3 challenges to paying with crypto – and a key solution
Crypto.com's Level Up Program is offering a variety of benefits to members and making spending crypto more accessible.
Sponsored by Crypto.com. The Level Up program from Crypto.com lets you earn industry-leading rewards while using your crypto. To learn more, visit Crypto.com today.
In 2025, cryptocurrency is often used as an investment, rather than for day-to-day expenses.
But this is somewhat at odds with the original goals of cryptocurrency, and specifically Bitcoin.
Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, envisioned crypto as a form of digital cash rather than a long-term investment.
With this in mind, let's take a look at some of the key challenges facing more widespread crypto adoption.
1. The level of technical knowledge required
Spending crypto has traditionally involved a complex process of juggling digital wallets, printed codes and complex passkeys.
This has been tricky for users who are not necessarily super-tech savvy but otherwise have an interest in cryptocurrency.
A key solution that has emerged is crypto cards, like those offered by Crypto.com
Crypto cards are prepaid debit cards that allow you to easily convert your crypto into a local currency, and pay for transactions in the same way as any other card.
In tandem with more streamlined UIs for crypto trading platforms, crypto cards have significantly lowered the barrier of entry to new investors and enthusiasts.
2. The lack of consumer protections
Another key issue facing everyday users has been the comparative lack of transaction oversight.
If a traditional transaction goes wrong, there is usually some form of recourse. This might be via your bank, your card provider or government legislation.
For crypto-based transactions, it's been a much more fraught process, even as online security has improved.
Although crypto enthusiasts have tended to lean towards free-market ideologies, it is likely that compromise will be required in the long term.
After all, increased security, consumer protection and recourse are likely to require some form of external validation and infrastructure.
As an example, Crypto.com's card solution is in partnership with Visa. This allows it to be widely accepted around the globe, while also offering additional transaction protections.
3. A lack of incentives
Crypto transactions have also faced the challenge of not requiring fees while not offering equivalent rewards that might come from a bank or card provider.
However, with the introduction of crypto cards, there has been a shift in the market.
Crypto.com's Level Up subscription service has emerged as a popular option.
There are three tiers for users – Plus, Pro and Private, which are all priced on a per-month basis.
The Pro Level costs $49.99AUD per month, which equates to $599 annually. Although the fees may seem comparably high in comparison to other forms of crypto payment, there are a number of benefits.
Some of the rewards available include:
- 3% cashback in crypto
- No FX fees (handy for travelling and sending money internationally)
- 4 annual entries to airport lounges (most traditional rewards cards only offer 2)
- No trading fees on crypto
Crypto.com will also soon be offering a 5% return on idle cash sitting in your account.
In addition to the rewards, you'll also have access to additional support and a more streamlined UX process.
For those looking to utilise crypto on a more day-to-day basis, this may be an effective solution.
Learn more about Crypto.com Level Up
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