
Start telling customers that crypto is welcome and give them another reason to shop with you.
Sign up to become a Zapper merchant, or if you’re an existing merchant, start sharing the news that you’re accepting bitcoin today.
