PayPal Considers Bitcoin Transactions

LONDON — David Marcus, president of PayPal, expressed his fascination and potential involvement with the virtual currency in an interview on Bloomberg Television’s “The Pulse” earlier today.

While Marcus mentioned no definitive statement about incorporating bitcoin into the PayPal transaction scheme, he made nebulous projections about a future relationship.

“So I’ve been spending a lot of time looking at it, and it’s truly fascinating actually: the way that the currency’s been designed, and the way that inflation is built in to pay for miners, and all that is truly fascinating,” Marcus said. “I think that for us at PayPal, it’s just a question whether bitcoin will make its way to PayPal’s funding instrument or not. We’re kind of thinking about it.”

PayPal’s flirtation with bitcoin may signal an impending mainstream acceptance of the largest decentralized, alternative digital currency in the world. OkCupid, a dating site with more than 4 million active users, declared last week that their premium A-list subscription features are now available for purchase with bitcoin, making it the biggest and most well-known company to accept the crypto currency.   

However, bitcoin’s historic volatility makes long-term projections difficult.

Created in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, bitcoin value has vacillated from $2 in October of 2011 to $296 earlier this month. Bitcoin is affected by global markets and international affairs just like any form of currency, and suffered greatly during the financial crisis in Cyprus.   

The adult industry has already gravitated towards bitcoin as an ideal form of alternative payment for its anonymity. In April, adult website network MetArt and BlueBlood.com announced that they would embrace bitcoin transactions.      

"We are able to accept bitcoin payments and track and pay affiliates for these sales," MetArt spokeswoman Jill Taylor said. "It opens up a new world of consumers for our affiliates and partners to tap into and allows our customers an additional payment option that many feel more comfortable utilizing than their debit or credit cards."

Although the future role of bitcoin in the mainstream marketplace is still evolving, it remains a hot-button issue for techies and business owners.

“We’re all kind of watching [bitcoin] with a great deal of interest,” “The Pulse” host Guy Johnson told Marcus.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Show More