Singapore

Grab S’pore users can now pay using crypto such as Bitcoin & Ether

Crypto payment via Grab now available for users in Singapore

Grab Singapore users can now pay for the app’s services with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether.

The rollout of the payment option took place on 12 March, according to financial firm Triple-A.

Grab Singapore users can now pay with crypto

The Straits Times (ST) reported that Grab users came across a new payment option available in their GrabPay Wallet, allowing them to pay via five cryptocurrencies.

Source: CNBC

The cryptocurrencies are as follows:

  • Bitcoin
  • Ether
  • StraitsX’s Singapore dollar-backed stablecoin XSGD
  • US dollar-backed stablecoin USDC, managed by global payments firm Circle
  • Stablecoin Tether, known as USDT

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies with their values pegged to another reference asset, be it a currency or commodity. They usually have their values tied to the US dollar on a one-to-one basis.

Source: Bloomberg via Reuters

Speaking to ST, Triple-A said the rollout of the cryptocurrency top-ups in GrabPay Wallet took place on 12 March.

“From arranging deliveries to booking rides or paying for coffee at their nearest shop, digital currency owners in Singapore can now use digital currencies for everyday transactions,” the company explained.

Plans to enable crypto payment began last year

In September, Grab told ST about its focus on testing the issue of programmable money and its uses in Singapore.

The firm had collaborated with Circle at the time to test a blockchain-based wallet holding digital assets through a pilot.

According to ST, sources said in late 2023 that Grab was planning for the application of a a digital payment token licence from Singapore’s regulator.

 

Other firms have also partnered with Triple-A to enable their users to use cryptocurrency payment.

AXS was one of them, having announced that users can use cryptocurrency payment via its mobile app back in January.

Companies such as iStudio, Farfetch, and Charles and Keith have also collaborated with Triple-A to enable such payment.

Grab monitoring user adoption

In response to MS News’ queries, a Grab spokesperson confirmed the partnership enabling users to top up their GrabPay Wallet via Digital Payment Tokens.

The spokesperson said: “This new feature provides users with added flexibility and convenience as it allows them to convert their digital assets, such as stablecoins, into usable funds in their GrabPay Wallets. By expanding the top-up options to include Digital Payment Tokens, Grab is providing users with a seamless and efficient way to access the company’s wide range of services.”

The feature is presently available in Singapore, where Grab will continue monitoring user adoption and respond to demand for such services.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from CNBC and André François McKenzie on Unsplash.

Sudeshna Dhar

Sudeshna is a lover of all romcoms, especially Gone Girl (2014).

Recent Posts

Caregiver apologises for livestreaming medical procedures on TikTok, patient has accepted apology: Agency

The caregiver in the video is not an employee of Aseana Caregivers, it said.

20 Dec 2024, 1:41 am

Teen injured in Thailand accident asks for his lost shoes, says they were gift from girlfriend

Rescue personnel successfully found the shoes before sending him to the hospital.

19 Dec 2024, 6:03 pm

Huat ah! Yishun coffeeshop uncle wins S$8,888 from lucky Tiger Beer bottlecap

Crack open a cold one for a chance to win up to S$88,888.

19 Dec 2024, 5:50 pm

Crocodile kills woman in Indonesia after she dips her feet in water, drags her body under

Locals chucked dead chickens at the croc to get it to free the woman.

19 Dec 2024, 5:12 pm

Idol in China falls into coma due to lung cancer, father seeks financial support on social media

The same illness took his mother's life six years ago.

19 Dec 2024, 4:58 pm

Man in India swallows live chick in alleged ritual to have child, dies from suffocation

Locals believe the man was in contact with an occultist due to his struggle with…

19 Dec 2024, 4:46 pm