PayPal Just Made Sending Money Frictionless—And Brought Crypto Into the Mix

PayPal’s latest move could reshape how Gen Z handles P2P payments. The platform just rolled out PayPal Links—a one-time payment link you can share via text or email. No more fumbling with apps or account numbers. Create it, share it, it auto-expires in 10 days if unclaimed. Dead simple.

But here’s the real plot twist: Crypto is coming to your PayPal wallet. U.S. users will soon send Bitcoin, Ethereum, and PYUSD directly through P2P, straight to other PayPal users, Venmo, or any crypto-compatible wallet globally. This isn’t just a feature—it’s PayPal betting big on bridging traditional finance and Web3.

The Numbers Tell the Story

PayPal’s P2P business is already printing money. Q2 showed 10% YoY growth in total payment volume, and Venmo hit its fastest growth in three years. The company’s clearly capturing the younger demographic’s attention, and now it’s loading the arsenal with crypto interoperability.

Why This Matters

For users: No more friction. Payment follows the conversation. One link, one tap, done.

For PayPal: This is the playbook to keep Venmo competitive and lock in a generation that’s already comfortable with digital assets. By making crypto native to P2P transfers, they’re not just following the trend—they’re attempting to own the future of how friends split bills.

The tax angle: Friends-and-family transfers still skip 1099-K reporting, so gift-splitting remains tax-friendly. PayPal’s protecting the casual use case while opening the crypto floodgates.

Expect full rollout to UK and Italy later this month. Stock up 0.26% at $67.07 on the news—market’s cautiously optimistic.