Market
Crypto takes flight – Growing number of travelers favoring crypto cards over travel money cards
- Crypto cards offer lower fees, stability, and exclusive discounts for travelers.
- Many crypto cards also provide rewards, cashback, and enhanced security for global travelers.
- The Mountain Wolf crypto card features a secure multi-currency wallet and instant payments.
A growing number of travelers are favoring cryptocurrency cards over traditional travel money cards, according to new trend data, with these growing crypto adoption rates driven in large part by travelers under the age of 35.
With the allure of lower transaction fees, enhanced security, and exclusive discounts, crypto cards are increasingly revolutionizing how people manage their finances both at home and abroad.
In this article, we delve into the benefits of using crypto cards for travel and highlight the rise of platforms like Mountain Wolf, which are leading the charge in this digital payment transformation.
The rise of crypto cards in travel
As technology evolves, traveling in 2024 has become increasingly digital, and cryptocurrency is at the forefront of this shift.
Traditional travel money cards, while still popular, are losing ground to the more innovative and cost-effective crypto cards.
In fact, Google Trends data reveals that demand for crypto cards surpassed demand for currency cards for the first time ever in the spring and summer of 2021, and that trend could be set to recur in the upcoming summer vacation period.
One of the primary reasons for this shift is the significant reduction in transaction fees. Traditional credit and debit cards often incur high fees and unfavorable exchange rates when used abroad.
In contrast, cryptocurrency operates on a decentralized system with much lower transaction fees. For instance, Bitcoin and Ethereum transactions generally have lower fees compared to international credit card transactions, making them a more economical choice for travelers.
Moreover, crypto cards offer protection against currency fluctuations, a feature particularly appealing in regions with volatile currencies.
By using stablecoins like USDT or USDC, travelers can avoid the risks associated with sudden exchange rate changes, ensuring better control over their travel budget. This stability is a significant advantage over traditional travel money cards, which are subject to the whims of the foreign exchange market.
Another compelling reason for the growing preference for crypto cards is the exclusive discounts offered by many travel agencies and service providers. Platforms like Travala, a blockchain-based travel booking service, provide discounts on hotels, flights, and activities when paid with cryptocurrencies.
For example, using Travala’s native cryptocurrency (AVA) can grant an additional 3% discount on bookings. Such incentives and the increasing number of crypto cards make crypto cards an attractive option for savvy travelers looking to maximize their savings.
Mountain Wolf’s crypto card among the most preferred by travelers
Amid the rise of the use of cryptocurrency cards in traveling, Mountain Wolf is among the crypto platforms leading the charge in integrating cryptocurrency into travel. Their crypto card stands out for its multi-currency wallet, which securely houses both FIAT and crypto assets.
This feature alone offers unparalleled convenience for travelers who no longer need to juggle multiple cards or worry about currency conversions.
The Mountain Wolf crypto card allows for seamless digital payments worldwide, including payrolls, e-commerce, and ATM withdrawals. A unique feature, “Send-Wolf,” ensures instant payments between Mountain Wolf accounts, streamlining the transaction process.
Furthermore, for those keen on trading, Mountain Wolf provides a user-friendly crypto exchange with competitive rates and swift execution, further enhancing the travel experience.
In addition to lower transaction fees, Mountain Wolf’s crypto card offers various payment options, including SEPA, SWIFT, and Vouchers, providing flexibility for its users. The platform is also committed to expanding its portfolio of currencies, products, and services, continually enhancing its value proposition.
Security is another cornerstone of Mountain Wolf’s offering. The platform employs powerful identity verification systems, gold-standard wallet custody, blockchain analytics, and multi-layer security, ensuring users’ assets and data remain protected. This level of security and transparency reduces the risk of fraud and hidden charges, providing travelers with peace of mind.
Conclusion
The growing acceptance of cryptocurrency worldwide further underscores the benefits of using crypto cards for travel.
As of 2023, travelers from the USA made 103.4 million outbound visits, with the UK welcoming 4.6 million American travelers according to market research done by VisitBritain. These travelers spent a total of £6 billion, with an average spend of £1,300 per person.
With such significant travel activity, the cost-saving advantages of crypto cards become even more apparent.
Crypto cards also offer rewards programs and cashback on travel-related expenses including purchases and travel bookings, which can be redeemed for future travel expenses. This added benefit makes crypto cards not only practical but also a financially rewarding choice for modern travelers.
In a nutshell, with the growing acceptance and technological advancements, crypto cards are set to become the preferred choice for travel payments, marking a significant shift in how we manage our finances on the go.
Market
Polymarket Faces Ban in France as US Election Betting Ends
According to a report from The Big Whale, the National Gaming Authority (ANJ), France’s gambling regulator, is preparing to block the prediction markets platform Polymarket.
Polymarket, the decentralized platform that allows users to bet on the outcome of political events, sports, and other occurrences using cryptocurrency, has gained popularity in recent months, especially with bets surrounding the US presidential election. More than $3.2 billion was reportedly wagered on the platform during this high-stakes period, with a record-breaking $294 million in volume on November 5 alone.
France Users May No Longer Access Polymarket
According to The Big Whale, a French website that covers the crypto industry, the ANJ’s impending ban comes after a French trader placed a $30 million bet on a Trump victory, reportedly attracting the regulator’s scrutiny.
The trader’s wager positioned him to make approximately $19 million in profits, a sum that has intensified concerns over Polymarket’s compliance with French gambling laws. A source close to the ANJ stated that despite Polymarket’s use of blockchain and cryptocurrency, its activities are akin to gambling, making it subject to restrictions under French law.
“We are aware of this site and we are currently examining its operation as well as its compliance with French gambling legislation,” The Big Whale reported, citing an ANJ spokesperson.
Read more: What is Polymarket? A Guide to The Popular Prediction Market
Legal expert William O’Rorke from ORWL Avocats explained that although Polymarket does not specifically target French users, its activities fall squarely under gambling regulations.
“Polymarket involves betting money on uncertain outcomes, which aligns with the legal definition of gambling,” O’Rorke noted.
Against this backdrop, the ANJ is well within its mandate to block the platform’s access in France. Accordingly, the French regulator may enforce the ban by blocking Polymarket’s domain name in France. It amy also pressure third-party players, like media outlets and online directories, to limit access to Polymarket links.
However, French users may still circumvent this by using virtual private networks (VPNs). This is because Polymarket’s crypto-based infrastructure allows for relatively anonymous participation.
France’s looming ban is not the first regulatory roadblock Polymarket has encountered. In 2022, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) fined Polymarket $1.4 million for failing to register as a designated contract market. The CFTC also challenged Kalshi’s operations due to questions about betting on political events.
Polymarket’s Fate After US Elections
Meanwhile, the US election was a significant catalyst for Polymarket. It drove the platform to new heights in user engagement and bet volume. Polymarket’s election-related markets have been featured on major financial platforms, including Bloomberg, highlighting the platform’s appeal to mainstream finance.
As BeInCrypto reported, Polymarket’s election betting topped $3 billion, reflecting unprecedented participation. The platform, however, faces a crossroads in its path forward. Following the climax of the US election on Wednesday, data from Dune Analytics shows a steep decline in Polymarket’s activity.
Daily active addresses and transaction volumes, which soared in the election lead-up, have notably dwindled as election-related betting winds down. For instance, Polymarket’s open interest, a key indicator of active betting engagement, dropped from $350 million to $268 million after the polls closed. Similarly, monthly new accounts have also dropped by over 41% between October and November.
Against this backdrop, Polymarket may need to diversify its market offerings or potentially embrace a new model to maintain user interest. This is considering election-related activity comprised the majority of the prediction market’s volume.
Rumors are circulating about a potential move toward a decentralized governance token, which could distribute control over Polymarket’s operations to its community. This shift would reduce the liability of the central authority by decentralizing decision-making, though it remains theoretical, with no clear timeline.
Read More: How To Use Polymarket In The United States: Step-by-Step Guide
Polymarket’s fast ascent and regulatory challenges highlight broader industry tensions between innovation and compliance. With election predictions no longer a draw and an impending ban in France, Polymarket’s future remains uncertain.
Its long-term viability may depend on how well it adapts to evolving regulatory landscapes and whether it can maintain popularity beyond election season peaks.
Disclaimer
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Market
XRP Price Ready to Rally? Signs Point to a Bullish Move
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Market
Solana (SOL) Rallies Strongly, Setting Sights on $200
Solana started a fresh increase above the $172 support zone. SOL price is rising and might soon aim for a move toward the $200 level.
- SOL price started a fresh increase after it settled above the $165 level against the US Dollar.
- The price is now trading above $172 and the 100-hourly simple moving average.
- There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance at $162 on the hourly chart of the SOL/USD pair (data source from Kraken).
- The pair could continue to rise if it clears the $192 resistance zone.
Solana Price Starts Fresh Rally
Solana price formed a support base and started a fresh increase above the $162 level like Bitcoin and Ethereum. There was a strong move above the $165 and $172 resistance levels.
There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance at $162 on the hourly chart of the SOL/USD pair. The price even cleared the $185 level. A high is formed at $192 and the price is now consolidating gains. It is trading above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $155 swing low to the $192 high.
Solana is now trading above $172 and the 100-hourly simple moving average. On the upside, the price is facing resistance near the $192 level. The next major resistance is near the $195 level.
The main resistance could be $200. A successful close above the $200 resistance level could set the pace for another steady increase. The next key resistance is $212. Any more gains might send the price toward the $220 level.
Another Dip in SOL?
If SOL fails to rise above the $192 resistance, it could start a downside correction. Initial support on the downside is near the $188 level. The first major support is near the $180 level.
A break below the $180 level might send the price toward the $172 zone or the 50% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $155 swing low to the $192 high. If there is a close below the $172 support, the price could decline toward the $165 support in the near term.
Technical Indicators
Hourly MACD – The MACD for SOL/USD is gaining pace in the bullish zone.
Hourly Hours RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for SOL/USD is above the 50 level.
Major Support Levels – $188 and $185.
Major Resistance Levels – $192 and $200.
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