Bybit Expands Crypto Payments to South Africa via MoneyBadger Partnership

Bybit,  the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has expanded its payment solution,Bybit Pay, to South Africa through an integration with MoneyBadger,  a South African crypto payments integration provider that enables QR-based transactions and settlement in rand through partnerships with major payment networks, enabling users to make everyday purchases using cryptocurrency across a wide network of merchants.

The integration marks a further step in the adoption of cryptocurrency for daily transactions in one of Africa’s most active digital asset markets. South Africa has an estimated 9.44% cryptocurrency ownership rate, representing approximately 5.8 million people, with around 52% of holders already using crypto for purchases, according to Triple-A’s 2024 estimates.

The integration allows Bybit Pay users in South Africa to complete transactions by scanning QR codes or paying online at supported merchants. The rollout supports a range of everyday spending categories, including groceries, fuel, travel, retail and dining. Users can pay with Bitcoin, stablecoins and more than 20 supported digital assets.

Through its partnership with MoneyBadger, Bybit Pay integrates with several established South African payment networks. Users can access more than 650,000 locations via Scan to Pay, 31,000 locations through Zapper, and over 1,500 Pick n Pay stores. Additional coverage is available both in-store and online via Peach (across 120 merchants) and Ozow (across 440+ merchants).

The integration leverages existing QR and pay link infrastructure, allowing retailers to receive settlement in South African rand through their current payment systems without needing to hold cryptocurrency or add new payment integrations. MoneyBadger converts crypto to rand at the point of sale, reducing exposure to price volatility.

Bybit Pay supports both in-store and online transactions. For in-store payments, users open the Bybit app, navigate to Bybit Pay, scan a merchant QR code and confirm the transaction. For online purchases, users select cryptocurrency as a payment method at checkout, proceed via the Bybit app and confirm payment details.

To access the service, users must activate Bybit Pay within the app and complete identity verification requirements. The platform supports QR-based payments and online checkout without transaction fees for QR Pay. Payment limits range from $0.06 to $2,500 per transaction, with most payments processed within 10 to 15 seconds.

Bybit serves more than 80 million users globally and supports South African rand deposits, positioning the platform to expand its footprint in the region.

South Africa ranks among the leading cryptocurrency markets globally, according to the World Crypto Rankings 2025 report, which evaluates 79 countries using more than 28 metrics and 90 data points across user adoption, transactional activity, regulatory infrastructure and cultural engagement. The report highlights that the strongest-performing markets are those where crypto is actively used for payments and everyday financial activity, reflecting a broader shift toward real-world utility.

“Crypto payments are entering a new phase where the focus is shifting from trading to real-world utility. Bybit Pay connects digital assets to everyday commerce, and our partnership with MoneyBadger enables seamless spending across South Africa.”

– Sophie Chen, Head of Marketing, Bybit Card and Bybit Pay

“At MoneyBadger, our goal is to make paying with Bitcoin and crypto as simple as scanning a QR code. By enabling Bybit Pay across our network, millions of users can now spend crypto at everyday merchants across South Africa, while merchants continue to receive settlement in rand.”

– Carel van Wyk, CEO, MoneyBadger

The partnership is expected to support broader adoption of cryptocurrency payments, with initiatives aimed at encouraging first-time and repeat usage across participating merchants.