[buboard]

> Be using a service which accepts crypto.

This one is really the only valid reason, otherwise you're not comparing apples-to-apples.

You (most probably) did have to go (physically) to a bank and prove your identity and your credit record in order to maintain any credit card. And it takes days to wire money to your bank account. If anything crypto exchanges are trivially easy to use in comparison and you can convert one (usable) cryptocoin to another much faster and easier than any bank will allow you.

Price fluctuations are a problem, but not if you keep your main balance in a stablecoin and only convert at the time of purchase. And a crypto wallet doesnt grow in physical no matter how many different coins you store in it.

In reality, if cryptocurrencies weren't actively being fought by governments and banks, they would have conquered the world in no time because they are so damn easier to use and secure.

[psv1]

> You (most probably) did have to go (physically) to a bank and prove your identity and your credit record in order to maintain any credit card.

Didn't have to go there physically. And this is done once while with crypto exchanges you need to sign up for multiple ones because the quality and coins they offer vary so much.

> And it takes days to wire money to your bank account.

In the UK I can transfer money through my phone app (or online banking if I prefer) to any other UK bank account and the transfer is instant and completely free. Cryptocurrencies can't compete with banks that have their shit together when it comes to convenience.

[buboard]

> because the quality and coins

a popular exchange like binance offers hundreds of coins and certainly all of the major ones, and probably more than any bank can offer. If you need one that is not in their list then you must be looking at a very weird merchant. i agree that crypto wallets are still cumbersome to use for average users, but finding and signing up to exchanges is easy.

> I can transfer money through my phone app (or online banking if I prefer) to any other UK bank account

does it work equally fast and cheap when you send money to japan or australia?

[psv1]

> does it work equally fast and cheap when you send money to japan or australia?

Of course not. Not that I've ever had to do that in my entire adult life.

> a popular exchange like binance offers hundreds of coins and certainly all of the major ones, and probably more than any bank can offer. If you need one that is not in their list then you must be looking at a very weird merchant.

Decentralisation at its finest.