Breez and 1A1z have unveiled a groundbreaking new report, Bitcoin Payments: From Digital Gold to Everyday Currency, exploring the transformative power of bitcoin payments on the way people move money.
The report examines how bitcoin, long considered “digital gold,” is returning to an everyday medium of exchange, unlocking new ways to move money across industries, geographies, and use cases.
Key Takeaways from the Report
650+ Million Users Reached Worldwide: Bitcoin payments have moved from early adoption to mainstream scalability, powered by the evolution of the Lightning Network — a technology offering real-time, low-cost, peer-to-peer transactions at scale. 
With integrations into leading fintech platforms like Coinbase, Nubank, and OKX, Lightning now reaches over 650 million people, making bitcoin more accessible for everyday payments without third parties or restrictions.
Real-World Impact: The global impact of bitcoin payment adoption is diverse with success stories like Japan’s online marketplace giant Mercari, to Italy’s leading furniture store Mondo Convenienza, as well as one of Africa’s largest retailers, Pick n Pay.
All have led the growing global adoption of bitcoin payments — showcasing the positive impact for both consumers and businesses with reduced fees, real-time settlement, and global accessibility.
Internet-Native Payments: Bitcoin payments provide new use cases and utilities that are impossible with traditional financial systems — with features like streaming payments for podcasts, micropayments on social media, and pay-per-use AI services.
“Bitcoin has moved beyond speculation and is proving its utility as the internet’s native currency,” said Danny Stagg, Breez, who co-authored the report. “We’re seeing adoption across industries, from retailers and gaming platforms to nonprofits and remittance services. The implications will change the way people move money forever.”
Why This Matters
The report examines the evolution of bitcoin payments, addressing past challenges such as high costs, slow processing times, and adoption barriers.
Thanks to advancements like the Lightning Network, these hurdles have been overcome, paving the way for bitcoin payments to be integrated into everyday products — from groceries to nonprofits and online marketplaces — as well as creating new opportunities.
Featuring case studies from these pioneering businesses and applications, the report highlights how bitcoin is driving innovation in payments today.
To read the full report, visit breez.technology/report
