In today’s talk, we’re continuing our crypto learning series with Part 3! This time, we’re unpacking where cryptocurrency is actually being used in real life. From buying products to gaming and virtual art — it’s getting exciting!
Why miss out when it’s FREE? Subscribe now for daily financial insights — and stay ahead of the game! Already subscribed? Let’s get started.
The Talk
We’ve talked about what cryptocurrency is and how you can buy and store it. Now comes the part most people are genuinely curious about — what can you actually do with crypto?
Let’s be honest, it feels a bit pointless to own something you can’t use, right?
Well, good news — cryptocurrency isn’t just sitting in digital wallets anymore. It’s making its way into daily life, business, finance, and even entertainment in ways you might not expect.
Let’s take a look at where crypto is already being used around the world.
First up, payments for products and services. Yes, you can actually pay for real things with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Big companies like Microsoft, Twitch, Newegg, and even select Starbucks outlets in the U.S. have accepted crypto payments through third-party services like BitPay. Even in India, platforms like Unocoin allow gift card purchases with Bitcoin.
Then there’s international money transfers — one of the areas where crypto truly shines. With traditional banks, sending money abroad can take days and comes loaded with heavy charges. Cryptocurrencies like Ripple (XRP) and USDT (Tether) now allow near-instant cross-border transfers at a fraction of the cost. In fact, remittances via crypto have become a lifeline in some countries like El Salvador, which even made Bitcoin legal tender.
Another interesting space is online gaming and virtual assets. Ever heard of in-game currencies and NFTs? Cryptos like Ethereum and Polygon (MATIC) are powering online gaming economies where players can buy, sell, and trade virtual items — some worth thousands of dollars. Games like Axie Infinity and Decentraland have built entire crypto-based virtual worlds.
Speaking of NFTs — or Non-Fungible Tokens — they’ve turned digital art and collectibles into a multi-billion dollar market. In 2021 alone, NFT sales hit over $25 billion globally. From artwork and music albums to digital cricket cards and celebrity autographs, NFTs are traded using cryptocurrencies on platforms like OpenSea and Rarible.
Not just that — some businesses have started offering crypto salaries to employees, especially in tech and blockchain industries. And major charities like Save The Children and UNICEF now accept crypto donations too.
Even governments are joining the scene. Some are testing CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies), government-backed digital money inspired by crypto technology. India has already launched a pilot project for the e-Rupee, while countries like China and Nigeria are ahead in testing.
So, crypto isn’t just about holding coins and waiting for the price to rise anymore. It’s slowly but surely becoming part of how people pay, play, and even get paid.
And yes — while India still has limited mainstream adoption, platforms are gradually warming up to digital assets.
In today’s world, crypto might not be everywhere you shop yet, but it’s no longer a distant fantasy either.
And the best part? This is just the beginning.
In the final part of our series, we’ll tackle what you’ve probably heard too much about: crypto risks, scams, myths, and its unpredictable future. Stay with us — it’s going to be eye-opening.
Key Terms Explained
BitPay: A service that allows businesses to accept Bitcoin payments.
Ripple (XRP): A cryptocurrency designed for fast, low-cost international money transfers.
NFT (Non-Fungible Token): A unique digital asset representing art, collectibles, or media on a blockchain.
OpenSea: The largest online marketplace for buying and selling NFTs.
CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency): Digital money issued by a country’s central bank.
e-Rupee: India’s digital currency pilot program modeled on CBDC technology.
Axie Infinity: A popular play-to-earn game powered by cryptocurrency.
Decentraland: A virtual world platform where you can buy land and assets using crypto.
Crypto Salaries: Paying employees in cryptocurrency instead of traditional money.