South Africans have spent over R20 million through Luno Pay since its launch in November 2024. The leading crypto app* now processes approximately R2 million in transactions monthly, signaling adoption across diverse merchant categories.
The data reveals purchases ranging from as little as R1 at Pick n Pay to high-value transactions of tens of thousands of rands, showcasing crypto’s versatility across different spending patterns.
Christo de Wit, South Africa country manager at Luno, says, “Appetite for digital currency transactions in everyday commerce is growing. The wide transaction spectrum indicates that cryptocurrency payments are becoming more common for both everyday purchases and significant expenses. Our data shows that many customers use Luno Pay regularly for routine purchases and services.”
While Pick n Pay remains the flagship merchant partner, Luno Pay’s partnerships with payment providers, such as Zapper, have expanded to include popular retailers across diverse categories, including Dis-Chem, GeeWiz, and One Day Only. The partnerships enable crypto payments at restaurant chains like Spur, travel services through FlySafair, household retailers including Hirsch’s and Dial-a-Bed, and online retailers like Loot and YuppieChef.
Says de Wit, “Luno Pay was created so that Luno customers can use their crypto beyond investment. South Africans are clearly ready to embrace crypto payments for everyday transactions – an indication that cryptocurrency is evolving from a speculative asset to a practical payment method integrated into daily life.”
Customer loyalty remains exceptionally strong, with over 80% of Luno Pay users being repeat customers on a weekly basis.
“The consistent usage patterns we’re seeing indicate that crypto payments are moving beyond novelty,” adds de Wit. “We’re building the infrastructure for a future where cryptocurrency seamlessly integrates with traditional commerce, giving consumers choice and flexibility in how they pay.”
Luno Pay customers can now earn USDT rewards at any Zapper-enabled merchant, both in-store and online. Shoppers earn 10% instantly in their wallets when spending USDT and up to 5% when spending any other supported cryptocurrency.
Crypto payments through Luno Pay are processed by MoneyBadger, Zapper, Stitch and FiveWest, ensuring secure and efficient transaction processing across the growing merchant network.
Luno was rated the top cryptocurrency exchange in the latest Analytico survey of South Africa’s preferred technology brands, released in February 2025.
