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The Important Bits
May brought fresh momentum across crypto payments, from stablecoin payouts and cross-border use cases to state services, mortgages, and new Bitcoin reserve legislation.
In this issue, we’re also sharing market movers, exclusive no-fee first crypto buys in the BitPay app, plus wallet storage tips and swap updates in the BitPay Wallet.
Industry News & Headlines
Industry News
Read news from across the blockchain industry:
Freshman Congressman Pushes to Make Bitcoin Reserve Permanent: Rep. Matt Van Epps co-led the American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026, which would codify the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, require a 20-year BTC lockup, and limit future sales to national debt reduction. (Bitcoin Magazine, 5/22/26)
Stablecoin Use Grows in Cross-Border Payments: New analyst reports highlight cross-border transactions, payroll, contractor payments, and intercompany settlement as emerging stablecoin use cases, with 24/7 settlement and lower transaction costs driving interest. (Payments Dive, 5/19/26)
Ohio Launches Crypto Payments for State Services: Ohio’s new Buckeye Billfold initiative will let residents and businesses pay state agencies with credit cards, ACH, and cryptocurrency, with digital asset payments converted to U.S. dollars at the time of transaction. (WTOL, 5/21/26)
Meta Adds USDC Creator Payouts on Solana and Polygon: Meta is allowing select Facebook creators in Colombia and the Philippines to receive USDC payouts directly to compatible crypto wallets, with support for both Solana and Polygon. (The Block, 4/29/26)
Crypto-Backed Mortgages Gain Mainstream Attention: Crypto-backed mortgage products are drawing interest as lenders explore ways for homebuyers to use bitcoin, USDC, and other digital assets as collateral without selling their holdings. (Yahoo Finance, 5/7/26)
Market Movers
A quick snapshot of notable market activity, trends, and cryptocurrencies driving headlines.
New E-Book: Stablecoins Playbook
Stablecoin payments are no longer a niche concept reserved for crypto insiders. This playbook is designed for CFOs, finance leaders, payment executives, product managers, and business managers who want to delve deeper into the why and how of stablecoin integration.
Enjoy No BitPay Fees on Your First Crypto Purchase via Simplex
Buy BTC, SOL, ETH, LTC, and 60+ top coins at great rates from Simplex. Get the BitPay app for an easy, convenient, and cheap way to build your crypto portfolio through Simplex. This limited-time offer is open to first-time Simplex buyers.
Terms of Service: https://bitpay.com/legal/terms-of-use/
Campaign Terms & Conditions: https://www.bitpay.com/simplex-buy-no-fees-terms-conditions
A New Swap Experience Comes to the BitPay Wallet
We are excited to roll out an improved swap experience in the BitPay Wallet, built to make swaps faster, the interface simpler, and multi-chain moves easier, all while keeping your crypto in your control with 100% self-custody.
Wallet Tips: How to Store Crypto
Choosing how to store crypto may vary based on how much you hold, how often you transact, and how comfortable you are managing your own security.
For many crypto users, the best approach is to use multiple wallets for different purposes:
Cold storage: Use a hardware wallet for long-term holdings and larger balances.
Everyday spending and management: Use a self-custody mobile wallet like the BitPay Wallet for buying, swapping, sending, receiving, and spending crypto.
Trading: Use an exchange wallet only when needed for active trading or accessing niche tokens.
The key is balancing security and convenience. Large balances may deserve stronger protections, while smaller amounts used for regular transactions can be kept more accessible.
→ Read our guide to the different ways of storing cryptocurrency
Merchant Shoutouts
Highlighting merchants driving crypto adoption and exciting promotions.
Shop APMEX’s silver and gold popular categories, including pop culture collectibles. Shop now!
OneGold gives you direct ownership of vaulted gold, silver, and platinum at an ultra-low cost. Start your free account today.
Buy a domain name with Namecheap today!
Ready to start accepting crypto with your Shopify business? Get started today with the BitPay app!
Instantly deploy high-performance cloud servers, cloud GPUs, bare metal, and cloud storage worldwide with Vultr. New users receive $100 to test their platform.
Use BrandBucket to name your business.
Shop US stores and have your items reliably shipped back home with Qwintry
BitPay Travel
BitPay Travel is now open to all! In collaboration with Xeni, BitPay Travel allows crypto users to pay for flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities with their cryptocurrency. Book your travel at great prices and pay straight from your cryptocurrency wallet.
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Note: All information herein is for educational purposes only, and shouldn't be interpreted as legal, tax, financial, investment or other advice. BitPay does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information in this publication and we neither endorse, nor are we responsible for, the accuracy or reliability of any information submitted or published by third parties. Nothing contained herein shall constitute a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to invest, buy, or sell any coins, tokens or other crypto assets. BitPay is not liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies. For legal, tax, investment or financial guidance, a professional should be consulted.