PayPal’s Crypto Hub and PYUSD Launch
The introduction of PayPal’s Crypto Hub and the launch of its stablecoin, PYUSD, mark a significant development in the cryptocurrency landscape.
On August 7, California-based fintech firm PayPal rolled out its new crypto center, providing users with the capability to engage in various crypto-related activities.
More specifically, account holders on PayPal can participate in activities such as buying, selling, transferring, and receiving various cryptocurrency assets, including the recently introduced PayPal stablecoin, PYUSD.
The company asserts that its stablecoin, pegged at a 1:1 ratio to the US dollar, is backed by secure assets like short-term treasuries and cash reserves, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability in the inherently volatile cryptocurrency market.
We covered an article on PYUSD here.
Subsequently, PayPal has introduced a new feature allowing users to own and interact with Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies within their accounts.
This new feature, called the Cryptocurrencies Hub, not only enables users to hold balances in different cryptocurrencies but also facilitates their participation in transactions using these digital assets.
Through access to the Cryptocurrencies Hub, PayPal account holders gain the ability to perform activities such as buying, selling, receiving, and sending cryptocurrencies.
Moreover, they have the flexibility to use the proceeds from cryptocurrency sales to make purchases via PayPal.
It’s worth noting that while users will maintain a balance within their Cryptocurrencies Hub, they won’t directly own the digital assets themselves.
Instead, custody, trading, and transfer functions for these cryptocurrencies will be managed by Paxos or other duly authorized service providers.
“Your use of the Cryptocurrencies Hub may depend on you having a personal PayPal account and a Balance Account in good standing, and us verifying the required identifying information you provide to us. You can only use your Cryptocurrencies Hub as part of your Balance Account by accessing it through your personal PayPal account,” the company said.
Additionally, users are required to provide essential identifying details for verification, including their name, residential address, date of birth, and taxpayer identification number.
PayPal has seamlessly linked the Cryptocurrencies Hub to users’ individual accounts, using the same login credentials for both access points.
When users initially attempt to use the Cryptocurrencies Hub, they are required to undergo an identification process.
“For some uses of your Cryptocurrencies Hub, we may request that you provide a picture of your face or other biometric information for identity verification purposes,” PayPal stated.
The company emphasized that ensuring the security and management of their account credentials, passwords, and other identification codes is the responsibility of users.
PayPal advised users to ensure the accuracy and currency of their personal details, such as physical address, mailing address, and email address, within their PayPal profile.