Bitcoin has become the dominant cryptocurrency, accepted by many well-known companies as a payment method, facilitating adoption and integration across various industries.
Author: Alexander Reed
Translation: Blockchain in Plain Language
Bitcoin has firmly established its position as the leading cryptocurrency, dominating the digital currency space. As the most recognized and widely used digital asset, Bitcoin is accepted by numerous well-known companies as a valid payment method. From innovative initiatives like OCS Coffee Days launched by Base, which promote on-chain summer activities through gamification, to large retailers adding cryptocurrency options at checkout, Bitcoin's influence in the mainstream economy is undeniable. This article will explore how Bitcoin is accepted and integrated across various industries, highlighting some significant cases of adoption and integration.
Overview of Companies Accepting Bitcoin
The most popular companies accepting Bitcoin payments globally in 2024 include:
- PayPal
- Wikipedia
- Microsoft
- AT&T
- Starbucks
- Whole Foods
- Home Depot
- Shopify
Additionally, you can use this search engine to search for merchants that accept Bitcoin by product.
If you want a more detailed list of companies accepting Bitcoin, please continue reading. Here’s what this article covers:
- Major companies accepting Bitcoin
- Stores accepting Bitcoin
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary
Source: List of companies accepting Bitcoin in 2024, featuring over 20 major companies
1. Major Companies Accepting Bitcoin Payments
1) PayPal
PayPal has integrated cryptocurrency into its platform, allowing users to buy, sell, and store Bitcoin and other digital currencies, such as stablecoins. As a leading global digital payment platform, PayPal's acceptance of Bitcoin marks a significant step for cryptocurrency entering the mainstream. Users can also use cryptocurrency to pay at over 26 million merchants worldwide through PayPal's checkout feature.
What you can buy: Almost all products within PayPal's vast merchant network, including electronics, clothing, and more.
2) Wikipedia
The Wikimedia Foundation, which operates the world's largest open-source encyclopedia, accepts Bitcoin donations through BitPay.
3) Microsoft
Microsoft allows users to top up their Microsoft accounts using Bitcoin. The company previously paused Bitcoin acceptance but soon resumed the service.
4) AT&T
AT&T is the first major mobile carrier in the U.S. to offer cryptocurrency payment options, allowing customers to pay through BitPay.
5) Starbucks
Through the Bakkt payment platform, Starbucks allows customers to use Bitcoin to top up their Starbucks cards via its app, thereby indirectly using cryptocurrency to purchase coffee and other items.
What you can buy: All items in-store using the Starbucks card.
6) Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market has partnered with the Spedn app to allow customers to pay with Bitcoin at checkout. This leading supermarket chain's acceptance of Bitcoin payments marks an important step for Bitcoin's application in everyday retail shopping.
What you can buy: Fresh produce, meat, seafood, natural beauty products, and all essentials.
7) Home Depot
As the largest home improvement retailer in the U.S., Home Depot allows customers to use Bitcoin to pay for tools, materials, and services through the Flexa Spedn app. This move significantly simplifies cryptocurrency transactions, marking an important step for Home Depot in accepting digital currency in retail.
What you can buy: Building materials, appliances, gardening tools, smart home products, and more.
8) Shopify
Shopify allows its users (i.e., store owners who build online businesses on the Shopify platform) to enable cryptocurrency payment solutions to accept various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin.
9) Burger King
According to local news reports, Burger King locations in Venezuela announced a partnership with Cryptobuyer to accept cryptocurrency payments. Customers can pay with Bitcoin, Dash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether.
Additionally, the German Burger King branch began accepting Bitcoin on September 3, 2019, but this was more of a marketing gimmick, as Bitcoin could not be used to purchase items in physical stores.
You can only order online through the Lieferservice delivery service, paying with Bitcoin or Bitcoin Cash, which collaborates with restaurants across Germany.
10) KFC
KFC Canada once decided to accept Bitcoin for a limited time to purchase the "Bitcoin Bucket." The company processed payments through BitPay, and the chicken bucket was delivered directly to customers' homes.
11) Overstock
Overstock is a well-known American online retailer that sells large items at discounted prices due to excess inventory. The company partnered with Coinbase to allow customers to pay for online orders using Bitcoin.
12) Subway
Several Subway locations accept (or have accepted, current status unknown) Bitcoin as a payment method for sandwiches. You can see an example in this video:
13) Twitch
Amazon's leading gaming streaming platform Twitch accepts Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash as payment for its services. The company removed this option in March 2019 but re-enabled it in June. You can donate directly to Twitch users using a Bitcoin wallet.
14) Pizza Hut
As of November 2020, the giant pizza chain Pizza Hut now accepts Bitcoin payments in Venezuela. This is due to the country's economic sanctions, which have driven the acceptance of cryptocurrency, although this initiative has not been globally rolled out, it may signal future trends.
15) Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins plan to allow spectators at home games to use Litecoin and Bitcoin to purchase their 50/50 raffle tickets, with half of the raffle proceeds supporting the Miami Dolphins Foundation and its charitable efforts.
16) Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks now accept Bitcoin as a payment method for game tickets and merchandise. All Bitcoin payments will be processed through BitPay on the team's official website.
17) Virgin Galactic
Richard Branson's company, including Virgin Mobile and Virgin Atlantic, allows you to pay for space travel with Bitcoin.
18) Norwegian Air
The largest airline in the Nordics and the third-largest low-cost airline in Europe plans to launch cryptocurrency payment solutions, allowing customers to pay for tickets with Bitcoin.
19) Namecheap
As one of the leading domain registrars, Namecheap began accepting Bitcoin payments in 2013 due to strong demand from the company's tech-savvy users.
20) CheapAir
Founded in 1989, the American online travel company began accepting Bitcoin payments through Coinbase and later switched to BTCPayServer for processing payments.
21) Gyft
Gyft allows users to purchase and send gift cards for retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, and iTunes online. The company accepts Bitcoin payments without charging additional fees.
22) NewEgg
This is an online retailer that sells computer hardware and consumer electronics. The company was one of the first to accept Bitcoin payments.
23) The Internet Archive
Located in San Francisco, this nonprofit digital library, dedicated to the mission of "universal access to all knowledge," accepts Bitcoin donations. Its website archive, known as the Wayback Machine, contains billions of archived web pages.
24) The Pirate Bay
An online index providing entertainment media and software digital content. The site has accepted Bitcoin and cryptocurrency donations since 2013.
25) 4Chan
A website popular among cryptocurrency users, 4Chan is an imageboard site where users typically post anonymously, with the latest posts appearing at the top.
4Chan is divided into different boards, each with its specific content and guidelines. Accounts cannot be registered. The site accepts Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin as payment for 4Chan passes.
26) Mega.nz
Launched on January 19, 2013, by Kim Dotcom, who previously founded Megaupload, this cloud storage and file hosting service accepts Bitcoin for account upgrades.
27) Amazon (not directly accepted)
As the largest online retailer today, Amazon does not directly accept Bitcoin, but you can shop on the site using Purse.io and pay with Bitcoin. This site connects people who want to shop with Bitcoin to those willing to complete orders in exchange for Bitcoin.
28) ExpressVPN
One of the largest virtual private network services, allowing you to browse the internet securely and privately. ExpressVPN is a subscription-based service and accepts Bitcoin.
29) Benfica
The famous sports club in Lisbon, Portugal—Sport Lisboa e Benfica (commonly referred to as Benfica)—accepts Bitcoin for match tickets and merchandise.
30) Quiznos
The Denver-based restaurant brand Quiznos, known for its submarine sandwiches, has announced plans to accept cryptocurrency payments at its Denver airport location.
31) AMC Theatres
The well-known American cinema chain AMC has announced that it will accept Bitcoin for movie tickets by the end of 2021. This option will be available at all AMC theaters in the U.S.
2. Industry-Specific Adoption Trends
1) Retail Industry
The retail industry is one of the earliest adopters of Bitcoin payments. Companies like Shopify and Overstock have integrated cryptocurrency into their payment systems, allowing customers to purchase a variety of goods ranging from electronics to home goods. Even brick-and-mortar businesses like Home Depot accept Bitcoin payments through platforms like Flexa. This indicates that Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a legitimate and flexible payment option in retail.
2) Travel Industry
In the travel industry, the adoption of Bitcoin is also significant. Platforms like Travala, Norwegian Air, and CheapAir now accept Bitcoin, making it easier for travelers to seamlessly book flights, hotels, and car rentals. The integration of Bitcoin by large travel companies indicates its growing acceptance in everyday transactions.
3) Technology Industry
Tech giants like Newegg are at the forefront of Bitcoin acceptance, offering their products and services in exchange for cryptocurrency. This is particularly important for customers looking to purchase software, hardware, or digital goods. Tech companies often lead innovation in this field, and their support for Bitcoin as a payment method reflects its expanding role in the digital economy.
3. Regional Insights
The adoption of Bitcoin varies by region, with different motivations and challenges in each area.
1) North America
The United States is one of the countries with the widest adoption of Bitcoin, primarily driven by tech-savvy consumers and large companies accepting cryptocurrency. Companies like AMC Theatres and AT&T have incorporated Bitcoin into their payment options, while retailers like Whole Foods allow Bitcoin purchases through third-party apps. This trend of adoption is supported by an increasing number of crypto-friendly states and legislation aimed at regulating rather than restricting Bitcoin use.
2) Europe
Europe, particularly Switzerland and Germany, has become a hotspot for cryptocurrency adoption, thanks to supportive legal frameworks and growing consumer demand. In Germany, Bitcoin is now recognized as legal tender, and Switzerland's "Crypto Valley" is a major hub for blockchain companies and cryptocurrency initiatives.
3) Latin America
In regions like Venezuela and Argentina, Bitcoin adoption is rapidly increasing due to economic instability and high inflation. Bitcoin provides individuals with a way to preserve value and avoid the devaluation of national currencies. Businesses in these countries are increasingly using Bitcoin for cross-border transactions and everyday payments.
4) Asia
Countries like Japan and South Korea are leading the way in Bitcoin adoption in Asia. Both countries have regulatory frameworks that encourage cryptocurrency use, especially in retail.
4. Expert Comments
Incorporating Bitcoin into payment systems has had a profound impact on businesses, and many industry leaders have shared their views:
“Bitcoin is no longer just a speculative asset; it is becoming a means of storing value and a medium of exchange, increasingly attracting businesses looking to meet customer demand for digital currency.” – Michael Sonnenshein, former CEO of Grayscale Investments
“Accepting Bitcoin has not only brought us a new customer base but has also positioned Overstock as a forward-thinking retailer in the ever-changing digital economy.” – Patrick Byrne, former CEO of Overstock
Sonnenshein's comments highlight the growing legitimacy of Bitcoin in the eyes of consumers and businesses. Similarly, Overstock was one of the first major companies to accept Bitcoin, underscoring its commitment to embracing emerging technologies.
5. Stores Accepting Bitcoin Payments
In addition to the large companies mentioned in the previous chapter, many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) also accept Bitcoin payments.
Alza – The largest online retailer in the Czech Republic
Alternative Airlines – A website offering flight booking services using various cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin.Travel – A travel website providing accommodation, apartments, attractions, and more
Travala – The world's largest cryptocurrency-supporting OTA (online travel agency), offering comprehensive travel products covering multiple destinations (including hotel stays and tours) that can be paid for with various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Travala is supported by the well-known cryptocurrency exchange Binance.
Pembury Tavern – A pub located in London, UK
Old Fitzroy – A pub located in Sydney, Australia
The Pink Cow – A restaurant located in Tokyo, Japan
Zynga – A mobile gaming company
EZTV – A torrent site providing TV show torrents
Lumfile – A company providing free cloud file server services, supporting payments for premium services
Etsy Vendors – 93 Etsy vendors accept Bitcoin
PizzaForCoins.com – Supports paying for Domino's Pizza with Bitcoin
Bitcoincoffee.com – Online purchase of your favorite coffee
Grass Hill Alpacas – A local farm located in Haydenville, Massachusetts
Jeffersons Store – A streetwear shop located in Bergenfield, New Jersey
Helen’s Pizza – Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, buy a slice of pizza with Bitcoin
A Class Limousine – Provides pickup services at Newark Airport in New Jersey
Seoclerks.com – Offers affordable SEO services
Fancy.com – Discover great products, collect your favorites, and buy them all in one place
Humblebundle.com – An independent gaming website
BigFishGames.com – Offers games for PC, Mac, and smartphones (iPhone, Android, Windows)
Suntimes.com – An online newspaper in Chicago
San Jose Earthquakes – A professional soccer team (MLS) in San Jose, California, USA
Crowdtilt.com – The fastest and easiest way to raise funds with family and friends
Lumfile – Provides free cloud servers
Museum of the Coastal Bend – A museum located in Victoria, Texas, USA
Gap, GameStop, and JC Penney – Use Bitcoin to pay through eGifter.com
Fight for the Future – A leading organization dedicated to internet freedom
i-Pmart (ipmart.com.my) – An online retailer of mobile phones and electronic parts in Malaysia
Curryupnow.com – 12 restaurants in San Francisco accept Bitcoin
Dish Network – A satellite television service provider in the U.S.
Libertarian Party – The Libertarian Party in the United States
Yacht-base.com – A yacht rental company in Croatia
Euro Pacific – A major precious metals dealer
CEX – A chain of recycling stores located in Glasgow, Scotland, that accepts Bitcoin
Straub Auto Repairs – An auto repair shop located in Hastings on the Hudson, New York
PSP Mollie – A Dutch payment service provider
Intuit – An American software company that develops financial and tax preparation software
ShopJoy – An Australian online retailer selling novelty and unique gifts
Lv.net – A high-speed internet service provider in Las Vegas
Grooveshark – An online music streaming service based in the United States
MIT Coop Store – The student bookstore at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
SimplePay – The most popular web and mobile wallet service in Nigeria
SFU Bookstore – The bookstore at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada
State Republican Party – The first state Republican Party to accept Bitcoin donations
mspinc.com – A supplier of respiratory medical equipment
Shopify.com – An online store that allows anyone to sell their products
Famsa – The largest retailer in Mexico
Naughty America – An adult entertainment provider
Universidad de las Américas Puebla – A well-known university in Mexico
MovieTickets.com – An online movie ticket exchange/retailer
Dream Lover – An online relationship service
Rakuten – An e-commerce giant in Japan
Badoo – An online dating network
T-Mobile Poland – A mobile top-up company for T-Mobile Poland
Stripe – A payment company headquartered in San Francisco
WebJet – An online travel agency
Green Man Gaming – A popular digital game reseller
Save the Children – A global charity organization
NCR Silver – Point of sale systems
One Shot Hotels – A chain of hotels in Spain
Coupa Café – Located in Palo Alto
PureVPN – A VPN service provider
That’s my face – Custom dolls
Foodler – A restaurant delivery company in North America
Amagi Metals – A precious metals supplier
Although many companies are excited to inform us that they have started accepting Bitcoin, they do not update in a timely manner whether they have stopped accepting Bitcoin. Therefore, this list may be somewhat outdated and should be referenced with caution.
More small and medium-sized businesses that accept Bitcoin can be found here and here. Additionally, many people have started promoting their small businesses in the comments section of this page.
6. Future Predictions
1) Regulatory Developments
Future Bitcoin adoption is likely to be influenced by the ever-changing regulatory environment, especially in the U.S. and Europe. The introduction of more robust frameworks may simplify the use of Bitcoin or, in some cases, restrict its adoption. Governments are increasingly concerned about issues like money laundering and fraud, which may lead businesses accepting cryptocurrency to comply with stricter regulatory requirements.
2) Technological Advancements
Technological advancements such as the Lightning Network or Layer 2 solutions, aimed at making transactions faster and cheaper, could significantly drive adoption rates. By lowering transaction costs and increasing speed, small businesses may be more inclined to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases. This technology also opens up possibilities for micropayments, which may see a surge in usage as infrastructure continues to improve.
3) Increased Institutional Adoption
As more institutions, such as PayPal and Square, incorporate Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies into their platforms, mainstream cryptocurrency adoption is expected to rise. With institutional support, Bitcoin may evolve from a speculative investment to a widely accepted means of payment for goods and services across various sectors.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can Bitcoin be converted to cash?
Yes, Bitcoin can be converted to cash through Bitcoin ATMs or via Bitcoin trading platforms.
2) Does Amazon accept Bitcoin?
No, you cannot use Bitcoin to pay on Amazon. However, you can indirectly purchase items on Amazon using Bitcoin through Purse.io.
3) Does Microsoft still accept Bitcoin?
No, Microsoft temporarily accepted Bitcoin but suspended the service in 2018. According to recent updates, Microsoft no longer accepts Bitcoin for purchasing Xbox or Windows products.
4) Does Starbucks accept Bitcoin?
Starbucks does not directly accept Bitcoin. However, customers can indirectly use Bitcoin to top up their Starbucks cards through apps like Bakkt, allowing them to pay for purchases with Bitcoin.
5) Do hotels accept Bitcoin?
While most hotels do not directly accept Bitcoin, some travel platforms, such as Travala and Bitcoin.travel, offer hotel bookings that can be paid for with Bitcoin. In the past, Expedia accepted Bitcoin but stopped this service in 2018.
6) What can I buy with Bitcoin?
Today, with Bitcoin debit cards, you can purchase almost anything with Bitcoin. These cards are issued by Visa or Mastercard and can be topped up with Bitcoin.
7) Does Expedia still accept Bitcoin?
No, Expedia quietly stopped accepting Bitcoin in 2018.
8) Does eBay still accept Bitcoin?
No, eBay does not allow Bitcoin as a payment method.
8. Conclusion
Although there are not many places that directly accept Bitcoin, it is clear that the adoption rate of Bitcoin as a payment method is increasing every year. One example is companies like NowPayments, which is a crypto payment gateway that can be integrated into any business, enabling it to accept Bitcoin and many other currencies.
Therefore, while we still have a long way to go before all companies directly accept Bitcoin (rather than through payment processors or Bitcoin debit cards), well-known brands like Microsoft, AT&T, and Overstock have already taken the first steps in the right direction.
Do you know of any merchants that accept Bitcoin as payment that are not listed on this page? Feel free to share in the comments section below.
Article link: https://www.hellobtc.com/kp/du/10/5448.html
Source: https://99bitcoins.com/bitcoin/who-accepts/
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