Crypto payments have developed significantly, but everyday purchases still largely rely on traditional cards, bank transfers and mobile payment systems. For crypto to become a genuine alternative, transactions need to be fast, affordable, reliable and easy enough for someone who doesn’t understand blockchain technology. Stablecoins and payment-focused networks could potentially make this easier, particularly for international transactions. However, volatility, merchant acceptance, regulations and user experience remain important challenges. If crypto payments become almost invisible to the user while working behind a normal payment interface then could they eventually compete directly with cards and digital wallets?