The integration of cryptocurrencies into daily transactions has been a topic of discussion for many enthusiasts, and it seems France is advancing in this regard. The news that a French real estate firm, Apsys, has signed a partnership deal with domestic crypto payment provider Lyzi is a strong indication that Europe’s influential nation could soon embrace crypto-powered commerce.
Apsys operates multiple shopping malls such as L’Heure Tranquille in Tours, Les Rives de l’Orne in Caen, Muse in Metz, and Steel in Saint-Étienne. Through its collaboration with Lyzi, customers can now use cryptocurrency to purchase digital gift cards via the Lyzi app, facilitating payments at the malls’ restaurants and outlets. The Lyzi technology seamlessly converts crypto gift cards to fiat currency through the malls’ Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, making it a smooth and efficient process.
This new payment method comes with its own set of incentives, such as a loyalty points system and cashback-type bonuses to reward customers for using cryptocurrency. Such benefits may encourage more people to consider utilizing crypto in their daily lives. However, skeptics might argue that the extra step of having to purchase digital gift cards with crypto could deter potential users from adopting this payment option.
This isn’t the first time Apsys has delved into the realm of cryptocurrency. About a year ago, the company announced that its flagship Beaugrenelle Paris shopping mall would begin accepting gift card-type crypto payments in a partnership also involving Lyzi. These gift cards can be bought with crypto and used in all of the mall’s stores and restaurants.
In addition to Apsys’ efforts, France has seen other notable developments with crypto integration. A major Parisian pharmacy started accepting cryptocurrency payments this year, and Burger King’s Paris branches launched mobile phone charging stations that accept crypto payments as well. On a larger scale, domestic POS giant Ingenico inked a crypto payment deal with Binance’s French arm in February.
All of these moves signal a growing interest in cryptocurrency adoption within France. With prominent businesses like Apsys and Burger King taking steps to integrate crypto payments into the mainstream, this raises the question of how soon more European nations will follow suit. Overall, France’s progress in incorporating cryptocurrencies into daily transactions aligns with the vision of a more crypto-centric future, while also sparking debates on potential drawbacks and challenges that come with it.
Source: Cryptonews
