(The Epoch Times)—PayPal said on Sept. 15 that it has expanded its peer-to-peer payment service to include cryptocurrencies.
The announcement was part of the company’s introduction of PayPal Links, a way to send and receive money through a personalized, one-time link that can be shared in any conversation. The new Links feature expands upon the existing payments-through-link option, PayPal Me.
When crypto is added to PayPal’s new P2P payment flow in the app, American users will be able to send bitcoin, Ethereum, PYUSD, and more, to PayPal, Venmo, and other digital wallets across the world that support crypto and stablecoins, the company said.
Users in the UK, Italy, and other markets will be able to access the feature later this month.
To send money using PayPal Links, users can choose “Send and request money with a link,” after tapping on the Send/Request button in the app.
Once the details are entered and reviewed, the user can select “Create PayPal Link,” then click on “Share PayPal Link” to share the link.
To request payments, users can choose “Send and request money with a link,” enter the amount, and select “Request.” After reviewing, the user can select “Create PayPal Link” and share the link with the recipient.
Unclaimed links expire after 10 days.
Paying friends and family through Venmo and PayPal is exempt from 1099-K reporting.
“Users won’t receive tax forms for gifts, reimbursements, or splitting expenses, helping ensure that personal payments stay personal,” PayPal said.
Peer to Peer Payments
The P2P payment ecosystem is gaining in popularity. According to a market report from Pymnts, the trend is especially strong among consumers aged between 18 and 41, who utilize peer-to-peer apps to manage off- and online spending.
Besides PayPal, some of the most popular P2P apps in the United States include Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, and Apple Cash, according to an April 18 report from NerdWallet.
Sending and receiving money through apps can expose users to certain scams.
One common scam involves a user getting a text message purportedly from their bank asking for a payment authorization. When users respond “no,” scammers will call directly and claim an account breach or some other urgent issue, and ask users to verify their identity with personal and account information. These details give the impostors access to the victim’s P2P account.
Another scam involves a malicious actor claiming to have accidentally sent you overpayments and then asking for a refund. These payments are usually done with stolen credit cards, and if the refunds are given, the user will be left at a loss.
With the proliferation of payment apps, related scams are also on the rise.
If a person falls victim to such a scam, they can report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission and the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Nearly $1.93 billion was stolen in crypto-related crimes in the first half of 2025 alone, according to Kroll Cyber Threat Intelligence. This amount surpasses the whole of 2024.
Around 28 percent, or about 65 million people in the United States, own cryptocurrencies based on 2025 estimates from the Security.org website.
Approximately 67 percent of current crypto owners plan to buy even more this year, with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin among the top three most desired digital currencies.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.




