PumaPay (PMA) was a blockchain billing protocol designed to let merchants pull recurring crypto payments. Despite its innovative tech, it failed to gain adoption and is now nearly worthless, with its token down 99.9% from its peak.
Crypto Payment System: How It Works and Where It’s Used Today
When you hear crypto payment system, a digital method to transfer value using blockchain-based currencies instead of banks or credit cards. Also known as blockchain payments, it lets anyone with a wallet send money directly to another person or business — no middleman needed. This isn’t just for tech fans. Retailers, freelancers, and even small towns in countries with unstable banks are using it because it’s faster, cheaper, and works across borders without delays.
Behind every crypto payment system, a digital method to transfer value using blockchain-based currencies instead of banks or credit cards. Also known as blockchain payments, it lets anyone with a wallet send money directly to another person or business — no middleman needed. is a simple idea: instead of waiting days for a bank transfer, you pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another coin in seconds. The transaction gets recorded on a public ledger — the blockchain — so everyone can see it’s real and can’t be reversed or faked. That’s why businesses in places like Colombia, Algeria, and even parts of China are turning to crypto payments, even when traditional banking is restricted. It’s not about avoiding regulation — it’s about getting paid when other systems fail.
What makes this different from PayPal or Venmo? For one, you don’t need to link a bank account. You just need a wallet — an app or hardware device that holds your crypto. Merchants can accept payments without paying 2-3% in fees. And since the network runs 24/7, you can pay at 3 a.m. on a Sunday and it clears instantly. Some platforms even let you convert crypto to local currency right at checkout, so the seller never holds Bitcoin — they get dollars or pesos instead. That’s why tools like BitPay and Coinbase Commerce are popping up everywhere from coffee shops to online marketplaces.
But it’s not perfect. Prices swing fast, so a $100 pizza today might cost $105 tomorrow if Bitcoin jumps. That’s why many businesses use instant conversion. And while the tech is secure, scammers love fake payment gateways — like MoonDex or Dexko — that look real but steal your crypto. You need to know which services are legit. The good news? You don’t have to guess. Real users are already sharing what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid traps.
Below, you’ll find real-world breakdowns of how crypto payment systems are being used — from underground markets in Algeria to merchants in Colombia bypassing banking limits. You’ll see how people actually set them up, what wallets they trust, and which platforms are safe to use. No theory. No fluff. Just what’s working right now.