Apps for crypto-currencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum have come a long way over the past couple of years.  They are now much more user friendly and solve real world problems like remittances, online payments and payroll.  Here are 5 crypto-currency apps that we think every Android and iPhone user should have on their smartphone.

XapoWallet

There are currently over 100 bitcoin wallet apps available for iOS and Android devices so it can be a pretty daunting task to choose the right one for you.  If you don’t want to have the responsibility of keeping your bitcoin private keys safe yourself, you can use a custodial wallet that will do it for you.  Xapo is a great option because they offer the most secure cold storage wallet for keeping your crypto-currency safe from even the most determined of hackers.  When you store your bitcoin in the Xapo Secure Vault, they are not sitting on a server in their office where they can be easily stolen.  Xapotake security to a ridiculous level by storing users private keys in a military bunker deep underground in Switzerland.  The free Xapo app is available on both Android and iPhone and Xapo also offer a debit card that allows you to spend your bitcoin at any store or withdraw from most ATMs.

Shapeshift

Cryptocurrencies like Litecoin, Monero and Zcash have become popular over the past couple of years because they sometimes offer better privacy, faster confirmation times or a great investment opportunity than bitcoin.  If you already own some bitcoin, then the easiest way to purchase these alt-coins is to use the Shapeshift app.  Shapeshift is basically a crypto currency vending machine.  You insert whatever coin you have, select the type of crypto currency you would like to receive, and out it pops.  What sets Shapeshift apart from competitors is that you don’t need to create an account or go though KYC/AML so it’s super fast and easy to use.

Bovada

Bovada is the best all-round bitcoin friendly gambling site because they are an established brand that processes bitcoin deposits and withdrawals free of charge.  At Bovada you can bet on thousands of sports betting markets with bitcoin or try your luck at any of their casino games.  Bovada have been servicing US-based gamblers for over 10 years and are one of the must trusted brands in sports betting in the United States.

BitWage

Companies now hire employees from around the world in order to lower costs and to give them access to the most talented people on the planet.  Employees also regularly use websites like Freelancer and Upwork to advertise their portfolios to employers on every continent.  One of the biggest drawbacks of using an international workforce is the payroll costsbecause international bank wires are both slow and expensive.  With the BitWage iPhone and Android app, employers can quickly and cheaply send wages to employees banks account by using bitcoin as the payment network.  Companies that already pay wages using BitWage include Google, AirBnb, Facebook and Uber.

Coinbase

Coinbase is a great wallet for anyone looking to quickly and easily integrate their bitcoin wallet with their bank account.  Coinbase have made it easy to transfer money from any US or European bank account to a Coinbase wallet and visa versa.  They also operate a bitcoin exchange where you can buy and sell crypto-currencies like bitcoin, ethereum and litecoin. The Coinbase debit card allows you to withdraw crypto-currency from any ATM that supports Visa and Mastercard.  They currently operate in over 30 countries and are expanding rapidly across the globe.