Raise, a leading payments provider and innovator in the global gift card industry, today announced the acceptance of crypto as a form of payment in the Raise App. In support of its mission to integrate cryptocurrency into everyday commerce through gift cards, over six million Raise App users can now shop using digital currencies at over one million in-store and online retailers.

Raise has partnered with Wallet Connect, a leading interoperability protocol that connects applications with crypto wallets to provide the widest integration support for this payment innovation. The in-app integration with Wallet Connect allows the Raise app to support a wide range of popular digital wallets, such as Coinbase, MetaMask, Phantom, and Trust. Initially, the Raise App will accept USDC, USDT, ETH, DOT, BTC, and SOL as payment for any gift card, with plans to expand to more tokens soon. This partnership simplifies transactions for crypto holders and expands the customer base for Raise's retail partners, all without altering the consumer experience or adding complexity for merchants.

"One of the ongoing challenges in the evolving cryptocurrency industry is making transactions between crypto holders and mainstream retailers simpler and more accessible," said George Bousis, CEO of Raise. "We are taking this challenge head-on. With the Raise App's new API, retailers and protocols won't need to work on one-off integrations, streamlining the transaction process while also providing crypto holders unprecedented flexibility in their spending. We're excited to see how it transforms the shopping experience."

Additionally, Raise plans to expand the Raise App and its crypto payment options to international markets, targeting over 30 countries by the end of the year. This strategic move enhances global accessibility and strengthens Raise's leadership in the digital payment sector, offering a broader reach and increased opportunities for users worldwide.

Jess Houlgrave, CEO of Wallet Connect commented:  "A major usability roadblock for apps today is ensuring seamless user onboarding and providing comprehensive in-app services. WalletConnect's partnership with Raise addresses these UX challenges, making it easier for users to navigate the crypto ecosystem and utilize their digital assets in everyday transactions."

Raise continues to innovate and enhance the payment landscape, bridging the gap between cryptocurrency and mainstream retail. The company remains committed to making digital assets more applicable in everyday life, paving the way for a future where crypto payments are as common as traditional ones.