Now, in 2024, there is no denying the importance of Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies in the global market. For a long time, the average Joe has been buying and trading crypto for different reasons: for long-term investments, “get-rich-quick” hopes and simply seeing the potential for the future of a non-custodial digital currency.
Finally, we have reached a point where Bitcoin is becoming more acceptable as a payment option, opening the possibilities for vendors, e-commerce shops and consumers worldwide to trade goods on a digital platform.
With the versatility that crypto gives you for online shopping and personal services, it’s no wonder that more and more major companies are taking notice.
In this post, we will look into which companies are accepting crypto as a payment method and also explore all the different services available that accept crypto. From goods, gaming and food, there isn’t much that crypto can’t buy these days!
What Can You Buy with Bitcoin or Crypto?
I cannot lie to you. The options for purchasing with BTC and other cryptocurrencies are still not where they should be for 2024. You would think in this day and age of technological acceptance, everywhere would be accepting crypto as a payment method, but we are just not there yet. The good news is that SO many more companies and institutions are starting to understand the future of money, control and power, listening to the voices of digital enthusiasts everywhere.
Let’s have a look at what sectors you can use crypto to make purchases and specifically, what stores currently accept BTC and other “workarounds” for using crypto for purchases.
Tech Gadgets and Electronics 🧑💻
First off, for all the tech lovers out there, you’re in luck. The tech and electronics industry is probably made up of the leading businesses that first accepted Bitcoin as payment, and rightfully so!
Websites like Newegg and Overstock are your go-to digital shopping platforms. If you are looking to buy the latest gaming console or want to upgrade your home office, these sites have got you covered and happily accept Bitcoin. The process is similar to that of shopping online the traditional way, but instead of paying with your credit card, you’re using your crypto wallet. Although both are American companies, they have global affiliates and can ship to Europe and Asia.
Traveling with Crypto ✈️
Your wanderlust can now be paid with digital currency. Platforms like CheapAir are revolutionizing the way we think about booking trips. You can use BTC, ETH, Doge and more for booking flights, hotels, and even car rentals. Just have a look at all of these customer reviews who rave about buying tickets with BTC.
Freelance and Contractors 🧑💼
Moving towards service-oriented purchases, cryptocurrencies are making big waves in the freelance and contractor world, especially in international markets. Imagine being able to contract a professional from a specific part of the world for a localized service. Talk about authenticity! For example, platforms like Latium Freelancing (known as the Bitcoin freelance marketplace) connect freelancers with jobs that allow for payments to be made with various cryptocurrencies. This is extremely useful for freelancers because it simplifies cross-border and country payments, making it easier and faster for them to get paid without the hassle of currency conversion or bank fees.
How Do I Make a Purchase With Bitcoin?
It’s not rocket science, but there’s a bit of a process you need to follow to purchase with crypto.
First of all, you need to have a crypto wallet. Think of it as your digital purse for keeping all your Bitcoin. There are tons of options out there – Coinbase, Exodus, Material Bitcoin and Ledger, to name a few. Pick one, taking into consideration privacy, security and accessibility that best suits your needs, and set it up.
Now, you’re halfway there.
When you want to buy something and the site accepts Bitcoin, you can either scan a QR code with your smartphone (super easy and fast) or enter the “recipient’s” (vendor’s) wallet address manually. Either way, you’re sending Bitcoin from your wallet to theirs, and just like that! The item is yours.
But what about sites that don’t directly accept Bitcoin? That’s where payment gateways come into play. These are like the “middlemen” of the crypto world. Companies like BitPay or Coinbase Commerce let you use your Bitcoin to pay for goods and services, converting it to cash for the seller. You get to shop with your crypto, and the store gets fiat currency in return.
Let’s have a further look into this way of payment.
Using Prepaid Cards and Payment Gateways
For those who prefer to buy prepaid cards or use payment gateways (like mentioned above), there are many easy ways of going about it all with your crypto.
Prepaid Crypto Cards💳
Just like you would tap your card at your local coffee shop to pay with Bitcoin or Ethereum, it’s exactly what prepaid crypto cards offer but also for online purchases. Companies like Cryptowallet.com and BitPay have introduced cards that convert your cryptocurrency into local currency in real time, allowing you to shop anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard. It’s like having your crypto wallet in your pocket, ready to be used for everyday purchases, travel expenses, or online shopping sprees.
The best part? You get to enjoy perks like cashback in crypto and zero foreign transaction fees. But, be aware of security as they rely on third-party organizations to finalize purchases.
Payment Gateways for Online Purchases💻
For buyers and sellers, accepting crypto payments has been revolutionary for business. Not only does it give people from all around the world the ability to buy global products without needing to consider foreign currencies, but it also allows for privacy and anonymity. These platforms integrate into a merchant’s e-commerce site, allowing them to accept payments in various cryptocurrencies, but again, be careful with KYC regulations for big purchases.
The Role of Bitrefill in Crypto Payments
Bitrefill has changed the way that consumers and major companies look at Bitcoin and crypto. To give you a better understanding of what exactly Biterfill is, it’s a platform where you can use Bitcoin and other popular cryptocurrencies to buy gift cards for hundreds of retailers. You can use your Bitcoin to buy an Amazon gift card, pay for your next Netflix binge, or even buy groceries.
This really has revolutionaized the acceptance of crypto, since some of these retailers do not accept digital currency themselves. But a gift card purchased with crypto opens the door for using cryptocurrencies pretty much anywhere!
Here’s how it works: on the Bitrefill site, you browse through their available gift cards ranging from Vodafone, El Corte Inglés, Carrefour, Uber, Decathlon, H&M, ZARA, Spotify and XBOX (just to name a few), and select what you want. Pay with your Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies directly, and you get a digital gift card code ready to be used either online or in-store.
What makes Bitrefill so cool is that it expands the usability of cryptocurrencies, making it a real-world currency just as useful as fiat money.
Storing Your Crypto for Purchases
Using your crypto as a day-to-day payment method is the way of the future and the importance of a secure and reliable place to store your cryptocurrency is something you need to consider. This is where cold wallets, like Material Bitcoin, come into play as one of the best choices for storing your crypto. Designed with security in mind, Material Bitcoin offers everything you need to safeguard your digital currencies.
Its user-friendly platform guarantees that accessing and managing your BTC, ETHER or USDT is straightforward and stress-free. Whether you’re a local business looking to accept crypto payments or an individual participating in P2P services, Material Bitcoin gives you security and privacy.
As crypto keeps booming, getting on board with new ways to make purchases is so important, and Material Bitcoin is there to help you!
More FAQs
How Do I Convert Bitcoin to Cash?
- Converting Bitcoin to cash is easier than you might think. You can use a cryptocurrency exchange like Coinbase or Binance. Just sell your Bitcoin on the platform, and then withdraw the cash to your bank account. You can also check out a Bitcoin ATM (you can find many of them globally through the link) if you prefer a physical transaction or use a peer-to-peer (P2P) service like LocalBitcoins to sell directly to someone and get cash in hand or a bank transfer.
Does Walmart Accept Bitcoin?
- As of now, Walmart doesn’t directly accept Bitcoin at their stores. However, there’s a workaround: you can buy Walmart gift cards using Bitcoin from services like Bitrefill or Gyft.
Does Amazon Take Bitcoin?
- Directly, no, Amazon hasn’t jumped on the Bitcoin bandwagon just yet. But similar to Walmart, you can use your Bitcoin to snag Amazon gift cards through platforms like Bitrefill.
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