As the world of finance continues to evolve and become more digitized, it’s clear that cryptocurrencies are here to stay. Besides, they are rapidly becoming a popular form of payment. Among these, Bitcoin (BTC) is undoubtedly the vanguard. As we delve into the heart of this innovative realm, let’s take a comprehensive look at the trailblazing companies that have had the audacity to not only accept cryptocurrency but embrace it wholeheartedly. By allowing customers to maintain a crypto balance and spend Bitcoin for goods and services, these businesses are pushing the envelope and transforming the way we understand and interact with money. So, come along as we explore this digital frontier, learning who is leading the charge in accepting Bitcoin payments and how this is shaping our economic landscape.
Hello, my name is Zifa. Over the last two years, I have devoted my energy to covering everything related to cryptocurrency. As an observer and analyst, I have an unwavering fascination with how this novel technology is rapidly altering our daily lives. My passion for crypto extends beyond its volatile markets; I’m intrigued by its potential to redefine commerce, which is why I’m particularly excited to discuss companies accepting Bitcoin. My experience and curiosity will guide us as we explore this groundbreaking intersection of technology, economy, and everyday life.
Major Retailers Permitting Crypto Transactions
Under the heading “Major Retailers Permitting Crypto Transactions,” we examine the emerging trend of prominent businesses embracing the world of digital currencies. The paradigm of commerce is shifting as more and more major retailers are not just recognizing the potential of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum but actively integrating them into their payment systems. This significant transition reflects an exciting step forward in the adoption of digital currency, proving that cryptocurrencies are not just speculative assets but a valid and increasingly preferred method of transaction in the global retail space.
AT&T
It is the first major mobile operator in the United States that provides customers with the opportunity to pay for services with digital coins. The payments are made through the service bitpay.com.
Microsoft
In December 2014, Microsoft started accepting Bitcoin payments, and that was extraordinary news for all Xbox users since they could pay BTC in the Xbox Store.
Overstock
One of the first companies that started accepting Bitcoin payments was Overstock. It is an American retailer that sells household goods and electronics. In 2014, it enabled users to pay for some goods with crypto. In-store BTC prices are pegged to the national currency — American dollar (USD): during the payment process, coins are withdrawn from the client’s wallet at the current exchange rate.
What Cars Can You Buy with Bitcoin?
The trend of car manufacturers and dealerships accepting cryptocurrency is part of a broader movement towards digital payment solutions in various industries. This shift is likely to continue as cryptocurrencies gain further mainstream acceptance.
Ferrari
Ferrari has recently started accepting cryptocurrency as payment for its luxury sports cars in the United States. This move is set to extend to Europe following requests from customers. For now, customers can choose among methods including popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the stablecoin USDC. Besides, there are plans to expand this payment option to Europe in the first quarter of 2024. Ferrari is one of the first luxury car brands to embrace cryptocurrency payments, demonstrating a growing trend in the auto industry towards digital currency adoption.
Toyota
Toyota has recently started accepting Bitcoin for certain car purchases, indicating a growing acceptance of cryptocurrency in the automotive sector.
Honda
Honda has embraced cryptocurrency, entering into a strategic partnership with FCF Pay to accept Bitcoin as payment for its automobiles. Honda’s decision to accept Bitcoin for car purchases is part of a broader trend in Japan, a country known for its forward-thinking approach to technology and financial innovation. Japan has historically been a leader in cryptocurrency adoption, being home to the first Bitcoin online exchange and rapidly integrating Bitcoin ATMs nationwide. Honda, therefore, is not the first Japanese motor company to adopt Bitcoin for transactions: SBI Motors began accepting Bitcoin in May 2022, indicating a growing acceptance of digital currencies in the Japanese automotive sector.
Food Brands Accepting Crypto Payments
The food industry is one of the major areas of consumption in the modern world, which also keeps pace with changes in payment systems. Many businesses actively start integrating Bitcoin as a payment method, in addition to bank cards and cash. There are also big names here:
- The famous Pizza Hut chain, for example, accepts Bitcoin (BTC) in Venezuela.
Starbucks accepts cryptocurrency payments at its coffee shops in the United States. With the help of Speed app technology, customers can pay for their orders not only with cash or a credit card but also with Bitcoin. - Subway is one of the well-known businesses in the industry that has also been accepting cryptocurrencies for several years. Moreover, customers paying with digital currency can get a discount of up to 15%.
- Burger King is trying not to lag too far behind competitors. Now you can have lunch at their restaurants and pay for it with your crypto instead of cash or a bank card.
- In addition to Burger King and other companies that accept Bitcoin, KFC also implemented the Bitcoin payment option. Currently, it’s available only to residents of Canada, but the company is thinking about expanding this feature to other countries.
The list does not end here: apart from smaller local businesses that also accept cryptocurrencies, many large companies arrange special offers for crypto enthusiasts. For example, in the USA, if you place an order at Domino’s and pay for it with digital currency, you can get a discount.
Namecheap
If you want to spend your Bitcoin (BTC) on a domain purchase, visit Namecheap.com. This platform sells the most popular top-level domains.
Unstoppable Domains
Unstoppable Domains (unstoppabledomains.com) sells domains, such as .crypto, for a one-time fee. After the purchase, this domain will be yours forever, meaning it does not need to be renewed. In contrast to working with regular domains, the user needs special plugins or browsers to interact with blockchain websites.
NewEgg
NewEgg is an online retailer that also has begun accepting Bitcoin as payment. You can buy absolutely everything with cryptocurrency, from all sorts of trinkets to computers and household appliances.
Fold App
This popular app allows customers to get some crypto coins as cashback for making purchases at their favorite retailers. The resource offers its customers to get Bitcoin as a reward for making purchases with a credit card instead of:
- Airline miles
- Usual bonus points
- Other monetary rewards
The Fold App can be conveniently used on mobile phones due to its native user-friendly interface.
Gift Card Services Who Accepts Bitcoin
Don’t know what to get to your significant other? A gift card can be your solution! Here’s a list of services that accept crypto.
Zeroth
Zeroth.shop is an e-commerce platform that allows you to purchase gift cards with crypto. Hundreds of goods and services are ready to be gifted: Uber, Apple, IKEA, AMC theaters, Spotify, GAP, H&M, Olive Garden, Burger King, and many more. Let your friends and family enjoy a gift that they will remember.
Gyft.com
On the website Gyft.com, you can use cryptocurrency to purchase gift cards from almost 200 online stores and other service providers, including such companies as Starbucks, Delta Airlines, eBay, Walmart, Nike, Apple, Hotels.com, Uber, Adidas, etc.
CoinCards
This platform is extremely similar to Gyft.com. The resource facilitates buying gift cards from more than 140 merchants using Bitcoin as payment.
Specific Needs
Home Depot
It is the largest hardware store chain in the United States. At Home Depot, you can essentially build your entire house by purchasing materials using BTC. The business accepts Bitcoin payments via Flexa’s in-store checkout systems.
Sports Teams
Virtual money continues its expansion into various aspects of human life. Now, you are able to spend digital currency on goods at the stadium during the game or on tickets to future games at sports clubs’ websites. Dallas Mavericks and Miami Dolphins are great supporters of cryptos, and a new payment option is available during their games.
Travel
The Latvian airline AirBaltic is one of the first companies in the transport industry that started to accept Bitcoin as payment for basic tariff plans, except for flights to Malaysia, Japan, Lebanon, China, and India.
If you decide to go on vacation, go to Expedia. It is an online travel agency that can help you book flights and hotels using your digital currency.
Cheapair.com is one more business that started accepting Bitcoin for flight booking.
LOT.com, one of the oldest airline companies in Europe, is ready to take you anywhere you want to. The business accepts Bitcoin as a form of payment for its services.
Travala.com is a platform that lets you pay for travel using crypto coins from your digital wallet. On the platform, you can book hotels all over the world and flights to almost any corner of the planet.
BTCTrip, an online flight and hotel booking service, was one of the first companies to accept Bitcoin in its industry. Moreover, one can pay for the services with Litecoin and Dogecoin cryptocurrencies.
Virgin Galactic, the brainchild of legendary Richard Branson, aims to make everyday space tourism a reality. Since the company is futuristic in nature, it is not surprising that you can buy its products with BTC.
You can also use crypto to book a room in a hotel — not in a simple hotel, but in the well-known Howard Johnson chain. It will be easy to find their hotel in your destination city.
Holiday Inn: The hotel (Brooklyn) provides an opportunity for customers to book rooms with Bitcoin by phone, online, or on the spot.
One Shot Hotels: The Spanish hotel chain enables BTC payments for bookings across their hotels.
TravelbyBit: This online travel booking platform focuses on hotel and flight booking. You can use Bitcoin as a payment method.
Greitai is a popular search engine for flights, hotels, and cars. You can book all these things using not only Bitcoin as a payment method but also more than 20 altcoins.
Bitcoin.Travel provides an opportunity to book flights, hotels, cars, tours, and other events, essentially enabling you to plan your trips and pay your bills with Bitcoin from your crypto wallet.
Webjet is another company with the BTC payment option enabled. On the platform, you can book everything you need for a great holiday: tickets, hotels, cruises, and cars.
Education Organizations That Accept Crypto Payments
Universities are also trying to keep up with the times. Now, you can pay for tuition with Bitcoin in educational institutions in Germany, Cyprus, the United States, Switzerland, and other countries.
One of the first to implement the new technology was the Swiss University of Lucerne, which began accepting cryptocurrency as tuition payment at their art and science school in 2017. The operator of such payments was the famous Swiss company Bitcoin Suisse AG. According to the heads of educational institutions, this is a very convenient option for mutual settlements, which frees many international students from exchanging their national currency for USD.
The European School of Management in Berlin has been accepting Bitcoin since 2017.
In addition, the cryptocurrency payment option is available at the Cyprus University of Nicosia, as well as at the famous Cambridge University and King’s College in New York.
What Banks Accept Bitcoin Transactions
Banks do not want to lose a share of profits from crypto enthusiasts. For instance, German Fidor Bank will be happy to charge you a commission for buying or selling Bitcoins.
The oldest bank in the United States and the world’s largest depository bank, Bank of New York Mellon, will store and conduct operations with cryptocurrency in the interests of its customers. Currently, the company is developing an app that will allow users to make transactions with digital money from their wallets, just like with traditional assets.
There are some more banks and payment services that aren’t opposed to Bitcoin merchants:
- Goldman Sachs
- Royal Bank of Canada
- PayPal
Beauty and Health
The well-known cosmetic brand Lush produces eco-friendly products. But still, the main advantage here is that they accept BTC payments directly on the website of their UK branch.
Schmidt’s allows you to use cryptocurrencies as a means of payment for their collection of natural deodorants and other personal care products.
At the supplier of medical devices Premier Medical Inc., you can easily pay with digital coins for medical products.
Adelline is a Korean cosmetics company that supplies products around the world and accepts cryptocurrency payments.
Shiny Leaf from Las Vegas produces skincare and haircare products, as well as a number of products for the body. BitcoinSV is among the various payment methods they accept.
Twitch
Twitch is a platform for online streaming in real time. In simple words, this is a site where anyone can start conducting their own broadcast. To a greater extent, Twitch specializes in computer games and esports tournaments. On the site, it is possible to pay for subscriptions using Bitcoin, Ether, Bitcoin Cash, XRP, USD Coin, and a variety of lesser-known coins like PAX, BUSD, and GUSD.
Non-Profits
Christmas miracles depend on us. The opportunity to help those who are in need is offered by:
- The charitable organization UNICEF (unicef.org.uk)
- Save the Children project for children in poor regions (savethechildren.org)
- The Water project (thewaterproject.org) that provides clean water to communities in sub-Saharan Africa
- American Cancer Society (cancer.org)
- The American Red Cross (Bitcoin is accepted via bitpay.com)
- Royal National Lifeboat Institute (rnli.org), a marine rescue organization and the first British company to accept donations in Bitcoins
Wikipedia
Wikipedia Foundation is a non-profit organization that develops and distributes multilingual educational content. Currently, it is possible to donate not only in fiat currencies but also in digital ones.
Wikileaks
Wikileaks is an international non-profit organization that publishes classified information and news provided by anonymous sources. The resource accepts cryptocurrency donations.
What Stores Accept Bitcoin
Store.Bitcoin.com is an online store where you can look for a cap, a T-shirt, and other useful Bitcoin merchandise. The business accepts Bitcoin payments only.
Lanieri.com is another resource that offers users to buy a lot of interesting things, including shirts, trousers, and other Italian-made clothes, with crypto. This service is similar to Overstock. The only great difference is that Lanieri will even repair the clothes for free or offer a full refund if something does not fit you.
OpenBazaar is a decentralized marketplace where all goods can be purchased only with Bitcoin. On the site, sellers interact directly with buyers. You can buy anything you want, from handmade products to food, appliances, clothing, and art objects. In the future, in addition to Bitcoin, other altcoins will be available for payment here, one of which may be Monero.
Showroomprive.com is a European company that accepts Bitcoin as payment through the Paymium cryptocurrency exchange. The business assortment includes clothing, cosmetics, and accessories.
Companies That Accept Bitcoin Payments Through SPEDN
The growing popularity of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin entices more companies to accept them as payment. The SPEDN app is a notable example, allowing cryptocurrency use in various retail stores.
Recently, major retailers like Petco and Regal Cinemas announced they would accept crypto payments through Flexa’s custodial wallet SPEDN. This move enables transactions with Bitcoin Core, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and GUSD in over 30,000 stores.
Developed by the cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, SPEDN supports spending of cryptocurrencies at major retailers, including Whole Foods, Lowe’s, and GameStop. The app offers a flexible payment solution, allowing users to bypass traditional transaction fees associated with banks.
SPEDN’s iOS app lets users manage their crypto balances and securely store digital assets for purchases at participating stores. Beyond big retailers, SPEDN expands to services like domain registrations, hotel bookings, and even pizza orders from Pizza Hut.
With the crypto market evolving, platforms like SPEDN are making it easier for consumers to use cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases, marking a significant shift in the digital payment landscape.
Why Do Online Stores Accept Bitcoin as Payment?
Online retailers are increasingly accepting Bitcoin, which illustrates a growing trend in crypto adoption. This shift is driven by the security advantages Bitcoin offers, its lower transaction fees, and the potential to access a global customer base. Bitcoin’s irreversible transactions provide added security, reducing fraud and chargeback risks for both retailers and customers. Moreover, Bitcoin’s transaction fees are typically lower than those for credit cards, offering cost savings for retailers. By accepting Bitcoin, stores can tap into the worldwide market, including areas with limited traditional payment options, and expand their customer reach. The increasing crypto adoption in e-commerce indicates a likely continuation of this trend, with more stores adopting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment methods.
Lower transaction fees
Traditional payment methods, such as credit cards, often involve percentage-based fees, which can quickly add up for businesses. These fees can be as high as 3% for some credit card transactions, making it an expensive option for businesses processing large volumes of payments.
However, Bitcoin transactions typically involve a flat fee, which is much lower in comparison to traditional payment methods. The fee is usually based on the transaction size, rather than the percentage of the transaction amount. This means that businesses can save a significant amount of money on transaction fees by accepting Bitcoin payments.
The lower transaction fees associated with Bitcoin payments can benefit both the business and the customer. For businesses, lower fees mean higher profit margins, making it an attractive payment option for merchants. For customers, lower fees mean lower prices for goods and services, which can translate into significant savings over time.
Overall, the lower transaction fees associated with Bitcoin payments make it an attractive payment option for businesses of all sizes. By accepting Bitcoin payments, businesses can save on processing fees, reach a wider customer base, and offer a secure and reliable payment method for their customers.
More security
When it comes to making payments, security is of utmost importance. After all, we are entrusting our hard-earned money and sensitive information to someone else. With traditional payment methods like debit and credit cards, there is always a risk of fraud and identity theft. This is where Bitcoin comes in — offering a more secure way to transact online.
Bitcoin is based on blockchain technology, which is a decentralized ledger. This means that there is no central authority controlling the network, and every transaction is verified by multiple nodes. Once a transaction is confirmed and added to the blockchain, it cannot be modified or deleted. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to hack or tamper with the blockchain.
The list of advantages does not end here. Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous, which means that they do not reveal the identity of the involved parties. Instead, each transaction is associated with a unique wallet address, which is a string of alphanumeric characters. This offers an extra layer of privacy and protection against identity theft.
Protection against chargebacks is yet another aspect of security embedded in Bitcoin. With traditional payment methods, customers can dispute a transaction and request a chargeback from their bank or payment provider. This can be a headache for merchants, as they may lose the payment and incur additional chargeback fees. With Bitcoin, once a transaction is confirmed, it is final and cannot be reversed. This eliminates the risk of chargebacks and provides more security for merchants.
All in all, Bitcoin provides a more secure way for businesses and individuals to transact online. With its decentralized and tamper-proof nature, it offers protection against fraud and identity theft. Plus, the elimination of chargebacks gives merchants certainty that their transactions are final and cannot be disputed. As the world becomes progressively digital, security will continue to be a top concern, and Bitcoin offers a compelling solution to this problem.
Access to a larger market
One of the major benefits of accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment is the potential access to a larger market. As the popularity of digital currencies such as Bitcoin continues to grow, more and more consumers are seeking out merchants who accept it as a payment option.
By accepting Bitcoin, merchants can tap into a global market of customers who prefer to use digital currencies for their transactions. This is especially appealing for online merchants who cater to an international customer base. With traditional payment methods, merchants may face barriers such as currency conversion fees, high transaction fees, and slow processing times. Bitcoin eliminates many of these issues, as transactions can be completed quickly and at a substantially lower cost.
Another advantage of accepting Bitcoin is the ability to attract new customers who are passionate about the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin enthusiasts are often early adopters of technology and blockchain-based solutions. By accepting Bitcoin, merchants can appeal to these tech-savvy customers and build a loyal following of early adopters.
But it’s not just tech enthusiasts who are interested in digital currencies. In fact, major companies and retailers such as Rakuten Wallet, Burger King, and AMC Theatres have already started accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment options. This means that Bitcoin is no longer just a niche market but a form of payment widely accepted by major players in various industries.
By accepting Bitcoin, merchants can gain an advantage over their competitors who may lack this payment option. As digital currencies continue to gain mainstream acceptance, it’s likely that Bitcoin payments will become a standard practice for many businesses.
In conclusion, accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment can be a smart business decision that provides access to a larger market of customers who prefer digital currencies. By embracing this technology, merchants can stay ahead of the curve and appeal to a wider audience of early adopters and tech enthusiasts.
Easy conversion to fiat currency
One of the biggest hurdles for merchants who are considering accepting Bitcoin is the concern about its conversion to fiat currency. After all, if a merchant can’t easily convert their Bitcoin balances into the currency they need to pay their bills and suppliers, then it’s useless to accept Bitcoin in the first place.
Thankfully, there are now a variety of options. One approach is to use a third-party service such as Coinbase or BitPay, which allows merchants to convert their Bitcoin balances into dollars, euros, or other major currencies quickly and easily.
Another option is to use a crypto wallet provider that offers built-in conversion to fiat currency. For example, Rakuten Wallet offers a built-in conversion feature that allows users to easily convert their Bitcoin balances into yen.
While conversion to fiat currency may have been a concern in the early days of Bitcoin, it’s now easier than ever for merchants to get their hands on the currency they need to keep their businesses running smoothly. Whether it’s through a third-party service or a built-in conversion option, merchants can take advantage of the many benefits of accepting Bitcoin as a payment method while also enjoying the ease of converting their balances into the currency they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walmart accept Bitcoin?
No, Walmart does not accept Bitcoin as a payment option.
Which countries accept Bitcoin as payment?
As of now, only El Salvador and the Central African Republic officially recognize Bitcoin as legal tender. El Salvador was the first to adopt Bitcoin, integrating it alongside its national currency for all types of transactions. The Central African Republic followed, accepting Bitcoin for various financial operations and transactions.
Additionally, Argentina is showing a growing interest in cryptocurrency under the leadership of President Javier Milei. The new government has expressed intentions to accept Bitcoin for contractual agreements and other formal transactions, highlighting a positive approach towards cryptocurrencies. This shift indicates a growing trend of crypto adoption in various countries, with crypto recognized beyond just being a legal tender.
In Switzerland, the city of Lugano has recently embraced Bitcoin, allowing payments for city-issued invoices, including taxes and municipal services, using the cryptocurrency. This move is part of a broader adoption strategy within the city.
Can I use Bitcoin on Amazon?
As of now, Amazon, one of the largest global retailers, does not directly accept Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as a payment method. However, there are alternative ways for customers to use Bitcoin for purchases on Amazon. One popular method is through the purchase of Amazon gift cards using Bitcoin. Some online retailers sell Amazon gift cards for Bitcoin; naturally, these cards can then be used to shop on Amazon.
Another viable option is using a crypto card — a special type of debit card linked to your cryptocurrency holdings. These cards convert Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into the local currency at the point of sale, enabling you to make purchases on Amazon just like you would with a traditional debit or credit card. This method provides a convenient way to use Bitcoin for everyday transactions on platforms like Amazon.
Does Tesla accept Bitcoin payments?
Tesla’s stance on Bitcoin payments has changed. Initially, they had accepted Bitcoin but later reversed this decision due to environmental concerns about Bitcoin mining.
Does eBay Accept Bitcoin?
No, eBay does not directly accept Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as a method of payment. However, there have been ongoing discussions about the potential integration of cryptocurrencies in the future. eBay users often employ alternative methods, like converting Bitcoin to gift cards that can be redeemed on the platform.
Does Starbucks Accept Bitcoin?
Starbucks does not directly accept Bitcoin in its stores. However, through the use of third-party apps like Bakkt, customers can convert Bitcoin into USD, which can then be used to load a Starbucks card within the Starbucks app. This indirect method allows Bitcoin to be used for purchases at Starbucks.
Is it smart to buy Bitcoin?
Some experts believe that there’s a poor chance of Bitcoin going significantly higher in the coming weeks. On the contrary, they claim that Bitcoin is likely to crash in the near future. However, it is known that crypto rates change unpredictably, and due to this fact, investors-to-be should always follow the news, avoid unreasonable risks, and do their own research.
How do I convert Bitcoins to cash?
You can convert Bitcoin to cash via Bitcoin ATMs or through the instant crypto exchange Changelly. Our platform always provides you with the best rates, along with a variety of payment methods (credit/debit card, bank transfers, Apple Pay). In case of any questions, our Customer Service is always ready to help you!
Can I transfer Bitcoin to my bank account?
It is not possible to withdraw Bitcoin to your bank account directly. Nevertheless, you can sell BTC to somebody who would transfer money to your bank account. Alternatively, you can sell them at the instant crypto exchange Changelly and withdraw Bitcoin from there.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this article are not financial or investing advice. The information provided in this article is the author’s opinion only and should not be considered as offering trading or investing recommendations. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. The cryptocurrency market suffers from high volatility and occasional arbitrary movements. Any investor, trader, or regular crypto users should research multiple viewpoints and be familiar with all local regulations before committing to an investment.
