Aliant Payment Systems, a U.S.-based provider of merchant services and credit card processing, is now offering its merchants the ability to accept Litecoin payments, according to a company press release.

"Our merchants look to us for innovative ways to transfer money safely, securely, and cost-effectively. Cryptocurrency allows us to move money in all of these ways, while also offering consumers more payment options," Aliant CEO Eric Brown said in the press release. "We expect Litecoin to emerge as a prominent everyday payment option. Pay with Litecoin at restaurants, bars, gas stations, coffee shops, and other places that you go regularly."

Aliant partnered with Vancouver-based NetCents Technology Inc. to build out the processing platform and offer their crypto portfolio to Aliant's existing merchant base, as well as new clients. Despite feedback regarding a variety of coins, Aliant chose to add Ethereum and Litecoin because they are established, well-known, and stable.

While bitcoin payments are more commonly seen on bigger-ticket items, Aliant expects Litecoin to emerge as the more attractive payment choice to buy small-ticket items. Another attractive Litecoin feature is its SegWit upgrade, which helps to boost the capacity of its blockchain, while speeding up settlement times and lowering transaction costs.