NOWPayments and Staynex Launch Crypto Travel Booking for TOKEN2049 Singapore

NOWPayments and Staynex have established a strategic partnership to integrate cryptocurrency settlement into the travel arrangements for TOKEN2049 Singapore. By processing corporate accommodation through blockchain rails, the collaboration demonstrates a shift from theoretical crypto utility to practical B2B application, offering a blueprint for how fintech firms can manage internal logistics using their own payment technologies.

What was announced

The partnership centers on the launch of a co-branded booking platform designed specifically for attendees of TOKEN2049 Singapore, scheduled for October 7–8 at Marina Bay Sands. The initiative allows travelers to book four- and five-star accommodations using cryptocurrency via NOWPayments’ infrastructure. Beyond the public-facing portal, the collaboration includes a significant internal component: NOWPayments mandated Staynex for 100% of its own team’s travel requirements for the event.

Initial performance metrics from this internal rollout indicate high operational efficiency. The program successfully managed 21 completed bookings totaling 151 room nights. According to the companies, the integration achieved a 100% payment completion rate with zero failed crypto checkouts. Furthermore, the use of the Staynex platform resulted in estimated savings of approximately 10% compared to equivalent pricing on mainstream online travel agencies (OTAs).

The service is now being extended to NOWPayments’ broader network of over 20,000 partners and its community. To incentivize adoption, qualifying bookings made between 7 September and 10 October 2026 will enter a "Staynex Black" prize pool. Rewards include tickets for the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix race weekend, airport lounge passes, and resort stays through RCI. Entries are tiered, with bookings over USD 500 earning one entry and those over USD 1,000 earning two.

"The best partnerships are the ones where both sides become real users of each other’s products. Staynex × Sleap uses NOWPayments for crypto payments, and we use their platform for our own corporate travel. That makes this much more than an integration - it’s a partnership built on real usage."

Kate Lifshits, Chief Executive Officer at NOWPayments.

The companies involved

NOWPayments operates as the dedicated crypto payments arm of the ChangeNOW ecosystem. It provides infrastructure for thousands of merchants to accept digital assets, positioning itself as a bridge between traditional commerce and decentralized finance. The broader ChangeNOW ecosystem includes various specialized entities such as NOWNodes, which focuses on blockchain infrastructure and node access. This corporate structure allows the group to provide a full-stack crypto experience, from exchange services to merchant settlement.

Staynex is an operating system designed for AI-curated social travel and events. It leverages artificial intelligence to personalize travel experiences and has partnered with Sleap.io to enhance its booking capabilities. By integrating with NOWPayments, Staynex adds a crypto-native checkout layer to its existing concierge and curation services. The company targets high-traffic industry events where specialized accommodation needs and community-driven travel are prevalent. Through its partnership with RCI, Staynex also provides access to a global network of resort stays, further expanding its footprint in the luxury and corporate travel sectors.

What FF News has reported before

FF News has previously tracked the strategic evolution of the ChangeNOW ecosystem as it seeks to expand its influence within the digital asset space. In August 2026, we reported on a significant leadership change in ChangeNOW Appoints Former TON Executive Martin Masser to Lead Crypto Super App Strategy. This appointment was a clear signal of the company’s intent to move beyond simple exchange services toward a more comprehensive "super app" model. The current partnership with Staynex reflects this broader strategy of embedding crypto payments into diverse real-world verticals, such as travel and hospitality, following the leadership's focus on expanding the utility of the ChangeNOW brand across different sectors of the fintech economy.

What this means

This announcement moves the needle by moving crypto payments out of the "speculative" bucket and into the "operational" one. When a payments provider uses its own rails for a 150-night corporate block, it serves as a high-stakes proof of concept that challenges the dominance of traditional OTAs. Mainstream booking platforms are under increasing pressure to justify their high commission structures as AI-curated, crypto-native alternatives begin to offer double-digit savings. However, the sector still faces questions regarding the scalability of such bespoke integrations. While this works for a concentrated event like TOKEN2049, the industry must now determine if this model can survive the friction of mass-market retail travel.