87% Bitcoin holders regularly send or receive cross-border remittances: Survey
According to a survey conducted by tech firm Block,
87% of Bitcoin holders regularly engage in cross-border remittances,
highlighting the role of the cryptocurrency in international money transfers.
The survey gathered data from 6,600
adults across 15 countries.
Cross-border remittances are payments sent from one
country to another, often by individuals to their families or friends in their
home countries. These payments are an important source of financial support for
many families and are crucial for the economies of developing countries.
However, traditional remittance methods can be expensive and time-consuming,
with high fees and long processing times.
Bitcoin, on the other hand, offers a potential
solution to these challenges. It is a decentralized digital currency that
operates on a technology called blockchain(click to learn more), which enables
secure and transparent transactions without the need for intermediaries like
banks. Bitcoin transactions can be sent and received quickly, and the fees
involved are typically lower compared to traditional remittance methods.
The survey results indicate that a significant
number of Bitcoin holders recognize and utilize the benefits of the
cryptocurrency for cross-border remittances. By using Bitcoin, individuals can
bypass the traditional financial system and transfer money directly to their
recipients, regardless of their geographic location. This can reduce costs and
increase the speed of transactions, making it an attractive option for those
who regularly send or receive cross-border payments.
The findings of this survey align with other
research that highlights the increasing importance of cross-border remittances
in today's interconnected world. PYMNTS research reveals that 16% of United States consumers send a total
of $76 billion annually in payments to friends and family in other countries,
and this flow of money is growing. In fact, nearly 60% of consumers making
cross-border remittances in the past year increased such payments under the
pandemic, indicating the rising demand for efficient and cost-effective
remittance solutions.
Overall, the survey results suggest that Bitcoin is
playing a significant role in facilitating cross-border remittances. With its
decentralized nature and efficient transaction capabilities, Bitcoin offers an
alternative to traditional remittance methods, providing individuals with a
faster and more cost-effective way to send money internationally. As the
adoption of cryptocurrencies continues to grow, it is likely that we will see
an increase in the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for cross-border
remittances, further transforming the global financial landscape.