Solana News Today: Crypto Holiday Shopping Surges Thanks to Passive Earnings and Incentives

More Americans are opting to use cryptocurrencies for their holiday purchases, moving away from conventional gift cards and adopting digital asset-based financial solutions. This shift is being propelled by advancements such as crypto-enabled credit cards, blockchain-based rewards, and attractive staking returns, all of which are transforming how people manage their holiday budgets.

Gemini, the cryptocurrency platform established by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has rolled out a Solana-branded credit card that lets customers earn up to 4% back in tokens on their purchases, with the added benefit of automatic staking . Issued by WebBank and part of Gemini’s collaboration, the card is designed for everyday expenses like fuel, EV charging, and ride-hailing services. By connecting spending with staking rewards, Gemini seeks to turn holiday shopping into a source of passive income, a move that fits with Solana’s reputation as a fast-growing blockchain network.

At the same time, Bitget, recognized as the largest Universal Exchange (UEX) globally, has introduced a Black Friday event

on spot-grid trades, along with a prize pool totaling 50,000 USDT. Running until December 1, this campaign motivates users to try automated trading bots that take advantage of market swings, a strategy especially relevant during the busy holiday shopping period. Bitget’s structured rewards—from 100 USDT coupons for newcomers to airdrops based on trading volume—demonstrate how crypto companies are tapping into seasonal trends to boost user engagement.

The trend is also spreading to more traditional financial services. PayPal, now the official digital payments partner of Liverpool FC, is

to give fans incentives for purchases made on match days. This partnership, PayPal’s first with a Premier League team, highlights the increasing overlap between established finance and blockchain-driven rewards. Additionally, PayPal’s move into online gaming through BetWhale—a real-money casino that accepts PayPal—further shows its role in connecting digital assets with mainstream payment systems.

The growing use of crypto during the holidays mirrors larger shifts in the market. As Bitcoin has dropped 33% from its all-time high, investors are exploring alternatives like staking and token-based rewards.

identifies (LINK) as a foundational element for tokenized finance, highlighting its importance in linking blockchain networks with real-world information. While not directly related to holiday spending, these advancements illustrate crypto’s growing practical uses beyond just trading.

For both shoppers and merchants, this evolution points to a more mature market where crypto is becoming a mainstream financial tool rather than a niche interest. As companies like Gemini and Bitget enhance their offerings and major players like Grayscale support crypto infrastructure, this holiday season could be a pivotal moment for broader adoption.