Bitinka, a Latin American Bitcoin exchange platform serving nine countries, has announced a significant expansion of its popular Bitcoin-based payment app Inkapay. Starting July 2017, Inkapay will integrate credit card payments and release new APIs for e-commerce merchants, followed by a dedicated mobile app in September.
Inkapay Expansion: Credit Cards and E-Commerce APIs
Founded in 2013, Bitinka currently enables Bitcoin trading in local fiat currencies for users in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Peru, Venezuela, and the United States. The Inkapay app has seen strong adoption as a simple way to send and receive Bitcoin for everyday transactions. The upcoming credit card integration will allow users to quickly top up their Bitcoin wallets without needing bank transfers, while the e-commerce APIs aim to streamline Bitcoin acceptance for online merchants, reducing friction for cross-border payments.
Explosive User Growth: 44% Monthly Increase
Roger Gabriel, founding partner of Bitinka, highlighted the platform's average monthly growth of 44% in 2017, far outpacing many global exchanges. “Our key advantage is that users can buy Bitcoin directly with their local currency, without worrying about international wire transfers,” Gabriel said. “We also have local offices and deep integrations with major banks in each country, which enhances our response capability and builds trust.” He emphasized that Inkapay's simplicity makes it ideal for remittances across the Americas, where high fees and slow bank transfers have long been pain points.
Global Ambitions: Targeting Asia, Oceania, and North America
Beyond Latin America, Bitinka has set its sights on expanded international presence. The company announced plans to enter markets in Asia, Oceania, and North America, while also deepening its Latin American footprint by entering Paraguay and Mexico. Bitinka's strategy hinges on its local-first approach: offering Bitcoin trading in native currencies and partnering with local banks to ensure regulatory compliance and user confidence.
Latin America as the Next Crypto Hotspot?
Latin America has long struggled with high inflation, currency devaluation, and limited banking access, making Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies an increasingly attractive alternative. Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil have seen surging Bitcoin trading volumes. By adding credit card funding and e-commerce tools, Bitinka aims to lower the barrier for both individual users and merchants to adopt Bitcoin payments. However, the regulatory landscape across the region remains fragmented, with some countries embracing crypto and others imposing strict controls. Bitinka's international expansion will require navigating these diverse legal frameworks.
Overall, Bitinka's aggressive expansion in 2017 positions it as a key player in Latin America's crypto economy. With Inkapay's enhanced features and a clear roadmap for global growth, the platform could help accelerate Bitcoin adoption in underserved markets.