Fintech startup Flexa launches ‘Tap-to-Pay’ crypto solution

Flexa, a leading provider of digital payments, has introduced Tap-to-Pay support for cryptocurrency transactions. Launched on February 28, 2025, it is the first ever platform to enable direct blockchain payments via NFC-enabled hardware-based wallets, such as Burner. As such, it requires no connection to the internet, no other mobile device, and no app. In other words, it’s much the same as tapping a bank card to a terminal, albeit with the ability to pay in crypto. Merchants, however, will need to use Flexa’s iPhone or Android app, although support is expected to eventually extend to offline payments.

This latest innovation puts Flexa at the forefront of mainstream crypto adoption across retail and other sectors. While merchants still need a Flexa-enabled point-of-sale (POS) system, the company already integrates with several major POS vendors, and its partner portfolio is only likely to grow.

Flexa uses the AMP token, which is designed for fast and secure payments with collateralization. This also allows merchants to receive payments instantly, even if it takes longer for the transaction to be finalized on the blockchain. However, every transaction is secured in real time using programmatic contracts that allow the instant settlement of payments before they’re finalized by the blockchain. Most importantly, it negates one of the biggest risks of crypto transactions – that being fraud.

Market implications of mainstreaming crypto in payments

Flexa’s latest innovation aligns with the broader trend of making crypto as seamless and accessible as traditional payment methods. Many early adopters in retail, e-commerce, and hospitality, are already testing the waters, but widespread adoption hinges on overcoming significant challenges.

Trust in crypto is by no means universal, and there’s no indication it will be in the foreseeable future. For fintechs and financial services companies, it’s vital to explore whether their customers are ready to use crypto for routine transactions or if further education and incentives are necessary to increase adoption.

There are also some important challenges to adoption, including concerns around volatility, regulatory risk, and trust. While Flexa has taken some groundbreaking steps to reduce fraud risk, concerns persist around lost or stolen wallets, unauthorized transactions, and various other user protections. However, it’s also important to note that even traditional payment processors, including major global players like Visa and MasterCard, are also exploring crypto payment options. As such, smaller fintechs face increasing pressure to keep up – while juggling regulatory compliance and infrastructure demands.