I don't think the Internet is going down due to an economic downturn.

But...you should check out MaidSafe. They are building what you're talking about, a decentralized internet.

What are the options out there? I just got a WageCan debit card, but it's a bit disappointing. The exchange rate essentially cuts 4% into your balance. Plus, it stores the balance as USD, so it's not really clear to me how this is different than just withdrawing to your checking account and using a regular debit card when needed.

I've heard about ANX. Any thoughts on them?

Also, has Xapo made any indications as to their progress on releasing a debit card for US customers? What specifically is it with US laws/regulations that are making it harder for them to release in the US as opposed to anywhere else?

Thanks. Didn't realize setting up a Bitpay account was that quick.

Do any of the payment processors let you download their app and start taking BTC before registering, providing your info, etc.?

Of course, could just show them how it works with one of the basic consumer wallets, but if they eventually would be using a processor, I'd want to show them a Bitcoin transaction with what they'd be using.

Yea, I know they could use a paper wallet, but that may be too technical for a merchant just getting into Bitcoin. Plus, they most likely will want to convert to USD.

Do any of the payment processors offer low tech solutions such as paper wallets/QR codes that are tied to their account? I feel like having to either have a dedicated smartphone/tablet or using their personal phone/tablet may be a barrier for some stores.

Do any of the existing POS hardware solutions have Bitcoin payment capabilities that don't require displaying a QR code?

I'm talking about your typical local mom and pop type places (coffee shop, hair dresser, convenient store, dry cleaner, etc.). Let's say you ask if they take Bitcoin. You explain what it is and how they can save money off of transaction fees vs. credit cards. They're in.

Where do you point them to start taking Bitcoin? Coinbase and Bitpay are the two biggest payment processors I'm aware of. I could help them download a wallet on their own smart phone, but I think if they are going to accept Bitcoin for any customer, they'll probably want to use a payment processor.

What is the minimum amount of tech they'll need to get set up to accept BTC? A smart phone or tablet?

I'm assuming they make a good chunk of their money in BTC. If clients holding BTC means less sell pressure which results in higher BTC price, then that would benefit them. Generally, I think the payment processors want to encourage the growth of the ecosystem. More companies holding/using BTC, the better.

As far as I know, there aren't any incentives for companies that accept Bitcoin to hold that Bitcoin, other than speculation. The large majority of them probably just convert immediately back to fiat, putting sell pressure on BTC. Is there anything that the payment processors (BitPay, Coinbase, etc.) can do to incentivize the companies to hold some of the Bitcoin? Something like a reduced fee schedule if you hold X% of revenue in BTC. Ideas?