Getting paid in cryptocurrency was once an idea reserved for Bitcoin believers and tech-savvy freelancers. But as digital assets become more embedded in mainstream finance, crypto payroll is shifting from an experiment to a legitimate alternative. More companies are looking for ways to integrate blockchain-based payments into their operations, and employees are increasingly interested in receiving salaries in Bitcoin, Ether, or stablecoins. For some, it’s about investing in assets they believe will appreciate. For others, it’s about avoiding expensive banking fees, navigating unstable local currencies, or simply embracing financial autonomy.
This shift is reflected in Bitwage’s latest achievement, with the company having processed over $400 million in crypto payroll. As one of the longest-running providers in the space, Bitwage has played a key role in helping businesses and workers transition away from traditional banking limitations. Whether it’s paying remote employees, freelancers, or entire teams, Bitwage offers a way to receive salaries without the delays, fees, and restrictions that come with conventional payment methods. Today, it serves over 4,500 businesses and 90,000 users across more than 100 countries, clear proof that crypto payroll is a working system with real-world impact.
This milestone comes at a time when Bitcoin has soared past $100,000, breaking a major psychological barrier and reigniting discussions about the future of finance. While price surges grab headlines, the real story is in how businesses and individuals are using Bitcoin beyond speculation. Payroll is one of the strongest examples of crypto’s growing utility, offering tangible benefits in an industry that has seen little innovation in decades.
Beyond its cumulative success, Bitwage has also expanded to include Consensys, the Ethereum-focused blockchain company behind MetaMask and other essential Web3 infrastructure. Given its deep roots in the crypto ecosystem, Consensys sought a payroll solution that reflected its decentralized values. Now, through Bitwage, the company is giving employees the option to receive part of their salary in Ether.
While Consensys’s decision to utilize crypto payroll is a natural evolution for the company, more broadly, it reflects a trend seeing crypto-native businesses increasingly looking to operate in the same financial ecosystem they help create, rather than relying on outdated payment systems that don’t align with their philosophy.
Bitwage’s expansion isn’t just about client growth. The company recently introduced a smarter invoicing system, streamlining how businesses and freelancers manage payments. Instead of navigating fragmented payment workflows, users can now see all invoice details on a single page, making it easier to track and allocate payments. ACH and wire transfers have also been consolidated, allowing businesses to use one set of account and routing numbers for smoother transactions.
For companies dealing with multiple currencies, Bitwage now offers virtual accounts in USD and EUR, making it easier to receive payments from clients, providers, or vendors through ACH or domestic wire transfers. These features don’t just make crypto payroll more efficient, they also lower the barriers for businesses that might otherwise hesitate to adopt it.
Bitwage is also catering to larger enterprises by integrating with Human Resources Information System (HRIS) platforms. This means companies can now sync payroll processes with their existing HR software, making crypto wages easier to implement at scale. Additionally, the company has introduced W2 crypto benefits enrollment periods, helping businesses structure payroll benefits using cryptocurrency while staying compliant with regulations.
Alongside these updates, Bitwage has undergone a full brand and website refresh, marking a new phase in its growth. The new look reflects its evolution from a startup experimenting with Bitcoin payments to an established leader in crypto payroll solutions.
With Bitcoin’s historic rally and the broader financial landscape shifting, Bitwage is proving that crypto payroll isn’t a passing trend. More companies are recognizing the benefits, whether it’s for cost savings, financial flexibility, or simply aligning with a decentralized philosophy. What was once considered an experiment is now a real, working alternative to traditional payroll, and Bitwage is leading the charge.