Crypto Goes Mainstream in South Africa as Luno Pay Powers Everyday Purchases

South Africans are using crypto for groceries, flights, and furniture, as everyday digital payments go mainstream via Luno Pay.


South Africans are now spending over R2 million ($112,000) each month on everyday goods and services using cryptocurrency, according to Luno. Since launching Luno Pay in November 2024, users have spent over R20 million ($1.1M) at major retailers like Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem, and FlySafair.

With over 31,000 merchants accepting crypto and 80% of users returning weekly, Luno Pay signals a shift from crypto speculation to real-world utility. This rise parallels broader adoption across Africa, with stablecoin transaction volumes and partnerships (e.g., Flutterwave x Circle) rapidly growing.

Luno’s momentum suggests crypto is entering the mainstream, reshaping payment behavior and expanding financial freedom in South Africa.