Merchant Services

Definition ∞ Merchant services encompass the financial and technical solutions that enable businesses to accept various forms of payment from customers, including credit cards, debit cards, and increasingly, digital currencies. These services typically involve payment processing, transaction settlement, and related support infrastructure. For digital assets, merchant services bridge the gap between cryptocurrency holders and traditional commerce, facilitating seamless transactions. They are essential for retail adoption of digital payments.
Context ∞ The expansion of merchant services to include digital currencies is a key factor in the mainstream adoption of crypto for everyday purchases. Providers are working to address challenges such as transaction speed, volatility conversion, and regulatory compliance to make digital asset payments as convenient as traditional methods. Innovations in this sector are vital for integrating cryptocurrencies into the global retail economy.