Crypto Payments Go Mainstream: These Stocks Could Double

Remember the debate a few years ago about whether Bitcoin could be used to buy coffee? In 2025, that question is already outdated. From Visa to Shopify, from Starbucks to United Airlines, more and more companies in the U.S. and Europe are not only accepting crypto payments, but even introducing stablecoins and on-chain settlement systems into their internal architecture. Behind this transformation, a group of key companies is quietly booming—their stocks may prove to be far more stable and have greater upside potential than pure crypto assets.

We’re not here to talk about coin prices. We’re talking about the “infrastructure providers” of crypto payments—the equivalent of water, electricity, and gas. Who is turning this industry from hype into reality?

1. Block (SQ): From “Payments” to “On-Chain Financial Pipelines”

Formerly known as Square, Block is no longer just a POS system company. It has fully embraced Bitcoin and on-chain payments. Starting with letting users buy Bitcoin via Cash App, Block has gradually built its own crypto payment ecosystem in a low-profile but solid manner.

Key data from 2025:

About 32% of Cash App users have conducted on-chain asset transfers or payments
Block’s TBD project is developing decentralized identity (DID) and stablecoin payment channels
Cooperating with several Latin American countries to integrate Bitcoin Lightning Network into local mobile payments

Block doesn’t aim to become a “crypto company,” but rather the next-gen decentralized financial infrastructure provider.

2. Coinbase (COIN): From Trading Platform to “On-Chain Bank”

Many people think Coinbase is just an exchange, but in fact, it’s more like the AWS of crypto.

By 2025, Coinbase’s focus has shifted from order matching to providing on-chain settlement, custody, identity verification, stablecoin payment APIs, and more. Coinbase Commerce is being widely integrated by e-commerce giants like Shopify and Overstock, offering extremely low-friction crypto payment rails.

Highlights include:

Coinbase Prime supports cross-chain settlement for over 12 mainstream stablecoins
In partnership with Circle, launched USDC off-chain bridging service, enabling near-zero-fee transfers
Secured regulated payment licenses in the UK and Germany, entering the B2B crypto settlement market

Coinbase is becoming a “blockchain PayPal + bank + cloud platform”. While its P/E ratio is high, its growth potential shouldn’t be underestimated.

3. Marqeta (MQ): The Behind-the-Scenes Hero—Crypto Plug-In for Card Networks

You may not have heard of Marqeta, but you’re likely using it. Block, Coinbase, Affirm, even Uber’s card systems are built on Marqeta’s programmable card issuance platform.

In 2025, Marqeta is quietly becoming the core bridging layer for crypto payments within the traditional financial system:

Supports virtual cards linked to on-chain wallets, enabling two-way crypto-fiat payments
Launched blockchain payment SDK with Visa, allowing businesses to top up stablecoins into spendable balances
Integrating with high-speed chains like Solana and Stellar to enable low-latency payments

If Coinbase is the bank, Marqeta is the “chip supplier” in the card network—a small-margin but irreplaceable position.

4. Nvidia (NVDA) + AMD: This Payment Revolution Also Needs Chips

Don’t think crypto payments are just about “apps + wallets + transfers.” Backend computing power is equally crucial. Especially as enterprise-level applications become widespread, on-chain payment systems demand high throughput, low latency, and complex encryption and AI fraud detection models.

In 2025, Nvidia and AMD have fully entered the intersection of crypto + AI payments:

Nvidia launched Grace Blackwell series GPUs optimized for blockchain nodes, already piloted by Visa, Stripe, and Coinbase
AMD enhanced its FPGA technology to custom-design data paths for on-chain payment systems, reducing verification latency
Both companies have built deep AI-payment models with Circle and Avalanche to improve fraud detection

In other words, the adoption of crypto payments is pushing the evolution of underlying chip architecture.

5. Visa + Mastercard: If You Don’t Want to Be Disrupted, Embrace It

Don’t underestimate the survivability of “old financial giants.” In recent years, Visa and Mastercard haven’t been sitting idle—they’ve been aggressively deploying in the Web3 payment space.

Major moves from Visa:

Partnered with Solana to launch “direct stablecoin settlement” service, piloted in Europe and Singapore
Supports multi-chain stablecoin transfers through LayerZero, solving the final mile of cross-border payments
Released Visa Crypto Credential standard to unify crypto payment identity systems

Mastercard, on the other hand, is focusing more on compliance and B2B payments:

Established MTN (Multi-Token Network) supporting CBDCs, USDC, USDT, and other digital assets
Partnered with major U.S. banks to pilot on-chain payroll and B2B settlements
Acquired CipherTrace to enhance blockchain transaction monitoring and risk control

Put simply, Visa and Mastercard are not “laggards”—they are giants proactively switching tracks.

Conclusion: It’s Not About Speculation, It’s a Real Payment Revolution

If you still think of crypto as “just hype,” you might already be missing out on the next wave of the “mobile payments transition.” This time, the lead isn’t Apple or Alipay—it’s a group of tech companies rebuilding the foundation of global payments.

Not every company here will double in value, but each one is pushing forward a transformation that’s already happening. Whether you choose to participate or not may determine whether, five years from now, you’re riding this wave—or swept under it.

FAQ: Crypto Payments & Stock Opportunities in 2025

Q1: Are crypto payments really going mainstream in 2025?
A1: Absolutely. In 2025, we’re seeing crypto payments moving from niche to mainstream across the U.S., Europe, and even parts of Asia. Companies like PayPal, Mastercard, and Shopify are building real-world applications, and governments are getting regulatory frameworks in place. This isn’t hype anymore—it’s infrastructure being built.

Q2: Is it too late to invest in crypto-related stocks?
A2: Not at all. While some giants like Coinbase or Nvidia have already seen big gains, many companies are still in early growth stages. Think infrastructure providers like Block or fintech firms integrating wallets and payment rails—there’s still significant upside.

Q3: How risky are stocks related to crypto payments?
A3: There’s always volatility in anything crypto-related. But compared to pure tokens or coins, investing in companies with real balance sheets and products (like Visa or MercadoLibre) is a more stable way to gain exposure to the crypto economy.

Q4: What’s the difference between investing in crypto stocks vs. crypto coins?
A4: Crypto coins (like Bitcoin, Ethereum) are direct assets—volatile, unregulated, and often speculative. Crypto stocks, on the other hand, are companies using blockchain or supporting crypto transactions. You’re investing in a business model, not just a token’s price swing.

Q5: How should beginners start investing in this space?
A5: Focus on well-established companies first—ones like PayPal, Visa, or Square that are integrating crypto payment options but also have traditional revenue streams. Then, research smaller firms or ETFs (like BITQ or BKCH) for broader exposure with risk control.

Q6: Which sectors benefit most from crypto payment adoption?
A6: Fintech, digital commerce, cybersecurity, and global remittance platforms. Crypto removes traditional borders and transaction friction—so any business that thrives on fast, secure, and cost-efficient payments stands to gain.