Bitget is accelerating the shift from trading to real-world spending with two new stablecoin payment initiatives. The exchange has launched Scan to Pay, a QR-based feature within Bitget Pay, and separately expanded its Bitget Wallet Card across African markets. Both moves aim to make crypto, particularly stablecoins, a practical payment tool in regions where traditional banking is limited.
The Scan to Pay feature allows users to spend Tether (USDT) directly at offline merchants by scanning QR codes through the Bitget app. Initially live in selected markets across Southeast Asia and Latin America, it integrates with local payment networks so merchants do not need to upgrade systems. Users set a payment PIN and pay instantly, with USDT converted and settled in the background, removing the need for manual off-ramping or bank transfers.
“QR code payments have a strong real-life usage with over 2.2 billion people using it globally. There's no reason why crypto shouldn't be a part of it,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. The rollout reflects a broader trend of stablecoins evolving from trading instruments into everyday payment infrastructure.
In parallel, Bitget Wallet is bringing its crypto card to Africa. Powered by Mastercard and infrastructure provider Immersve, the digital card lets users spend USD Coin (USDC) directly from a self-custodial wallet at hundreds of millions of merchants worldwide. Funds are automatically converted to fiat at the point of sale, enabling a seamless experience. The expansion targets markets such as South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, and comes as stablecoin adoption surges across the continent—South Africa has even seen stablecoin volumes surpass Bitcoin trading on major platforms.
“Across many African markets, stablecoins are becoming a practical way to store and move value,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “Where cross-border payments are costly and currencies volatile, the ability to hold digital dollars and spend them seamlessly can make a real difference.” Alongside the rollout, Bitget Wallet introduced a cashback campaign for groceries and dining at major South African retailers and restaurants, including Pick ‘n Pay, Shoprite, Nando’s, and KFC.
Together, these initiatives bridge self-custodied crypto and global payment rails, reinforcing stablecoins' role as a practical financial tool in emerging markets and narrowing the gap between holding digital assets and using them as money.
