So, Bitcoin's not a currency because you can't buy a coffee at Starbucks with it, right? right? right?
BitPay never ceases to amaze.
Whether Bitcoin is a currency or not is another subject for debate.
Currently I can't buy a coffee at Starbucks with my GBP in America without first exchanging for USD. Although my GBP is considered a traditional currency, right? (When I travel to NY, prefer coffee from Dean&Deluca or Stumptown anyway)
![Smiley](https://bitcointalk.org/Smileys/default/smiley.gif)
Getting back on point, this Joint Venture will hopefully promote merchant adoption for businesses. Small/medium sized businesses will hopefully benefit by significantly reduced transaction/processing fees.
It does appear other European payment processors are also integrating Bitcoin too. Mollie/iDEAL are very popular gateways for EUR merchant transactions, they cater to over 10,000+ businesses and starting this week accept Bitcoin.
I personally feel promoting mass adoption will increase Bitcoin's intrinsic value as a technology, whether this will increase Bitcoin's price index, your guess is a good as anyone's (hope so)