Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, XRP, and Ethereum have become increasingly popular over the past few years. They're also becoming an important part of our everyday lives. Here's everything you need to know about using cryptocurrencies to buy groceries, pay rent, and even travel.


### Exchange it for Gift Cards
If you want to spend your cryptocurrency, there are several ways to do so. You can exchange them for Gift Cards at places like ChiSpend by Chimoney, where you can use them to purchase items online or in stores. Or, you can sell it back to one of the exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, or Gemini or exchange it directly to a user in a process called P2P


### Sell it for Cash using peer-to-peer options
Another option is to sell it directly to another user. This is called P2P (peer-to-peer) exchange and it’s done by sending money to the address associated with the seller. Once the transaction has been completed, the buyer receives the coins and you receive cash. You can then spend the cash to pay your bills, buy food and groceries or spend on vacation and travel.


### Pay for goods and services using cryptocurrency.
If you’re looking to spend some of your cryptos, there are several ways to do so as mentioned above. Even though you can use an online wallet service like Coinbase, Circle, or Gemini, sometimes we want to directly pay for things with Crypto. And you can! You can buy goods and services through a website like [ChiSpend.com](https://chispend.com/). ChiSpend is a Super App that unleashes the utility of crypto and tokens.

ChiSpend allows users to instantly shop and spend from crypto wallets and apps. Our exclusive redeemable catalog includes 300+ worldwide gift cards, airtime, fashion & merch, and more.


### Convert back into fiat currency and mobile money
There are also a number of websites where you can convert cryptocurrency into traditional currencies like dollars, euros, and pounds and you can also convert crypto directly to offline payment systems like Airtime or Mobile Money in African countries.

**To convert Crypto to offline mobile money:**
- Go to [ChiSpend.com](https://chispend.com/)
- Select Airtime or Mobile Money
- Select your country
- Enter your Phone number
- Pay for Mobile Money or Airtime with Crypto like the XRP or Celo in your wallet


That's it!

Enjoy, spend crypto freely, and HODL.


Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have exploded in popularity over the last decade. But how can you pay with crypto? What are the options for spending crypto on food, bills, clothing, and other necessities?


How to Spend Crypto in 2022 and Beyond

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From the bustling streets of Nigeria to the heart of Canada's tech hubs, here's how Chimoney is set to change the financial world, backed by Techstars. 🚀🌟

I am excited to share that we're now backed by [Techstars](https://www.techstars.com/portfolio?q=chimoney), one of the world's most renowned startup accelerators!

But how did we get here? What are we doing right now? And where are we doing?

At the heart of every invention lies a story, often deeply personal and rooted in real-world challenges. My journey with Chimoney is no different. When I first conceived the idea of Chimoney, it was more than just another fintech venture. It was a vision - a dream to connect every payment network globally, ensuring seamless fund flow to anyone, anywhere, regardless of currency, country, or financial status. Today, as I sit down to write about this significant milestone in Chimoney's journey, I'm overwhelmed with a whirlwind of emotions, gratitude and excitement, and memories.

&nbsp;
## From Nigeria to Canada: A Dream, A Struggle

My journey into the world of fintech was not just a mere business endeavor. It was personal.  Growing up in Nigeria, I've seen the challenges people face when making cross-border transactions or simply trying to get paid for their hard work. The barriers, the delays, the fees - it seemed so unnecessarily complicated. 

Moving from Nigeria to the snowy landscapes of Canada was a decision fueled by dreams of a brighter future. The UofS promised a world of opportunities. But those dreams were soon clouded by the harsh realities of financial struggles, an outcome of government instability back home. Each day became a race against time, with the looming threat of unpaid tuition and a [jeopardized student visa status and deportation.](https://medium.com/@uchi/i-could-not-pay-my-tuition-and-i-almost-dropped-out-of-university-79fdb54414)

Yet, amidst this chaos, the dream persisted. Through sheer determination and countless hours of hard work, I not only graduated but went on to contribute to tech giants like Shopify, RBC, and IBM Canada. Success in the corporate world, however, didn't mean the end of my journey; it was just the beginning. Today marks the beginnings of another new beginning for Chimoney!

&nbsp;
## The Birth of Chimoney
Inspired by the zeal to give back and create a community to connect ambitious Africans to tech opportunities globally, I founded AfricaHacks, a platform nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship among African youth. But an all too familiar challenge resurfaced. Paying winners spread across Africa and in 10 other nations became a painstaking task, echoing the financial challenges I faced years ago.

This obstacle, ironically, became the inception of Chimoney. A platform designed not just as a business but as a solution to a problem millions face daily.

&nbsp;
## What Sets Chimoney Apart
In a world teeming with fintechs, what sets Chimoney apart? What sets Chimoney apart is not just its audacious vision but also its proven capability. Our system is designed to manage high-volume payouts across countries, geographies, and payment networks, ensuring businesses can trust us for their most demanding payment needs. Our unwavering commitment to creating a platform free from regulatory risks. Imagine a world where businesses could send money globally using just an email or phone number. A world where recipients, irrespective of where they are, can access their funds seamlessly, cashing out through banks, mobile money, airtime, crypto and more.

The global payments ecosystem is vast, with trillions flowing cross-border annually. As businesses expand their horizons and remote work embeds itself in our culture, the quest for straightforward, secure global payouts is more relevant than ever. Chimoney taps into this immense potential, offering a solution that's both innovative and intuitive.

Yet, every innovation comes with its set of challenges. In the fintech world, it's the intricate labyrinth of regulations and the ever-present foreign exchange risks. But, Chimoney turned these challenges into opportunities. By forging alliances with local entities globally, we ensure adherence to regional regulations, simultaneously leveraging local expertise to mitigate foreign exchange risks. This local-global approach ensures our users experience unparalleled convenience without the usual hassles.

Our vision goes beyond just transactions; we aim to seamlessly facilite the flow of funds, ensuring businesses can trust us as the ONE PLATFORM with their high-volume payout needs across all countries, geographies and payment networks with security, and compliance priortized.

**Today, Chimoney’s solutions are tailored for:**
- Global businesses trying to remunerate remote teams, contractors, affilaites and community members.
- Reward platforms aiming to simplify payouts and reward redemption.
- Gig economy platforms trying to streamline payments.
- And any business that values the power of truly global transactions.

With the global payouts market expanding rapidly, Chimoney offers an unmatched solution that promises not just social impact but a robust business model.

Are you a business looking to simplify your global payouts? [Discover how Chimoney can revolutionize your payment processes.](https://chimoney.io/blogs/on-building-a-network-of-payment-networks-at-chimoney)


[![Chimoney - Homepageimage_.png](/uploads/Chimoney_Homepageimage_3d7827b4b0.png)](http://chimoney.io/)

&nbsp;
## How Chimoney works

With Chimoney, anyone can [send bulk payouts](https://chimoney.io/payouts) to emails or phone numbers with just a few clicks. There's no need to collect complicated bank details. Whether you need to pay one person or a million people, we've got you covered.

The process is essentially the same, and our users can send bulk payments to a global audience, saving them a lot of time and headaches. Efficiency is at the core of what we do. We're here to streamline the process, eliminate the hurdles, and make financial transactions a breeze.

In a world where traditional banking systems can be slow, expensive, and exclusionary, Chimoney offers a refreshing alternative.

We also provide other fintechs with access to our Chimoney APIs, giving them a chance to scale without breaking the bank and supercharge their growth to effectively serve their markets. Our support for these startups allows them to access Chimoney’s partner perks and discounts, send global payouts, convert payments from multiple currencies, and cash out to bank accounts, mobile money, 300+ gift cards, and airtime in 15 currencies while earning profit – all this with our 24/7 dedicated support.

At Chimoney, we believe that by uplifting others, we have a greater chance to achieve our mission of unlocking economic opportunity for everyone.

&nbsp;
## Chimoney x Techstars: A Match Made in Startup Heaven

Our alignment with Techstars is a testament to our vision and the potential they see in Chimoney. Techstars is renowned for nurturing startups, providing mentorship, investment, and resources that propel startups to new heights of success. The program aligns seamlessly with our vision of simplifying global payments and fostering financial and economic empowerment.

As we embark on this new chapter, our commitment remains unwavering: to revolutionize global payouts, making them as simple as sending an email.


Our acceptance into Techstars Toronto is a validation of our vision and the impact we're making. We're excited to work with Techstars to accelerate our growth and further our mission of financial inclusion.


&nbsp;
### Why Techstars?

Techstars, with its proven track record of nurturing startups into industry-leading giants, resonated with our mission. Their faith in our vision is not just about funds; it's a testament to the potential they see in us. It's about collaboration, growth, and pioneering innovations. When you think of top companies emerging from accelerators, Techstars always makes the list, often debated alongside names like Y Combinator.

[![Uchi Uchibeke, Sunil Sharma at IDEA.jpeg](/uploads/Uchi_Uchibeke_Sunil_Sharma_at_IDEA_971ab730e0.jpeg)](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7082342164264878080?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop)
_Vinay Paramanand, City of Mississauga, Ontario, Sunil Sharma, Managing Director, Techstars Toronto with Uchi Uchibeke, CEO, Chimoney_

&nbsp;
## A Personal Note from Uchi

As I reflect on this significant milestone, I'm reminded of the African Proverb quote “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”. This journey, from conceptualizing Chimoney to now partnering with Techstars, has been filled with challenges and triumphs. But the consistent thread through it all has been the unwavering support from our users, our team, and believers in our vision. And we are constantly looking to collaborate and form strategic partnerships that align with our mission and propel us to new heights.

To our potential partners and clients, I invite you to experience the Chimoney difference. Let's redefine global payouts together.

And to our users, partners, and every individual who's been a cornerstone in our journey, a heartfelt thank you. The future of global payouts is here, and together, we're writing its story!

&nbsp;
## The Road Ahead

At Chimoney, we believe in a world without financial borders. With Techstars by our side, we're gearing up for rapid growth and innovation. We'll be diving deeper into research, refining our offerings, and expanding our reach. For our B2B clients, this means even more robust, reliable, and efficient global payout solutions. It's about ensuring that no matter where your team or clients are, Chimoney has got you covered.

We are also actively exploring strategic collaborations to accelerate our trajectory and make global payouts even more accessible.

&nbsp;
## Connect with Chimoney?

- Want to stay connected with all the updates and news from Chimoney?
- You can join the [Chimoney community](https://discord.gg/Q3peDrPG95) and subscribe to our [monthly newsletter](https://chimoney.substack.com/). 
- You can also connect with us on social via our [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/chimoney/) and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/home) pages.


Experience the future of payments - [Book a demo Now](https://chimoney.io/payouts?book_a_demo=1)!

---


Chimoney's partnership with Techstars marks a turning point in global payments, working towards economic empowerment for all. Discover how we're simplifying finance and fostering inclusion.

Techstars backs Chimoney to Revolutionize Global Payouts

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## Introduction
Welcome to the next chapter of Chimoney's journey! We're excited to announce a groundbreaking collaboration that's set to redefine the landscape of global payouts. [Chimoney has partnered with Corpay](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/chimoney-corpay-collaborate-revolutionize-global-140000393.html), a FLEETCOR® brand  and global leader in business payments.

## Exploring the Partnership:
At Chimoney, we've always been on a mission to connect payment systems worldwide. This partnership with Corpay amplifies that mission. Imagine a world where all cross-border transactions are as easy as sending an email or text message. Bringing that level of ease to everyone is what this collaboration is all about.

## Benefits for Chimoney Users:

Through this partnership, Chimoney users will enjoy: 
- Access to Corpay's Cross-Border solutions. 
- Access to more cash out options and [payouts to bank accounts in the 130+ countries](https://chimoney.io/payouts).

Those are just a few of the immediate benefits this partnership will bring to our users, more impactful improvements are being worked on as we speak. Watch this space!

## Insights from the Partnership:
“Corpay is very pleased to announce our commercial partnership with Chimoney. I have no doubt that Chimoney’s customer base can benefit greatly from our specialized service and access to our comprehensive cross-border payments and currency risk management solutions.” said Frank Mannarino, Vice President and head of Channels and alliances, at Corpay Cross-Border Solutions. “The team at Corpay is excited to build long-term business partnerships with customers and power their international payments, help them execute their plans to manage their currency risk, and support their growth internationally.”

For us at Chimoney, this collaboration is more than just a business partnership; it's a commitment to supporting the growth of of clients on an international scale. 

Our vision at Chimoney is clear: [To connect all payment networks globally](https://chimoney.io/blogs/on-building-a-network-of-payment-networks-at-chimoney), enabling people everywhere to get paid with minimal complexity. This partnership ensures compliance with local regulations and leverages Corpay's expertise to manage foreign exchange risks, reducing complexities for our users and corporate clients.

Our Founder and CEO, Uchi Uchibeke also expressed his enthusiasm at what the partnership can bring, saying: “This collaboration with Corpay amplifies our vision of creating seamless access to more payout options and countries. With Corpay’s expertise and platform, we are poised to offer our customers access to a more expansive and efficient payout ecosystem. This is not just a partnership; it’s a synergy where innovation meets scale. For businesses and partners, it’s clear: Chimoney is setting new standards in fintech, constantly pushing boundaries, and striving for excellence".

## Our Final Thoughts:
This collaboration is a significant step in alignment with our commitment to financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and a frictionless payout experience. We're not just partnering with Corpay; we're creating a synergy where innovation meets scale for the greater good of the world.

## Let's work Together
The Chimoney team is ever ready to keep innovating and shaping the future of global payouts. [Book a demo with us now to see how we can help facilitate seamless payments for your business!](https://chimoney.io/book-a-demo)


Learn about the biggest news in the world of global payouts, Chimoney's groundbreaking collaboration with Corpay. Uncover how this partnership enhances cross-border payment solutions, offering users unparalleled flexibility. Join us on this journey where innovation meets scale, setting new standards in fintech.

Innovation Meets Scale: Chimoney Forges An Impactful Partnership With Corpay

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Cross-border remittances remains one of fintech's most persistent challenges as traditional payment infrastructure creates unnecessary friction in building truly global applications. 

[Chimoney and Interledger](https://chimoney.io/blogs/chimoney-and-interledger-expanding-global-financial-access/) partnered in an effort to solve the three main challenges faced in cross-border transfers; high cost, slow processing and lack of transparency. Let's dive into how the integration of Chimoney with Interledger Protocol (ILP) solves these challenges.

## Understanding the Cross-Border Challenge
The technical complexities of [cross-border payments extend far beyond simple currency conversion](https://chimoney.io/blogs/chimoney-s-guide-to-navigating-cross-border-payments-and-global-expansion/). Each region has its own payment rails, compliance requirements, and preferred payment methods. Building direct integrations with each system is impractical for most development teams, yet using traditional banking rails means accepting high fees and slow settlement times.

## The Power of Chimoney + ILP Integration
What makes the Chimoney-ILP combination particularly powerful is how it abstracts complexities while maintaining flexibility. Through a single integration with Chimoney's API, developers can access services like P2P wallet transfers, powered by the Interledger Protocol (ILP) and enabled through payment pointers.

The technical implementation leverages ILP's packet switching for value transfer, similar to how the internet routes data packets. By integrating Interledger’s open payments API, [Rafiki](https://rafiki.dev/overview/concepts/interledger/), Chimoney enables the issuing of payment pointers and the transfer of value from one payment pointer to another without the traditional complexities associated with cross-network transactions, such as intermediary fees or delays.

## Core Technical Capabilities

From an implementation standpoint, you get:
- [Payment pointers](https://chimoney.io/usecases/interledger-issue-payment-pointers/) for simplified addressing (think email addresses for payments)
- [Transfer of value](https://chimoney.io/usecases/interledger-receive-and-send-payments/) between payment pointers.

## Real Use Cases
Integrating Chimoney’s Interledger Protocol (ILP) enabled solutions opens up numerous possibilities across various sectors. Here, we will explore two detailed use cases: building a freelance marketplace and creating an emergency aid distribution system for NGOs.

### Use Case 1: Freelance Marketplace
![Interledger blog 2.png](/uploads/Interledger_blog_2_1a2c3f2038.png)

Chimoney's API can significantly streamline payment processes in a freelance marketplace. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how this integration works:

**Step 1: Multi-Currency Wallet Setup**

_Create Wallets_: Set up Chimoney multi-currency wallets (USD, CAD, NGN) for both freelancers and payers. This allows transactions in various currencies, accommodating users from different regions.

**Step 2: Issue Payment Pointers**

_Generate Payment Pointers_: Create unique payment pointers for both the freelancer and the payer. These pointers serve as simplified addresses for sending and receiving payments, similar to email addresses.

**Step 3: Payment Flow**

_Task Completion_: Once the freelancer completes a task, they notify the payer that the work is done.

_Initiate Payment_: The payer sends payment directly to the freelancer’s wallet by transferring funds from their own payment pointer to the freelancer’s payment pointer.

### Use Case 2: Emergency Aid Distribution System for NGOs
![Interledger blog 3.png](/uploads/Interledger_blog_3_1ff38a5725.png)

Another application of Chimoney's ILP integration is in the development of an emergency aid distribution system for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). 

Here’s how it can be structured:

**Step 1: Multi-Currency Wallet Creation**

_Set Up Separate Wallets_: Create distinct multi-currency wallets for different aid programs within the NGO. This organization helps track funds allocated to various initiatives.

**Step 2: Issue Payment Pointers**

_Generate Payment Pointers for Beneficiaries and the Organization_: Both the organization and each beneficiary are assigned unique payment pointers linked to their respective wallet accounts. These payment pointers allow for easy identification and tracking of aid distribution.

**Step 3: Instant Value Transfer**

_Disbursement of Funds_: When aid is ready to be distributed, the NGO can instantly transfer value from its program-specific wallets to the beneficiaries' wallets using their respective payment pointers.

## Chimoney App Case Study
![Interledger blog 4.png](/uploads/Interledger_blog_4_271645dd76.png)

[The Chimoney App](https://chimoney.app/), powered by the Interledger Protocol (ILP), is transforming peer-to-peer payments for Canadians by eliminating the need for traditional banking intermediaries. When users create an account, they are assigned a unique Interledger Payment Pointer, which acts as a simplified identifier for direct money transfers. 

The ILP integration ensures secure and compliant transactions while simplifying the payment process with its interoperable infrastructure. 

To discover more about the Chimoney App and its features, click [here](https://chimoney.app/blog/chimoney-app-transforming-how-canadians-achieve-financial-freedom).

## Future Developments
An exciting upcoming development is Chimoney’s integration of Web Monetization, which, still building on the foundation of the Interledger Protocol (ILP) , transforms the way value is transferred online allowing websites and applications to stream payments in real time. 

Leveraging this technology, Chimoney aims to make monetization more accessible, seamless, and inclusive for creators, developers, and businesses globally.

Through the integration of Web Monetization with Chimoney, users can:
- **Earn Micro-Payments in Real Time**: Websites and platforms can stream payments directly to creators via Chimoney Payment Pointers, bypassing the need for traditional ad-based revenue models.

- **Enable Inclusive and Global Monetization**: With Chimoney’s multi-currency wallets and global reach, value can be transferred across borders efficiently, breaking down geographical and financial barriers.

- **Enhance Engagement and Transparency**: By rewarding users instantly for actions like engaging with content, completing tasks, or contributing to open-source projects, Chimoney enables a frictionless, privacy-respecting monetization model.

## Conclusion
The combination of Chimoney and ILP represents a significant step forward in making cross-border value transfer accessible to companies and developers alike. 
Ready to start implementing? Check out the [Chimoney API documentation](https://chimoney.readme.io/reference/post_v0-2-accounts-issue-wallet-address). The future of cross-border payments is being built one integration at a time!


Learn how Chimoney and Interledger are revolutionizing cross-border remittances through low-cost, fast, and transparent payment solutions for global transactions.

Building the Future of Cross-Border Remittances with Chimoney and Interledger

Chimoney is your gateway to efficient cross-border payments, multi-currency wallets, and global payouts. Experience secure, real-time transactions across 130+ countries with our scalable API solutions.

How to Spend Crypto in 2022 and Beyond

Exchange it for Gift Cards

Sell it for Cash using peer-to-peer options

Pay for goods and services using cryptocurrency.

Convert back into fiat currency and mobile money

Check out these other posts

Techstars backs Chimoney to Revolutionize Global Payouts

Innovation Meets Scale: Chimoney Forges An Impactful Partnership With Corpay

Building the Future of Cross-Border Remittances with Chimoney and Interledger