Once considered a niche asset for early adopters, Bitcoin’s latest surge has reinforced its place as a legitimate store of value and a financial tool reshaping global economies. With the price shattering the $100,000 barrier, more companies are integrating crypt into their business models, and not just as an investment but as a fundamental part of their financial infrastructure.
Amidst this rise in crypto adoption, Bitwage, a leading crypto payroll provider, just announced a major milestone of processing over $400 million in cryptocurrency payroll to workers in over 100 countries. Founded over a decade ago by Jonathan Chester and John Lindsay, Bitwage was the first company entirely dedicated to crypto payroll solutions. Its vision was clear from the start, to create a payroll system that eliminates reliance on traditional banks while providing global workers with faster, cheaper, and more secure ways to get paid.
Crypto Payroll Gains Momentum
Traditional payroll systems are often fraught with inefficiencies, particularly for freelancers, remote workers, and international employees who rely on cross-border payments. Bitwage has positioned itself as a solution to these inefficiencies by offering an alternative payroll system that enables salaries to be paid in Bitcoin, stablecoins, and other cryptocurrencies. The result? Faster transactions, lower costs, and greater financial autonomy for workers worldwide.
With over 4,500 businesses and 90,000 users relying on its platform, Bitwage is proving that crypto payroll is a viable alternative to outdated payment systems. Whether companies are paying employees partially in crypto or fully transitioning to digital assets, the demand for flexible payroll options is increasing as more workers seek greater control over how they receive their earnings.
Bitwage Expands with Consensys Partnership
As part of its ongoing growth, Bitwage has added Consensys, a major blockchain and Web3 software firm, to its client portfolio. Consensys, known for developing Ethereum-based solutions and products like MetaMask, was looking for a payroll solution that aligned with its decentralized ethos. By partnering with Bitwage, the company now offers employees the option to receive part of their salaries in Ether, a natural fit for a firm deeply involved in the Ethereum ecosystem.
For Consensys, this shift represents a broader evolution of corporate structures within the Web3 space. Decentralization, autonomy, and trustless financial systems are core principles of blockchain technology, and integrating crypto payroll reflects those ideals.
Bitwage Rolls Out New Features and a Rebrand
Beyond its growing client base, Bitwage is enhancing its platform with new features designed to streamline payroll processes and make crypto payments more accessible. Recent upgrades include:
- Smarter Invoicing & Client Management: Users can now view detailed invoice information on a single page, making it easier to track and allocate payments.
- Consolidated ACH and Wire Transfers: Companies can now use a single set of account and routing numbers for both ACH and wire transactions, simplifying payroll administration.
- Virtual Accounts in USD and EUR: Businesses can now receive payments from clients, providers, or vendors via ACH or domestic wire transfers.
- Employee ID Integration with HRIS Systems: Syncing payroll with Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) ensures smoother onboarding and payroll management for companies.
- Enrollment Periods for W2 Crypto Benefits: Employers can now offer structured payroll benefits using cryptocurrency, making it easier for traditional companies to introduce crypto payments without overhauling their systems.
In addition to these functional updates, Bitwage has undergone a complete brand and website refresh, marking its transition from an emerging startup to an established leader in the crypto payroll space.
Crypto’s Growing Role in the Future of Payroll
Bitwage’s growth signals a broader shift in the global workforce, where digital assets are increasingly seen as legitimate financial tools rather than speculative investments. With Bitcoin crossing the $100,000 mark and businesses integrating blockchain solutions into their operations, the adoption of crypto payroll is poised to accelerate.
The ability to receive wages in Bitcoin, Ether, or stablecoins is novel, but it’s also a financial strategy that helps employees protect their earnings from inflation, avoid excessive banking fees, and gain greater control over their money. As demand for crypto payroll solutions continues to rise, companies like Bitwage are proving that the future of work isn’t just remote and digital — it’s decentralized.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.