In a landmark move for Hong Kong’s telecommunications and digital finance sectors, 3 Hong Kong has become the first local telco to accept cryptocurrency payments for monthly phone bills, mobile devices, and value-added services. Starting immediately, customers can use Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) to make purchases online via the FTX Pay system — a cryptocurrency payment solution powered by FTX US — with zero transaction fees and no minimum spending requirement.
This integration marks a significant step toward mainstream adoption of digital assets in everyday consumer transactions, positioning 3 Hong Kong at the forefront of fintech innovation in Asia.
👉 Discover how easy it is to use crypto for real-world purchases today.
Seamless Crypto Payments Across Online and Retail Channels
The new payment option is currently available on 3 Hong Kong’s e-commerce platform, 3Mall, allowing users to pay for:
- Monthly mobile service plans
- New smartphones and devices
- Data top-ups and international roaming packages
- Subscription-based digital services
Transactions are processed through FTX Pay, which enables users to send and receive supported cryptocurrencies directly from their digital wallets. While the initial rollout is online-only, the service is expected to expand to physical 3 Hong Kong retail stores by mid-April, offering in-person crypto payments at select locations.
Each transaction is estimated to complete within 15 minutes, depending on blockchain network conditions and compliance verification processes. Supported cryptocurrencies at launch include:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
Additional digital assets may be added in the future based on customer demand and regulatory alignment.
How to Pay with Cryptocurrency at 3 Hong Kong
To use this service, customers must first:
- Create an account with FTX US
- Link a compatible cryptocurrency wallet
- Select FTX Pay as the payment method during checkout on 3Mall
Once initiated, the system generates a wallet address for the required amount in BTC or ETH. After the blockchain confirms the transfer, the order is processed automatically.
Importantly, 3 Hong Kong does not charge any administrative fees, making this a cost-effective alternative to traditional payment methods. There is also no minimum transaction amount, enabling users to pay even small bills using fractions of a Bitcoin or Ether.
However, access is currently limited to Hong Kong residents only, and the service is not available in mainland China due to regulatory restrictions.
Strategic Vision: Bridging Telecom and the Metaverse Economy
According to Ng Sing Fai, Executive Director and CEO of HKT (Hutchison Telecommunications), this initiative reflects 3 Hong Kong’s long-term vision of integrating digital assets into daily life.
“We’re proud to be Hong Kong’s first telecom provider to accept cryptocurrency. Since our entry into the NFT art space last July, we’ve been actively exploring ways to bring blockchain technology closer to our customers. This partnership with FTX US and the launch of FTX Pay opens a new gateway for users to engage with the metaverse economy.”
The move aligns with growing global trends where telecom providers, retailers, and service platforms are embracing crypto as a legitimate payment method. By enabling real-world utility for digital assets, 3 Hong Kong aims to attract tech-savvy consumers and early adopters of Web3 technologies.
Adam Jacobs, Head of Payments at FTX, emphasized the importance of practical crypto use cases:
“Our goal has always been to empower people to use cryptocurrencies creatively and meaningfully. Partnering with forward-thinking companies like 3 Hong Kong allows us to turn digital assets into tools for everyday spending — not just investments.”
👉 Start using your crypto for everyday transactions — see how simple it can be.
Core Keywords Integration
This development highlights several key themes shaping the future of digital finance:
- Cryptocurrency payments are gaining traction beyond speculative trading
- Bitcoin adoption is expanding into retail and utility billing
- Ethereum integration supports broader DeFi and smart contract ecosystems
- Telco crypto partnerships signal institutional validation of blockchain
- Zero-fee crypto transactions improve accessibility for average users
- Metaverse economy infrastructure is being built through real-world services
These keywords naturally reflect user search intent around crypto usability, adoption trends, and financial innovation in Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which cryptocurrencies are accepted by 3 Hong Kong?
A: As of now, only Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are supported through the FTX Pay system.
Q: Do I need an FTX US account to pay with crypto?
A: Yes. You must register with FTX US and link a compatible wallet to use FTX Pay for transactions on 3Mall.
Q: Are there any fees or minimum charges?
A: No. 3 Hong Kong applies no administrative fees and sets no minimum spending limit, making it accessible for all users.
Q: How fast are crypto payments processed?
A: Most transactions are confirmed within 15 minutes, though processing time may vary based on network congestion and blockchain verification speed.
Q: Can I use this service in mainland China?
A: No. The service is exclusively available to Hong Kong residents and is not offered in mainland China due to regulatory policies.
Q: Will more cryptocurrencies be added in the future?
A: While not confirmed, 3 Hong Kong has indicated that expansion to additional digital assets may occur based on customer demand and compliance feasibility.
👉 Learn how you can start using crypto like Bitcoin and Ethereum for real-world purchases.
The Bigger Picture: Crypto Goes Mainstream
The collaboration between 3 Hong Kong and FTX US represents more than just a payment option — it’s a signal of shifting consumer behavior and institutional readiness for digital asset integration.
Globally, companies like Microsoft, AT&T, and Overstock have experimented with crypto payments, but widespread adoption has been slow due to volatility, regulation, and technical complexity. 3 Hong Kong’s approach — partnering with a regulated exchange, limiting initial support to major coins, and ensuring fast, fee-free transactions — offers a balanced model that prioritizes security and user experience.
Moreover, this move could accelerate interest in digital wallets, on-chain identity, and decentralized finance (DeFi) among Hong Kong consumers. With the city positioning itself as a Web3 hub under government support, initiatives like this reinforce its role as a leader in Asia’s blockchain ecosystem.
As more businesses explore similar integrations, we may soon see utilities, transportation, and even government services accepting crypto — turning digital currencies from speculative assets into tools for daily living.
With zero fees, no minimums, and instant processing, 3 Hong Kong isn’t just adapting to the future — it’s helping build it.