DUBAI, UAE — March 18, 2026
Executive Summary
Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced the launch of Yape QR payments on Bybit Pay in Bolivia. The integration enables users in Bolivia to make real-world payments using cryptocurrency through one of the country’s most widely used QR-based payment systems. The rollout allows users to complete transactions both online and at local merchants by scanning Yape QR codes, with crypto-to-fiat conversion handled seamlessly in the background.
The launch introduces a localized payment capability aligned with existing consumer behavior in Bolivia, where QR-based payments are widely adopted. Bybit stated that the integration is part of its broader effort to expand practical crypto payment solutions across Latin America. The company also confirmed the introduction of promotional incentives for users in Bolivia, including discounts and cashback rewards tied to Yape QR transactions. The initiative reflects Bybit’s ongoing focus on enabling real-world usage of digital assets through established payment networks.
Announcement Overview
Bybit has introduced Yape QR payment functionality within its Bybit Pay platform for users in Bolivia, enabling cryptocurrency-based transactions through a widely adopted local QR payment system. The integration allows users to utilize digital assets for everyday purchases while maintaining a familiar payment experience.
Through this rollout, Bolivia-based users can make payments by scanning Yape QR codes at participating merchants or during online transactions. The system is designed to automatically handle crypto conversion during the payment process, allowing users to transact without manually converting digital assets prior to payment.
Yape QR is described as a commonly used payment method among Bolivian consumers, supporting everyday transactions across a growing network of merchants. Bybit’s integration connects this established payment method with cryptocurrency functionality, allowing users to transact using digital assets within an existing financial ecosystem.
The launch was announced on March 18, 2026, and represents a localized deployment of Bybit Pay’s payment infrastructure in Latin America. According to the company, the feature is designed to facilitate secure and efficient transactions while maintaining compatibility with widely used payment systems in the region.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement Type: Product launch and QR payment integration
- Announcing Company: Bybit
- Exchange Positioning: World’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume
- Product Name: Bybit Pay
- Integrated Payment System: Yape QR
- Launch Date: March 18, 2026
- Dateline Location: Dubai, UAE
- Geographic Availability: Bolivia
- Deployment Scope: Nationwide availability where Yape QR is accepted
- Core Offering: Real-world crypto payments via QR code
- Transaction Types: Online transactions and in-person merchant payments
- Payment Method: QR code scanning using Yape QR interface
- Conversion Mechanism: Crypto conversion occurs automatically in the background
- User Interaction Model: Identical to standard QR payment flow
- System Objective: Connect digital assets with everyday spending
- Performance Design: Seamless, secure, and efficient QR transactions
- Integration Purpose: Enable real-world usage of cryptocurrency
User Incentives and Promotional Program
- Launch Campaign: Promotional rewards for Bolivia users
- New User Offer: 50 percent discount coupon on first Yape QR payment
- Existing User Offer: Cashback rewards on Yape QR transactions
- Cashback Range: 2 percent to 10 percent
- Eligibility Scope: Bolivia-based Bybit Pay users
- Conditions: Subject to applicable promotional terms
Yape Platform Data and Expansion
- Platform Name: Yape
- Primary Market: Peru
- Peru User Base: More than 15 million active users
- Bolivia Market Entry: 2023
- Bolivia User Base: More than 3 million users
- Merchant Coverage: Large network of affiliated merchants in Bolivia
- Combined User Base (Peru + Bolivia): More than 18 million users
- Adoption Position: One of the most widely used mobile payment apps in Bolivia
- Usage Role: Go-to payment method for everyday purchases
- Expansion Plan: Continued growth in Bolivia
- Long-Term Target: Reach approximately half of Bolivia’s population
Partnership and Ecosystem Participants
- Primary Integration Partner: Yape
- Additional Partner Referenced: Manteca
- Manteca Executive: Federico Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer
- Manteca Role: Partner enabling local payment methods at scale
- Integration Nature: Crypto payments embedded into existing QR payment rails
- Regional Focus: Latin America (LATAM)
- Strategic Direction: Expansion of crypto payment solutions across LATAM
- Operational Objective: Enable local payment methods for digital assets
Leadership Statements
- Bybit Executive: Patricio Mesri
- Role: Country Manager for Spanish-speaking LATAM at Bybit
- Statement Context: Launch of crypto payment solution integrated with Yape QR in Bolivia
- Manteca Executive: Federico Goldberg
- Role: Chief Executive Officer
- Statement Context: Integration of crypto payments into existing QR payment rails without changing user behavior
Bybit Pay Functional Scope
- Platform Role: Crypto payment solution within Bybit ecosystem
- Core Capability: Enable everyday transactions using digital assets
- Transaction Design: User-friendly payment experience
- Security Design: Maintains transaction security and efficiency
- Operational Model: Backend conversion with front-end QR simplicity
- Use Case: Real-world commerce and payments
Bybit Company Data
- Company Name: Bybit
- Founded: 2018
- Global Users: Over 80 million users
- Core Positioning: Cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 ecosystem participant
- Strategic Focus: Openness in decentralized finance
- Technology Focus: Web3 infrastructure and blockchain innovation
- Partnership Model: Strategic partnerships with blockchain protocols
- Core Capabilities:
- Secure custody
- Diverse marketplaces
- Intuitive user experience
- Advanced blockchain tools
- Ecosystem Objective: Bridge TradFi and DeFi
- Target Audience: Builders, creators, and users in Web3 ecosystem
Platform and Infrastructure Context
- Payment Innovation Focus: Localized payment integration
- Adoption Strategy: Align with existing user behavior
- Infrastructure Approach: Integrate crypto into existing payment rails
- User Experience Goal: No change in payment behavior required
- Regional Strategy: Expand real-world crypto usage in emerging markets
Strategic Intent
- Primary Objective: Enable real-world crypto payments
- Functional Goal: Extend utility of cryptocurrencies beyond trading
- Regional Objective: Expand adoption in Latin America
- User Objective: Provide practical value for everyday transactions
- System Objective: Integrate digital assets into daily commerce
- Behavioral Approach: Maintain existing payment habits
Social and Community Channels
Yape QR Integration and Payment Functionality
The integration of Yape QR into Bybit Pay enables users to conduct transactions using cryptocurrency through a process that mirrors existing QR-based payment behavior. Users can scan QR codes at participating merchants or within online checkout environments, similar to standard Yape payment flows.
According to the announcement, the system performs crypto conversion in the background, allowing users to complete payments without additional steps. This approach maintains consistency with established payment practices while incorporating cryptocurrency as a funding source.
Bybit Pay supports QR-based transactions designed to prioritize efficiency, security, and ease of use. The platform enables users to access payment functionality through a unified interface, allowing digital assets to be utilized for real-world transactions.
The integration is positioned as a method of connecting digital assets with everyday spending, leveraging existing payment infrastructure rather than introducing new user behaviors or workflows.
Promotional Offers for Bolivia Users
To support the launch of Yape QR payments, Bybit Pay has introduced promotional incentives for users in Bolivia.
- New users are eligible to receive a 50% discount coupon for their first Yape QR transaction.
- Existing users can receive cashback rewards ranging from 2% to 10% on Yape QR payments, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
The promotional structure is designed to encourage adoption of the new payment functionality while providing incentives for both new and existing users to engage with QR-based crypto payments.
Leadership Statements
Patricio Mesri, Country Manager for Spanish-speaking LATAM at Bybit, stated:
“We are among the first exchanges to launch a crypto payment solution integrated with Yape QR in Bolivia. By integrating crypto payments into a widely used QR system, we are enabling real-world usage while moving fast to deliver practical value for everyday transactions.”
Federico Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer of Manteca, stated:
“This launch demonstrates how crypto payments can integrate seamlessly into existing QR payment rails in LATAM, without changing user behavior. By enabling local payment methods at scale, we partner with Bybit to bring digital assets into everyday commerce.”
Yape Platform Presence and Market Reach
Yape is described as one of the most widely used digital wallet applications in Peru, with more than 15 million active users nationwide. The platform expanded into Bolivia in 2023, where it has grown to more than 3 million users and established a network of affiliated merchants.
Combined, Yape serves more than 18 million users across Peru and Bolivia. The company has indicated plans to continue expanding its presence in Bolivia, with a long-term objective of reaching approximately half of the country’s population.
The integration of Yape QR into Bybit Pay aligns with the platform’s existing user base and merchant network, allowing cryptocurrency payments to be introduced within an already established payment ecosystem.
Strategic Context: Expansion of Crypto Payments in Latin America
The rollout of Yape QR payments on Bybit Pay forms part of Bybit’s broader initiative to expand practical cryptocurrency payment solutions across Latin America. The company indicated that demand for accessible and real-world applications of digital assets continues to increase across the region.
By enabling QR-based payments through a widely adopted local platform, Bybit aligns its payment infrastructure with existing user behavior and payment preferences. The integration is structured to extend the utility of cryptocurrencies beyond trading activities into everyday transactions.
The company stated that Bybit Pay is designed as part of a broader ecosystem supporting secure and user-friendly crypto transactions. The introduction of localized payment methods reflects a focus on adapting global crypto infrastructure to regional payment systems and consumer usage patterns.
Bybit Pay Ecosystem and Payment Infrastructure
Bybit Pay operates as part of Bybit’s broader ecosystem, providing payment functionality designed for real-world use of digital assets. The platform supports transactions that integrate cryptocurrency with everyday financial activities, including merchant payments and online transactions.
The addition of Yape QR functionality represents a localized expansion of Bybit Pay’s capabilities, enabling the platform to interact with region-specific payment systems. According to the company, the system is designed to maintain security, efficiency, and usability while supporting diverse transaction environments.
The integration also reflects Bybit’s approach to enabling digital asset usage through established financial infrastructure, allowing users to access crypto payment capabilities within familiar payment frameworks.
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global user base of more than 80 million users. Founded in 2018, the company operates within the digital asset and blockchain ecosystem, focusing on creating an open and accessible environment for users.
Bybit provides a range of services that include trading platforms, custody solutions, and blockchain infrastructure. The company emphasizes its role in bridging traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi) by supporting the development and use of Web3 technologies.
With a focus on secure custody, diverse marketplaces, and user-centric design, Bybit partners with blockchain protocols and infrastructure providers to support innovation within the decentralized ecosystem. The company also offers tools and platforms designed to enable builders, developers, and users to engage with digital assets and blockchain-based applications.
Bybit continues to expand its ecosystem through initiatives that support real-world applications of cryptocurrency, including payment solutions such as Bybit Pay.
For more information, please visit Bybit.com.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit bybit.com.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement