Welcome to the September edition of the Cryptie! As the seasons begin to shift, the world of cryptocurrency shows no signs of slowing down. This month, we’re excited to bring you the latest updates from BitPay, along with key developments in the crypto space, including educational tidbits and insights from our community. From industry trends to new features, we’ve got everything you need to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Let’s dive into the latest news!
In This Issue:
Industry News
Read news from across the blockchain industry:
- ENS Labs Integrates PayPal and Venmo for Crypto Transfers: ENS Labs now allows Ethereum Name Service users to send crypto through PayPal and Venmo, simplifying crypto transfers (Cointelegraph).
- Sony’s Ethereum Layer-2 Blockchain Progresses with Testnet Launch: Sony's Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain moves forward with a testnet launch, offering developer incentives (Decrypt).
- MicroStrategy Increases Bitcoin Holdings to $14.6 Billion: MicroStrategy's stock jumps after boosting its Bitcoin holdings to $14.6 billion (CNBC).
- Bitcoin Data Centers Repurpose Heat for Bathhouses: Bitcoin mining facilities are repurposing excess heat to power local bathhouses, a unique sustainability solution (TIME).
- eToro Reaches $1.5M SEC Settlement: eToro has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle charges with the SEC and will cease trading most cryptocurrencies on its platform, as part of increased regulatory scrutiny on crypto exchanges (CoinDesk).
- Hong Kong Sees Uptick in Crypto Activity: Hong Kong experiences a notable increase in crypto trading activity, positioning itself as a growing hub for digital assets (Yahoo Finance).
- BlackRock Highlights Bitcoin as a Unique Portfolio Diversifier: BlackRock's new report emphasizes Bitcoin's potential as a unique asset diversifier for investors (Bitcoin Magazine).
- Fractal Bitcoin Now Controls Over 35% of Bitcoin’s Hashrate: Fractal Bitcoin has absorbed 35% of Bitcoin’s hashrate following the successful launch of its mainnet (Bitcoin.com).
- RIT Provides Students with Cryptocurrency Industry Insights: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) offers students interdisciplinary insights into the evolving cryptocurrency industry (RIT News).
2024 BitPay Crypto Champions Winners
The Crypto Champions series concluded with Bitcoin (BTC) dominating, claiming an impressive 9 total medals, including 6 golds. Ether (ETH) followed with a solid 6 medals, excelling in the silver and bronze categories. Litecoin (LTC) made its mark with 4 medals, including a gold, while both USD Coin (USDC) and Tether (USDT) showcased their strength with 4 and 3 medals respectively.
Merchant Spotlight: The Farm at Okefenokee
Experience The Farm at Okefenokee, where sustainable living and community thrive together on 705 acres of regenerative farmland. Enjoy a modern, self-sufficient lifestyle with like-minded neighbors and fellow bitcoiners.
- Self-Sufficiency: Produce your own food, water, energy.
- Community: Live with fellow bitcoiners.
- Off-grid Living: Modern amenities included.
- Security: Safe haven from the modern world.
Secure your cabin on The Farm with bitcoin
The Farm partners with BitPay, allowing you to secure your cabin using bitcoin
$25 Cryptocurrency Bonus when you activate any Stack Mobile data plan!
Why not get crypto back for something you do already, right? Activate your Stack Mobile account now and score an extra $25 in crypto! Plus, you’ll earn up to 15% crypto back each month.
Questions to Ask Your Payment Processor
Don’t risk partnering with the wrong crypto payments provider. Arm yourself with the right questions to ask when vetting potential partners.
Question #03: How long has the company been processing crypto payments?
Read the overview here or download our expanded guide of questions to help spot a reliable and trustworthy crypto partner.
Curated Crypto-Funded Gift Cards for a Fall Refresh
Simplify your seasonal shopping with crypto gift cards for cozy home updates, delicious dining experiences, and autumn decor essentials.
Darden
Enjoy comforting fall flavors at your favorite restaurants including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, Bahama Breeze, and Seasons 22.
Home Depot
Prepare your home and garden for autumn with a Home Depot gift card.
Wayfair
Update your interior with cozy furnishings and seasonal decor using a Wayfair gift card.
Word of the Month: Dollar-Cost Averaging
Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is a strategy where you invest a fixed amount in cryptocurrency at regular intervals, regardless of market fluctuations. This method helps reduce the impact of market volatility by averaging the purchase price over time, making it a great way to slowly build your crypto portfolio without stressing over timing the market. If you're looking to take a more chill, long-term approach to investing in crypto, DCA might be the way to go!
→ Read more about dollar-cost averaging
Product Focus: Pay Bills with Crypto
Leave traditional bill payments in the past. Use Bill Pay to pay off practically any bill with 100+ cryptocurrencies, including BTC, LTC, ETH, DOGE, and hundreds more.
- Credit cards
- Student loans
- Mortgages
- Utilities
- Car Payments
→ Get the app or sign up at BitPay.com to get started
Travel with Crypto
BitPay Travel is now open to all! In collaboration with Xeni, BitPay Travel allows crypto users to pay for flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities with their cryptocurrency. Book your travel at great prices and pay straight from your cryptocurrency wallet.
Merchant Shoutouts
Check out this month's merchant shoutouts:
- Shop APMEX’s silver and gold popular categories, including pop culture collectibles. Shop now!
- OneGold gives you direct ownership of vaulted gold, silver, and platinum at an ultra-low cost. Start your free account today.
- Buy a domain name with Namecheap today!
- Ready to start accepting crypto with your Shopify business? Get started today with the BitPay app!
- Instantly deploy high-performance cloud servers, cloud GPUs, bare metal, and cloud storage worldwide with Vultr. New users receive $100 to test their platform.
- Use BrandBucket to name your business.
- Shop US stores and have your items reliably shipped back home with Qwintry
Not a current BitPay merchant?
Developer updates
SDK Releases
- Node.js SDK v6.1.1
- Laravel Kiosk Demo
- Updated PHP SDK to v9.0.x
- Updated GitHub Action versions
- Dropped support for PHP 8.0
- Symfony Kiosk Demo
- Updated PHP SDK to v9.0.x
- Updated GitHub Action versions
- Dropped support for PHP 8.0
Plugin Releases
- Magento Plugin v9.2.1 has been released
General Notes
HMAC support is now available in webhooks, which allows merchants to use their tokens to validate webhook signatures. Read more in the dev docs here.
Upcoming Releases
- Magento Plugin v10.0.0 is being updated to support SDK v9.0.x
