Bitget Wallet has launched a new QR-based payment feature across the Asia-Pacific region, allowing users to conduct retail transactions directly from their self-custodial wallets by scanning local merchant QR codes. This initiative positions Bitget as a pioneer in enabling large-scale crypto-linked QR payments in a market where such infrastructure is already widely adopted for everyday transactions.
The updated functionality allows users to make payments using stablecoins, including USDT and USDC, on multiple blockchain platforms such as Solana, BNB Chain, and Ethereum. Merchants benefit from these transactions as they continue to receive settlements through established domestic payment systems, which simplifies the process for both local consumers and international travelers. Notably, users can make in-store payments without the need for manual conversion to fiat currency or reliance on traditional card networks.
“APAC is one of the clearest places where crypto payments can fit into existing consumer habits,” stated Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. He emphasized that QR payments are integral to daily life across the region. By integrating self-custodied assets and stablecoins into this familiar payment mechanism, Bitget Wallet aims to enhance the practicality of cryptocurrency for real-world transactions.
This innovative offering is supported by Bitget Wallet’s Onchain Payments Matrix, an infrastructure designed to bridge blockchain networks with banks, wallets, and regional payment systems. The company aims to position its APAC expansion as part of a broader strategy to unify crypto payments across various channels, including QR codes, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers.
The Asia-Pacific region presents a unique opportunity for such innovations due to its high prevalence of digital wallets and QR-based payment systems. Industry data from Worldpay indicates that digital wallets accounted for 59% of point-of-sale transaction values in APAC by 2024, in stark contrast to the global average of 38%. Moreover, the region dominated global QR payment activity in 2025, representing over 60% of total usage. Projections suggest that worldwide QR payment volumes could surpass $8 trillion by 2029, with Asia remaining at the forefront of this growth.
By aligning crypto payments with established QR ecosystems, Bitget Wallet is taking significant strides to overcome the challenge of real-world usability in the cryptocurrency space. The move also positions the company to compete with traditional payment providers, as well as centralized crypto platforms aiming to penetrate everyday commerce.
