Can Bitcoin Truly Become a Global Currency?

[Dunamisx]

Already bitcoin is a global currency and nothing can stop it from maintaining this, people are seeing it as part of what they needed for their financial use, because they have the privilege of controlling all that is about bitcoin by themselves, also in addition, we all can attest to the increase in adoption, right from various institutions and governments, because they realize it's the future of finance.

[Baki202]

Do you think Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency, or will it stay more as an investment and store of value?

I think in the future, most countries might accept Bitcoin as an alternative payment for international trade, and all of that would be done legally. Currently, most people just hold Bitcoin, trading it as a store of value. Because of Bitcoin's value, its appeal right now is as an asset, but I am confident that in the future, there will certainly be great hope that Bitcoin will be used as a payment method accepted globally.

The truth i it might come to a point where people will accept it as their currency, and some countries have been accepting it as a legal tender, and it is not a bad thing at all, and it is a matter of choice, it is not compulsory at all, because when you look at some countries, the people that accept bitcoin as their legal tender do so as a matter of choice, because even if it was pronounced by the government, the citizen can decide not to accept it so it's individual acceptance.

Since most people accept bitcoin as an asset rather than as a currency, this is one of the major reasons why they might not feel that they should hold or trade rather than spend it, and this is because they will be looking at the value of bitcoin. So it is better for them to just hold, and for does that want to spend, they can go.  And for those that want to do anything, even if they want to experiment, it is their choice to make.

[macson]

Bitcoin has become a global currency because you can send and receive it anywhere you want. Although Bitcoin's use is restricted and even banned in some locations, that doesn't negate the fact that Bitcoin continues to operate regardless of national borders.

While many people consider Bitcoin's use to be limited due to its various weaknesses, I don't think this will be a significant barrier to its widespread acceptance as a currency. This is all temporary.

As Bitcoin's adoption increases and its stability increases, it's possible that it will be accepted in more places and used not only as a store of value but also as a means of everyday transactions.

[Kelvinid]

Reality is, we are  starting to utilize bitcoin now as a global currency, though the scope is still limited. But if this concern will be address in the next possible years, then we can totally use bitcoin wherever we are, to buy goods and services and use bitcoin just like fiat.

However, for bitcoin hodlers, I don't think this matter much on them. Its okay even if bitcoin will not turned one, because they don't have intentions on using bitcoin to purchase goods and services. Bitcoin is a real huge asset, so why spend it when we can make money out from a small amount of bitcoin? Let the fiat perform its role, while bitcoin remains a profitable investment.

[CroverNo01]

   
Since Bitcoin was created, many believed it could become a universally accepted currency—borderless, fast, and independent from governments. But in reality, can Bitcoin ever be used for everyday purchases? Issues like slow transaction fees, network congestion, volatility, and merchant adoption remain challenges today. While solutions like Lightning Network continue to improve speed and cost, there’s still a long way to go. Do you think Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency, or will it stay more as an investment and store of value?

Only time can tell if bitcoin will become a globally accepted currency but with the way more counties are accepting it, I hope it will be sooner than we ever expected but not withstanding that, most holders would secretly prefer bitcoin as a form of investment over a globally accepted currency or don't you think so ?

[qwertyup23]

One cannot deny the fact that bitcoin has slowly evolved and integrated into as a global currency. However, its widespread acceptance is still challenged as of today given that some countries still prohibit its usage and regulation.
Additionally, other countries have stringent regulation regarding its circulation which also defeats the purpose on why it is created in the first place.

Bitcoin will still remain and reign as the top cryptocurrency even in the far future due to its price and potential. I do hope that countries would start to accept it as another medium of payment channels due to the convenience it provides overall.

[X-ray]

   
Since Bitcoin was created, many believed it could become a universally accepted currency—borderless, fast, and independent from governments. But in reality, can Bitcoin ever be used for everyday purchases? Issues like slow transaction fees, network congestion, volatility, and merchant adoption remain challenges today. While solutions like Lightning Network continue to improve speed and cost, there’s still a long way to go. Do you think Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency, or will it stay more as an investment and store of value?

When you realize something like stripe has high processing fee and full of censorship and bitcoin can become a replacement for them and actually have become the replacement for quite a while for some platform that is kicked out by stripe.

Yes it could. The slow transaction isn't really slow, It's pretty fast if you compare it with some traditional choices. It's easy to use and as you said borderless. Volatility shouldn't be that much of a problem since bitcoin's volatility has been pretty low.

People who talk about volatility becoming main problem never really transact with bitcoin at all, I bet.

[Asuspawer09]

   
Since Bitcoin was created, many believed it could become a universally accepted currency—borderless, fast, and independent from governments. But in reality, can Bitcoin ever be used for everyday purchases? Issues like slow transaction fees, network congestion, volatility, and merchant adoption remain challenges today. While solutions like Lightning Network continue to improve speed and cost, there’s still a long way to go. Do you think Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency, or will it stay more as an investment and store of value?

I mean, I think it is a global currency right now, it is used globally as long  as you know what you are doing, you can buy and sell Bitcoin in the world unless there are some restriction on your country like if cryptocurrency in ban on your country, something like that, but overall, you could use Bitcoin as long as you know how to.

Still the only thing it is just not suitable to be something that is used for everyday purchase because it just has a lot of disadvantages comparing it to a fiat currency it just way too many hassle plus if you dont know anything about cryptocurrency or Bitcoin it is just difficult to trust it at first because it just have a bad image to begin with, on articles and news Bitcoin is always related to some illegal transactions or activities, I mean my parents know that im investing on it, when I told him that he should think of investing as well, the first thing in his mind is, it is a huge scam or something, most of the parents or old people doesnt really trust technology these days because it is just way too easy to get scam online, so they mostly stick to fiat money or cash only.

Personally I think Bitcoin is more suitable as a investment, it just not suitable to be a actual currency that we used everyday, maybe in the future with the improvements, but for now structure of it is just design to have limited supply that is going to make its price volatile which is going to be a problem when it comes to a currency.

[Rustam Meraj]

Bitcoin is seen as savings tool more than buying tool to buy groceries, but it is growing into two layer system in which main network stores wealth and the newer systems, such as Lightning Network, do smaller deals. Technical speed has increased, and nowadays thousands of shops have started using it, but most people simply keep their Bitcoin as way to guard against price rises instead of spending it, instead using stablecoin to do their day to day activities.

Even though it will not ever replace dollar in daily purchases of steady nations but Bitcoin has turned into important international tool for moving big amounts of cash across borders and protecting people in those areas where local money are losing value. So Bitcoin has already shown to be strong way of holding wealth, and at present step, even though it is stored in digital banks, it is already backup choice in case of breakdown of old money.

[Swordsoffreedom]

When you realize something like stripe has high processing fee and full of censorship and bitcoin can become a replacement for them and actually have become the replacement for quite a while for some platform that is kicked out by stripe.

Yes it could. The slow transaction isn't really slow, It's pretty fast if you compare it with some traditional choices. It's easy to use and as you said borderless. Volatility shouldn't be that much of a problem since bitcoin's volatility has been pretty low.

People who talk about volatility becoming main problem never really transact with bitcoin at all, I bet.

Is it true that Bitcoin's volatility is relatively low and that this is not a barrier to it becoming an alternative currency?

In previous bear markets, Bitcoin has been dumped by as much as 90%, 80%, and most recently, 75%, if I remember correctly. Or in March 2025, Trump's trade war caused Bitcoin to unexpectedly drop from $109k to $74k. Or more recently, its price plummeted from $126k to below $80 k in just two months, leaving many investor with no chance to take profits in time.

If this does not count as high volatility, it is hard to define what does.

My question is, do you frequently use Bitcoin instead of fiat in your daily transactions?

[SatyamGupta212]

To answer Some key stats to consider:

- 560M+ people worldwide own crypto (~6–7% of the global population)
- Bitcoin accounts for 60%+ of the entire market cap of the crypto market.
- Global crypto markets are in vicinity of ~$4 trillion in their all-time peak
- Price volatility of bitcoin is up to 10 times more than major world currencies

Adoption is strongest as store of value, not yet as unit of account. Bottom Line: Despite being widely available and gaining more mainstream adoption, the volatility associated with Bitcoin prevents it from being recognized as a global currency yet.

Explore how businesses are building the next generation of crypto products : https://blockchain.oodles.io/cryptocurrency-development-services/?utm_source=bitcointalks&utm_id=2444

[taufik123]

Is it true that Bitcoin's volatility is relatively low and that this is not a barrier to it becoming an alternative currency?

In previous bear markets, Bitcoin has been dumped by as much as 90%, 80%, and most recently, 75%, if I remember correctly. Or in March 2025, Trump's trade war caused Bitcoin to unexpectedly drop from $109k to $74k. Or more recently, its price plummeted from $126k to below $80 k in just two months, leaving many investor with no chance to take profits in time.

If this does not count as high volatility, it is hard to define what does.

My question is, do you frequently use Bitcoin instead of fiat in your daily transactions?

Such an understanding is said to be a mistake of thinking in understanding Bitcoin's volatility which should be relatively high
and even riskier than other currencies or other investment instruments.

This high volatility is also a barrier to Bitcoin becoming an alternative currency, and only a few countries have mass adoption,
but others have their own regulations by providing regulation as a commodity asset only.

Now no one is actually using Bitcoin as a fiat substitute currency on a daily basis,
even though it is provided with easier and more flexible payment gateway options.

It is also related to regulatory issues for some countries.
Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies are now more commonly used as commodity assets and as speculative digital currencies, with rapid price fluctuations.

[Iranus]

Do you think Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency, or will it stay more as an investment and store of value?

If your question is whether Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency like the USD. This mean it will be recognized and used by all government as the unit of currency in commercial transactions. I think we all know the answer: it is highly unlikely, or rather, almost impossible. Governments would never agree to let that happen.

However, Bitcoin has become a global currency, as some people have said. Because from the beginning it was designed to not require government permission or approval. And as long as we can freely use it whenever and wherever we want, it is already a global currency.

[LogitechMouse]

   
Since Bitcoin was created, many believed it could become a universally accepted currency—borderless, fast, and independent from governments. But in reality, can Bitcoin ever be used for everyday purchases? Issues like slow transaction fees, network congestion, volatility, and merchant adoption remain challenges today. While solutions like Lightning Network continue to improve speed and cost, there’s still a long way to go. Do you think Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency, or will it stay more as an investment and store of value?

Bitcoin can be a Global Currency. The problem is that, there are many people who will just prefer to accept those fiat currencies out there especially USD which is the current global currency that's dominant. Also, I don't think that the government will allow something like Bitcoin to be a global currency especially if it affects them. I mean if more people will accept Bitcoin instead of fiat money, they'll be affected negatively.

It can, but the question is, will there be people that's willing to accept it instead of fiat money? Bitcoin can be used for everyday purchases. The problem isn't the slow transaction speed since Bitcoin transaction is irreversible, so you just need to wait. The problem also isn't on the transaction because currently, the transaction fees on Bitcoin is way lower than where it was a few years ago. Volatility might be a problem, but it can go either way. The problem is if the merchants are willing to accept it.

That's the problem right now, and unfortunately, not many merchants are willing to accept Bitcoin hence, hindering it to become a global currency.

[FortuneFollower]

Do you think Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency, or will it stay more as an investment and store of value?

If your question is whether Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency like the USD. This mean it will be recognized and used by all government as the unit of currency in commercial transactions. I think we all know the answer: it is highly unlikely, or rather, almost impossible. Governments would never agree to let that happen.

However, Bitcoin has become a global currency, as some people have said. Because from the beginning it was designed to not require government permission or approval. And as long as we can freely use it whenever and wherever we want, it is already a global currency.

It will be used by those embracing the new era, era where you can have alternatives and be your own boss at least to some degree if you know the subject and the crypto space well.

Those lacking behind will be having more and more troubles staying out of the system.. And needing to give more to it with each year as the tech advances.

[Faisal2202]

Since Bitcoin was created, many believed it could become a universally accepted currency—borderless, fast, and independent from governments. But in reality, can Bitcoin ever be used for everyday purchases? Issues like slow transaction fees, network congestion, volatility, and merchant adoption remain challenges today. While solutions like Lightning Network continue to improve speed and cost, there’s still a long way to go. Do you think Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency, or will it stay more as an investment and store of value?

No it can't but why it is so important for you or anyone because for me It does not matter all it matter is the less involvement of the centralized authorities and more adoption by the world independently but what is happening or what we want to happen is to see, its adoption via the centralized bodies which truely not good in my sight.

But just for the sake to answer your question, I don't think it will become a universal currency but for the sake of abusing sanctions a lot of countries are not using it against the will of US haha. Maybe this will get on their nerves soon but they can't do a thing now about this.

[tbct_mt2]

If your question is whether Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency like the USD. This mean it will be recognized and used by all government as the unit of currency in commercial transactions. I think we all know the answer: it is highly unlikely, or rather, almost impossible. Governments would never agree to let that happen.

However, Bitcoin has become a global currency, as some people have said. Because from the beginning it was designed to not require government permission or approval. And as long as we can freely use it whenever and wherever we want, it is already a global currency.

Governments don't own and can not control Bitcoin blockchain or Bitcoin transaction confirmation so they will never use Bitcoin blockchain as their transaction mean at national scale. Like with trades between two national governments, they will not use Bitcoin blockchain and exceptions can be nations that are suffering massive sanctions globally. With limited available nations to trade with as well as bypassing sanctions, these nations can choose Bitcoin blockchain.

With other nations, without sanctions, they will try to use traditional payment systems or future ones for CBDCs. Bitcoin will not be on their tables for consideration, not yet choosing it as their payment method.

For general adoption globally, people can use Bitcoin blockchain legally in many nations and around the world especially with better adoption for Bitcoin over time.
https://newhedge.io/terminal/bitcoin/legality-map

[Dr.Bitcoin_Strange]

 Do you think Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency, or will it stay more as an investment and store of value?

It's already functioning  like that, just that it's not a legal tender in all states and country but with the way Bitcoin has gone mainstream and the way too many people are using Bitcoin, there's no reason not to believe that it is a global currency because when you say "global" It means you are referring to the world at large and for every country that is using the internet, there are still Bitcoin investors there who are trading bitcoin for a service that they want.

[henry_of_skalitz]

 Do you think Bitcoin will ever function as a global currency, or will it stay more as an investment and store of value?

It's already functioning  like that, just that it's not a legal tender in all states and country but with the way Bitcoin has gone mainstream and the way too many people are using Bitcoin, there's no reason not to believe that it is a global currency because when you say "global" It means you are referring to the world at large and for every country that is using the internet, there are still Bitcoin investors there who are trading bitcoin for a service that they want.

Finding use for your BTC is easy if you really want to.

The question becomes more about how to stack sats properly to do something with them