KuCoin Pay and Umy Enable Crypto Payments for Travel Bookings

KuCoin Pay, the payment arm of cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin, has partnered with Umy, a Web3-focused travel and lifestyle platform, to integrate cryptocurrency into travel booking services. The collaboration enables users to pay for flights, hotel stays, and lifestyle services using over 50 digital assets, including BTC, USDT, and USDC, bypassing the need for traditional banking systems or currency conversion [1]. This marks a significant step in expanding the utility of crypto beyond digital trading and into real-world applications such as travel and hospitality.

Kumiko Ho, Head of Payment Business at KuCoin, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the company’s mission to bridge cryptocurrency with everyday life. She noted that the partnership empowers users to leverage their digital assets for tangible experiences, enhancing freedom and convenience in global travel [2]. Alex Lee, CEO of Umy, echoed this sentiment, stating that the integration represents a pivotal moment in making decentralized technologies more practical and accessible in the travel sector [3].

To promote the initiative, the two companies have launched a time-limited offer: users can receive $20 off for every $200 spent on travel services booked via Umy through September 1, 2025. This incentive aims to encourage early adoption and raise awareness of crypto-based payments in the travel space [4].

The partnership highlights the broader trend of fintech and travel platforms exploring blockchain technology to reduce transaction friction and improve cross-border payment efficiency. KuCoin Pay, which previously expanded crypto usage in e-commerce and peer-to-peer transactions, now enters the travel sector with a platform that supports multi-chain payments [5]. This move could particularly resonate with younger, tech-savvy travelers who are more receptive to using digital currencies in their daily lives [1].

The collaboration also removes a key barrier to crypto adoption by allowing direct use of digital assets for travel bookings without the need to convert to fiat. This could benefit users in markets with limited access to traditional banking services [2]. While crypto payments remain a niche in the travel booking market, this initiative reflects growing confidence in the technology’s potential to streamline transactions and reduce reliance on intermediaries [4].

As the travel and fintech sectors continue to converge, the integration of crypto-based payments represents a strategic step toward normalizing digital assets as a mainstream transaction method. With further innovation and collaboration, the travel industry may see a shift toward more flexible, borderless, and efficient service models driven by blockchain technology [5].

Source:

[1] https://cryptodaily.co.uk/2025/08/kucoin-pay-teams-up-with-umy-to-bring-crypto-to-the-travel-sector

[2] https://www.kucoin.com/news/flash/kucoin-pay-and-umy-partner-for-crypto-travel-with-exclusive-offers-starting-august-18-2025

[3] https://investorshangout.com/kucoin-pay-and-umy-revolutionizing-travel-payments-with-crypto-364278-/

[4] https://investorshangout.com/faraday-futures-bold-1-billion-crypto-initiative-explained-364325-/

[5] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/financial-services-latest-news/cryptocurrency-list/