Bitcoin News Today: Square Aims to Make Bitcoin as Common as Cash for Small Businesses

Square, a payment platform under Block Inc., has launched Square Bitcoin, an integrated solution enabling U.S. merchants to accept, convert, and manage Bitcoin payments directly within their existing Square ecosystem. The service, announced on October 8, 2025, includes three core features: Bitcoin Payments, Bitcoin Conversions, and a native Bitcoin Wallet. Merchants can now accept Bitcoin at checkout with zero processing fees until the end of 2026, with a 1% fee scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027Square Brings Bitcoin to Main Street with First Integrated …^[1]. The Bitcoin Payments feature will become available on November 10, 2025, while Bitcoin Conversions and the Wallet are already accessible to eligible U.S. sellers, excluding those in New York StateSquare Launches Bitcoin Payments for Merchants | Coin Insider^[2].

The initiative aims to simplify Bitcoin adoption for small businesses by integrating cryptocurrency tools into the same platform they use for traditional transactions. Bitcoin Conversions allows merchants to automatically allocate up to 50% of their daily card sales into Bitcoin, fostering portfolio diversification without requiring technical expertise. Since its beta launch in 2024, participating sellers have accumulated 142 BitcoinSquare Brings Bitcoin to Main Street with First Integrated …^[1]. The Bitcoin Wallet, embedded within the Square Dashboard, enables users to buy, sell, hold, or withdraw Bitcoin alongside their fiat transactions, streamlining financial managementSquare Launches 0% Fee Bitcoin Payments Program - Yahoo …^[3].

Square's move aligns with broader industry trends, as U.S. crypto payment users are projected to grow by 82% between 2024 and 2026, according to eMarketerSquare Brings Bitcoin to Main Street with First Integrated …^[1]. The zero-fee promotional period is designed to reduce barriers for early adoption, particularly for businesses unfamiliar with cryptocurrency. Miles Suter, Head of Bitcoin Product at Block, emphasized the service's role in bridging traditional commerce and digital assets, stating that Square aims to make Bitcoin "everyday money" rather than just a speculative assetSquare Unleashes 0% Fee Bitcoin Payments, Sending Block Stock …^[4].

The launch reflects Block's long-term commitment to Bitcoin innovation, building on existing initiatives like Cash App's trading features, Bitkey's self-custody wallet, and Proto's mining solutions. Block Inc. currently holds 8,692 Bitcoin on its balance sheet, positioning it as the 13th-largest public Bitcoin holderSquare Launches Bitcoin Payment Service for US Merchants^[5]. The company's strategy also includes funding open-source projects through its Spiral division, which aims to enhance Bitcoin's utility as a tool for economic empowermentSquare Brings Bitcoin to Main Street with First Integrated …^[1].

Regulatory considerations remain a key factor in the rollout. Square Bitcoin is unavailable to New York-based sellers due to state-specific restrictions, and international expansion has not yet been announcedSquare Brings Bitcoin to Main Street with First Integrated …^[1]. The service's availability is subject to regulatory approvals, and transactions are irreversible, requiring careful verification before completionSquare Brings Bitcoin to Main Street with First Integrated …^[1]. Despite these constraints, the initiative underscores growing corporate support for crypto adoption, with competitors like PayPal and Stripe also expanding their digital asset offeringsSquare’s Bitcoin Checkout Goes Live – No Fees Until 2027^[6].

Market reactions have been positive, with Block's stock rising 2.5% following the announcementSquare’s Bitcoin Checkout Goes Live – No Fees Until 2027^[6]. Analysts suggest that Square's integration could accelerate Bitcoin's acceptance in everyday commerce by reducing friction for both merchants and consumers. However, challenges such as price volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and the need for merchant education remain critical hurdles. Square's emphasis on user-friendly design and seamless integration may help mitigate these risks, positioning it as a key player in the evolving crypto payments landscapeSquare Launches 0% Fee Bitcoin Payments Program - Yahoo …^[3].