The café on the corner that takes Bitcoin. The e-commerce store offering Ethereum checkout. The tech start-up that is paying part of its contractor invoices in USDT. A few years ago, these examples might have sounded like niche experiments. Now, they’re everyday headlines.

According to recent reports, thousands of Australian businesses are actively exploring crypto in 2025, from dabbling in digital payments to opening dedicated business crypto accounts. For some, it’s a strategy to reach new markets; for others, it’s about flexibility when traditional banking systems feel too slow or too expensive.

This movement isn’t confined to global brands. Local businesses across Australia are exploring how cryptocurrency might fit into their daily operations. From restaurants in Melbourne trialling payment gateways to regional suppliers exploring Bitcoin for cross-border transactions, the use cases are expanding fast.

But while the buzz is loud, the questions are practical:

• Can a business invest in crypto?
• Can I buy crypto from my business account?
• How does tax reporting work?

These are the questions business owners are asking as they weigh the potential against the risks and responsibilities.

Together, we’ll unpack how Australian businesses are adopting digital assets in 2025, what’s legal and compliant, and how to get started with a trusted crypto exchange for businesses.

Why Businesses Are Turning to Crypto in 2025

Expanding Payment Options

Australian businesses that jump on the crypto bandwagon find more than just a new payment method. They unlock access to customers beyond borders, without the usual currency conversion delays.

For a café, that might translate to global tourists tipping with BTC. For an online store, it means reaching customers who prefer digital wallets over Visa or PayPal. Crypto adds a modern edge that resonates with a generation native to mobile wallets and social finance.

Hedge Against Traditional Finance Pressures

Rising operational costs, bank delays and traditional finance limitations have spurred businesses to seek alternatives. Crypto transactions processed instantly may offer a flexibility that some bank transfers cannot match. They may reduce reliance on banking hours and can sometimes provide a hedge against inflation and foreign exchange volatility.

Data Snapshot: According to the 2025 Independent Reserve Cryptocurrency Index, almost a third of Australians currently own or have owned cryptocurrency, and 43% of Australians believe that people and businesses will widely accept crypto. Furthermore, nearly one-third of businesses are ready to or will soon adopt crypto payments. This data indicates a significant cultural shift toward the acceptance of digital assets in Australia.

If you’re new to digital assets check out our guide Why The World Needs Cryptocurrency.

Setting Up a Business Crypto Account in Australia

How Business Crypto Accounts Work

A business crypto account is designed specifically for companies rather than individuals. These accounts let a business buy, trade, and store digital assets under its registered ABN, which keeps activity separate from personal holdings.

With a business account, companies can:

• Access digital assets for payments or treasury management.
• Maintain records aligned with accounting and tax obligations.
• Operate directly through an exchange without relying on personal wallets.

In practice, they function much like a regular business bank account, but with a focus on cryptocurrency.

Interested in the tax implications of owning digital assets in Australia? Check out 11 things you NEED to know about crypto tax in Australia.

Step-by-Step Basics

Here’s how businesses in Australia can get started:

• Choose a regulated crypto exchange for businesses – Select an AUSTRAC-registered exchange that offers support for business entities, such as Digital Surge.
• Register under the business ABN – Verification involves providing company details, ABN, and identity checks for directors.
• Deposit AUD – Fund your account using local payment methods, such as PayID or bank transfer. This keeps transactions fast and compliant with Australian banking systems.
• Start trading or accepting crypto – Once the account is set up, businesses can explore digital assets, trade, or use the account to receive payments.

In summary: To set up a business crypto account in Australia, register with a regulated exchange, verify your ABN, and deposit AUD to start trading or accepting crypto.

Can Businesses Buy and Trade Crypto?

Common Scenarios

Australian businesses are starting to view cryptocurrency as more than just a topic of curiosity. Some are exploring it for:

• Treasury diversification – Holding a portion of company reserves in digital assets, similar to how some firms use foreign currencies.
• Payments management – Using crypto to settle international invoices or to simplify supplier payments.
• Market exposure – Trading smaller allocations to learn how digital assets perform alongside traditional holdings.

Key Considerations

Before a company buys or trades crypto, there are important factors to keep in mind:

• Tax and reporting – The ATO treats crypto as property, meaning businesses must record capital gains, losses, and income events. Accurate record-keeping is critical.
• Transaction tracking – Every buy, trade, or sale should be thoroughly documented to ensure alignment with compliance requirements and financial audits.
• Exchange selection – Using a regulated crypto exchange for businesses ensures compliance with AUSTRAC and offers tools designed for companies rather than individual traders.

Can a business invest in crypto?

Yes. Australian businesses can legally buy and hold cryptocurrency, provided they follow the ATO’s rules on reporting and maintain proper records.

Can I buy crypto from my business account?

Yes. By setting up a verified business crypto account, companies can purchase digital assets directly under their ABN, keeping business and personal holdings separate.

Accepting Crypto Payments as an Australian Business

Why Accept Crypto Payments?

For businesses, accepting crypto can mean faster and more flexible transactions. Payments can be transferred across borders in minutes, eliminating the need to wait for banks to clear funds. They’re also irreversible, which can reduce disputes linked to chargebacks.

On the customer side, crypto is increasingly seen as a modern option. Offering it at checkout signals that your business is forward-thinking, a trait that can be particularly appealing in e-commerce, tech, and services where competition is fierce.

How It Works in Practice

Accepting crypto payments is simpler than many expect:

• Payment gateways – Platforms like BitPay or CoinGate integrate directly with online checkouts, letting customers pay in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins.
• Exchange wallets – Some Australian exchanges, including Digital Surge, allow businesses to generate wallet addresses for payments.
• Instant conversion – To reduce exposure to price swings, funds can be automatically converted to AUD once the payment is received.

How to accept crypto payments as a business in Australia?

Register with a crypto exchange that supports business accounts. Set up a wallet address or integrate a payment gateway, then configure automatic conversion to AUD if you prefer to avoid volatility.

What businesses accept crypto?

Examples include convenience stores, petrol stations, cafés, online retailers, tech firms, and professional service providers. Adoption is growing among SMEs looking for new ways to attract digitally native customers.

Beyond Payments – Other Business Use Cases

Paying Employees in Crypto

Some businesses are exploring the option of paying part of salaries in crypto via approved salary sacrifice arrangements. This setup is considered a fringe benefit and is subject to the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). The crypto’s value needs to be measured at the moment of provision.

Without a valid salary sacrifice agreement, paying wages in crypto defaults to regular payroll treatment. Employers must manage PAYG withholding and superannuation based on the AUD value at the time of payment.

Global Supplier Payments in Crypto

Businesses can use cryptocurrency to simplify cross-border supplier payments. Crypto can eliminate intermediaries, settle transactions within minutes, and bypass traditional banking delays, making it especially handy when dealing with international partners.

Can businesses pay salaries in crypto?

Yes, but only under a properly structured salary sacrifice agreement, and it will be treated as a fringe benefit with applicable tax implications.

The Future of Crypto for Businesses in Australia

In 2025, cryptocurrency has moved well beyond the fringe. From retailers trialling checkout options to service providers testing payroll and suppliers streamlining cross-border payments, Australian businesses are discovering practical ways to integrate digital assets into their operations.

The opportunity is real, but so are the responsibilities. Success lies in choosing the right tools, keeping accurate records, and working with a regulated crypto exchange for businesses that understands Australia’s unique financial and compliance landscape.
If your business is ready to take the next step, the path is clear.

Set up your business crypto account with Digital Surge today and explore how 400+ digital assets can support your strategy in 2025.