How cryptocurrency influenced the speed of payments?

16th September 2020

Many people have come across the term cryptocurrency but lack an understanding of its meaning. Some people may be interested in investing in the digital currency but haven’t done so due to lack of information. Yet, there are many myths and falsehoods peddled around about bitcoin by people who lack enough info or don’t want the digital currency. 

Cryptocurrency is an internet-based type of money that has a virtual existence. The use of cryptography makes cryptocurrency safe and challenging to counterfeit. Cryptocurrency applies a decentralized system known as blockchain technology. This piece aims to offer you essential information about sectors affected by cryptocurrency and its pros and cons.

Sectors Affected 

Cryptocurrency is likely to cause significant disruptions in the way people conduct business. The following are some of the industries that blockchain technology may affect massively:

Payments

Apart from banks, other multiple financial vendors are involved in various transactions. The appearance of cryptocurrency may also disrupt the way the vendors carry out their transactions. 

Specifically, firms that facilitate virtual purchasesб personal payments or even pay salaries via BTC may be adversely affected by the presence of cryptocurrency. Many of these financial institutions may be forced to move out of business. Those that will remain may change their strategy of conducting business. 

Banking

Soon, many people may limit their financial transactions through brick-and-mortar banking institutions due to the coming of ecoins. There are increased costs that you incur when you get involved in banking transactions. Besides, the process is time-consuming, which may slow operations. The presence of cryptocurrency offsets these challenges because the system is cost-effective and doesn’t involve intermediaries.

Shortly, many people may regard banks as institutions that have many unnecessary costs that one can easily do away with. Because of the bitcoin disruptions, banks may be denied the income that they get through wire transfers, cheque fees, and money other costs related to transactions.

Gambling

Occasionally, authorities interfere with the way online lotteries conduct their business. Additionally, some casino sites with fast withdrawals use unreliable payment methods, and some may misuse funds of bettors. Cryptocurrency offers a safe payment mode that doesn’t have intermediaries. The payment method is cost-effective as no banks or other financial institutions are involved.

Advantages of Using Crypto 

There are multiple perks that you can enjoy if you use cryptocurrency. These include:

  1. Zero strictness in payment. In cryptocurrency, there is freedom in the amount that you can transact through the system. Autonomy is especially important to individuals living within authoritarian regimes. The system allows you to make any payment without being monitored by any authority.
  2. Hiding of identity. Many individuals prefer cryptocurrency because it maintains the anonymity of the user. Through hiding your identity, you won’t experience incidents of stealing your personal information.
  3. Application of the sophisticated algorithm. The algorithms that are applied in Bitcoin are complex for one to crack easily. This means that the system is tamper-proof. You don’t expect transactions in cryptocurrency to attract fraudsters.
  4. Fast. Compared to banking that has tedious transaction procedures, cryptocurrency is quick because of the few steps involved when making transactions. The system of taking a long queue before you access your money doesn’t exist in Bitcoin. Furthermore, during public holidays you may not make specific transactions through banks. However, with Bitcoin, you can make transactions at any time and have them verified within less than 10 minutes.
  5. Lack of third-party engagement. Many people like cryptocurrency because it doesn’t have third-parties to facilitate the approval of transactions. This ensures fast payments. This is good news for individuals who require quick money to promote their businesses.

Disadvantages of Using Crypto 

Although this form of payment has various advantages, it has specific downsides including:

  1. Many people are not aware. Virtual currency is a relatively new method of payment, and many people are not aware of its existence. Its uptake hasn’t picked up as expected. People need to understand a system before using it for transactions. However, bitcoin is a complicated method to comprehend due to its sophisticated technology.
  2. High volatility. Cryptocurrencies are high-risk businesses to invest in. The coins available are so minimal while the demand is soaring. This is partly what discourages many people from investing in this payment method.