Why small businesses should pay attention to USDT: A stable crypto option for a volatile world

Money

Cryptocurrency has long been associated with high-risk investing, price volatility, and tech-savvy early adopters. But in 2025, the crypto landscape is maturing—and so are the opportunities for small business owners. One of the most compelling developments? The rise of stablecoins like Tether (USDT), which are pegged to traditional currencies like the US dollar and designed to offer the benefits of crypto without the turbulence.

Whether you’re a solopreneur, e-commerce store owner, or brick-and-mortar retailer, understanding how USDT works—and how you can safely buy, hold, and use it—could help you cut costs, streamline cross-border payments, and offer more flexible payment options to customers.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is USDT and how does it work?

USDT (Tether) is a type of stablecoin, meaning its value is tied 1:1 to the US dollar. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, USDT is designed to maintain a stable value over time. It operates on several blockchain networks, including Ethereum (as an ERC-20 token), and offers fast, transparent, and global transactions.

The stability of USDT makes it particularly attractive to small businesses that want to:

  • Avoid currency risk when doing international business.
  • Move funds quickly between wallets or exchanges without waiting days for bank transfers.
  • Hedge against local currency devaluation (especially in countries facing inflation).
  • Provide customers with more payment options, especially in tech-forward or crypto-savvy markets.

Why small businesses are embracing stablecoins

While large corporations have the resources to experiment with cutting-edge financial tools, small businesses typically take a more cautious approach. But that’s changing. As crypto infrastructure becomes more secure and regulations begin to clarify, many small business owners are exploring USDT as a way to future-proof their finances.

Here are a few reasons why.

1. Lower Transaction Fees

Traditional payment processors can charge anywhere from 2.5% to 4% per transaction. With USDT, peer-to-peer transactions can be completed with minimal fees, especially when conducted on blockchains like Tron (TRC-20), which offers low-cost transfers.

2. Fast Settlements

Bank wires and international transfers can take days to settle. USDT transactions typically clear in minutes, allowing faster access to working capital—a major advantage for small business owners managing tight cash flow.

3. Global Accessibility

USDT can be used or accepted anywhere in the world, making it ideal for freelancers, e-commerce entrepreneurs, or service providers who deal with international clients and want to avoid foreign exchange fees.

Use cases: How small businesses are using USDT

Cross-Border Freelance Payments

A growing number of freelancers and consultants are invoicing clients in USDT to get paid faster and avoid delays from international wire transfers or PayPal fees.

Inventory Payments

Some small retailers and e-commerce store owners are beginning to pay overseas suppliers with USDT, eliminating the need for currency conversions and wire transfer delays.

Crypto-Friendly Customer Payments

Businesses that sell digital products, memberships, or online courses are starting to accept crypto—including stablecoins like USDT—as a payment option to reach tech-savvy or international customers.

How to safely buy USDT for your business

If you’re interested in using USDT as part of your small business strategy, the first step is acquiring it safely and securely. There are several options: centralized exchanges like Coinbase or Binance, peer-to-peer platforms, or even crypto ATMs.

For those located in Southern California, you can buy USDT in Los Angeles quickly, securely, and privately through Hermes Bitcoin’s network of crypto ATMs. This method allows you to purchase USDT with cash, giving you full control over your crypto assets without the lengthy KYC delays of centralized exchanges.

Hermes Bitcoin ATMs offer a fast, secure, and user-friendly option for small business owners who want to enter the crypto space without the complexity of online platforms.

Security tips for handling USDT

While stablecoins are less volatile than traditional cryptocurrencies, managing your digital assets still requires care. Here are a few security best practices for small businesses using USDT:

  • Use a secure wallet: Hardware wallets or reputable mobile wallets that support USDT (such as Trust Wallet or Ledger) are recommended for storing funds safely.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): On any exchange or wallet app you use, always enable 2FA to protect against unauthorized access.
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing crypto platforms or transferring funds.
  • Keep private keys and seed phrases safe and never share them with anyone.

Legal and tax considerations

Before integrating crypto into your business operations, it’s essential to consult with an accountant or tax advisor who understands digital assets. In the U.S., USDT is treated as property for tax purposes, which means any sale or exchange (including using it for purchases) may trigger capital gains or losses.

Additionally, if you’re receiving USDT as payment from customers, it should be reported as business income at the fair market value at the time of receipt.

Many small businesses now use crypto-friendly accounting tools like CoinLedger or Koinly to track transactions and generate tax reports automatically.

Is now the right time?

In 2025, the momentum behind stablecoins and digital payments is undeniable. While not every small business needs to dive headfirst into crypto, those that educate themselves and experiment wisely stand to gain a competitive edge.

If you’re already accepting PayPal or Zelle, exploring USDT is a natural next step. You may not replace your traditional banking systems overnight, but offering a flexible, fast, and modern payment option could attract a new segment of customers and reduce payment friction globally.

Stablecoins like USDT are a practical tool 

Stablecoins like USDT are more than a passing trend—they’re becoming a practical tool for business transactions, cross-border commerce, and financial resilience. For small businesses, this means lower fees, faster settlements, and more control over your funds.

As always, due diligence is key. Start small, consult with your financial advisor, and consider leveraging local resources—like crypto ATMs or payment services—to make your entry into the world of stablecoins smoother and safer.

Whether you’re managing a freelance consultancy or running an online store, understanding and using USDT could help you future-proof your business in a digital economy that’s evolving faster than ever.