Bitcoin or Ethereum: Which Will Dominate the Future of Finance?

When we talk about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, there's no doubt that they have revolutionized the financial world. But are they really ready to displace traditional currencies and dominate the future of finance? Let's look at some numbers that give us a more realistic view.

What percentage of online payments are made with cryptocurrencies?

Despite the growth and popularity of Bitcoin and Ethereum, cryptocurrencies still represent a very small percentage of total online payments. It is estimated that less than 3% of digital transactions are made using cryptocurrencies. Still, credit and debit card payments, as well as electronic transfers, continue to dominate the market. This indicates that, although cryptos are present, they have not yet gained a significant share compared to traditional methods.

How many people have credit cards in the world compared to cryptocurrency wallets?

Around 2.8 billion people have credit cards worldwide. In contrast, the number of people with cryptocurrency wallets is estimated at 420 million. The difference is significant, demonstrating that the use of cryptos, although growing, still has a long way to go to match the reach of credit cards or even traditional digital payment systems like PayPal.

How many businesses accept Bitcoin and Ethereum in your city?

It is likely that if you go out on the street and ask businesses if they accept Bitcoin or Ethereum, very few will answer affirmatively. Even in major cities, only a limited number of stores and businesses have adopted cryptocurrencies as a payment method. Although adoption is growing in some sectors, such as online commerce, in everyday life, cryptos are still far from being the norm.

Are cryptocurrencies really "eating" the pie of traditional currencies?

Although it cannot be denied that Bitcoin and Ethereum have brought a real financial revolution, saying that they are displacing traditional currencies may be somewhat optimistic. Cryptocurrencies are still largely seen as an investment option rather than a daily tool for common transactions. Additionally, their value volatility prevents them from becoming a stable payment method for most people.

Are cryptos here to stay?

It is a fact that cryptocurrencies have gained value and relevance in recent years. However, they are also subject to a high risk of volatility, regulatory changes, and technological uncertainty. Unlike gold, which continues to increase its value silently, cryptos still have to demonstrate that they can offer the stability and trust needed to compete with fiat currencies in the long term.

Bitcoin and Ethereum have great potential, but the idea that they are ready to dominate global finance is more of an ambitious dream than an imminent reality. There are still many challenges ahead, and although they are valid options as an investment method, it is unlikely that they will replace traditional currencies in the short term. In the end, we might be facing a scene worthy of the Pinky and the Brain cartoon, where the plan to "take over the world" remains a fantasy.