In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, the phrase “ur ngmi if ur bearish” has become a rallying cry for enthusiasts who believe that the tide is turning decisively in favor of digital assets. “NGMI,” short for “Not Gonna Make It,” is a popular meme in crypto circles, often used to poke fun at skeptics or “bears” who doubt the market’s potential. While it may seem like simple internet banter, this phrase encapsulates a profound shift in sentiment as major financial institutions and payment platforms embrace crypto in unprecedented ways.
One of the most significant developments fueling this optimism is the collaboration between Coinbase and American Express to launch a credit card that offers up to 4% cashback in Bitcoin. Traditionally, credit card rewards have been limited to points, miles, or small percentages of fiat currency. By offering such a high rate of Bitcoin rewards, this new card doesn’t just appeal to crypto enthusiasts, it targets mainstream consumers, often referred to as “normies.” The ease of earning Bitcoin through everyday purchases effectively lowers the barrier to entry for millions who may have found direct crypto investing too complex or intimidating. This move also signals a broader trend among legacy financial institutions: rather than resisting the crypto wave, they are finding ways to integrate digital assets into their existing products, making them more accessible and attractive to the average consumer.
Simultaneously, a revolution is underway in the world of payments. Merchants, particularly those using platforms like Shopify, now have the option to accept USDC, a widely used stablecoin, through integrations with Coinbase and Stripe. What makes this development so disruptive is the dramatic reduction in transaction fees. Traditional payment processors, such as Visa and Mastercard, typically charge merchants 2-3% per transaction—a cost that quickly adds up, especially for small businesses. By leveraging USDC payments on Coinbase’s Base network, merchants can potentially save up to 3% on every sale, eliminating foreign exchange and multi-currency fees. This not only boosts profit margins but also streamlines cross-border commerce, making it easier for businesses to operate globally without the friction of legacy financial systems.
These innovations are more than just technical upgrades; they represent a fundamental shift in how people interact with money. The integration of crypto rewards into mainstream credit cards and the adoption of stablecoins for everyday payments are blurring the lines between digital assets and traditional finance. As these trends accelerate, the crypto ecosystem is transitioning from a speculative niche to a practical, rewarding, and cost-effective part of daily life. In this context, the warning to bears, those who remain skeptical or resistant, rings truer than ever. The message is clear: as crypto adoption becomes increasingly woven into the fabric of global commerce and personal finance, those who fail to recognize and adapt to these changes may indeed find themselves “not gonna make it” in the new financial landscape.
