Key takeaways
- Accepting crypto payments reduces transaction fees, eliminates chargebacks, and enables seamless global transactions.
- Businesses of all sizes, from e-commerce to real estate, are integrating cryptocurrency payments to attract new customers.
- Risks like price volatility and regulatory compliance can be managed with trusted payment processors like BitPay, CoinsPaid and Coinbase Commerce.
- Setting up crypto payments is easier than ever, with zero upfront costs and user-friendly integration options for small businesses.
- The rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies has led businesses of all sizes to increasingly embrace digital currencies like Bitcoin as a legitimate payment method.
And it’s not just a rehash of old news. For years, you might have seen luxury brands like Gucci and telecommunications companies like AT&T accepting Bitcoin. But today, crypto payments are much more than an easy bit of PR — they’re seamlessly integrating into e-commerce, hospitality, travel and even your neighborhood coffee shop.
What started as a niche trend in the early 2010s has accelerated over the years. As of 2025, over 659 million people worldwide — roughly 1 in 13 individuals — are using cryptocurrency. Moreover, approximately 15,000 businesses globally accept Bitcoin (BTC), including around 2,300 in the United States.
While there are considerations to keep in mind, many view accepting BTC and other cryptocurrencies, even as a small business, as a win-win. The benefits often outweigh any challenges, with minimal downsides and significant potential rewards.
The following sections explore the whos, the whys and the hows.
What companies are currently accepting cryptocurrencies?
As briefly touched upon, it’s not only niche crypto-specific sectors that are accepting Bitcoin payments. Here are some sectors that you might not have considered, with accompanying case studies.
E-commerce
- Shopify enables merchants to accept cryptocurrency payments through various payment gateways, including BitPay and Coinbase Commerce.
- Newegg accepts Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for electronics purchases, integrating crypto payments into its checkout process.
- Rakuten Japan allows users to convert Rakuten Points into Bitcoin, Ether (ETH) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH), effectively incorporating crypto into its rewards ecosystem.
Food and beverage
- Subway accepts Bitcoin at selected locations, with franchises in Europe and North America processing crypto payments.
- Burger King franchises in Brazil and Venezuela allow customers to pay for meals with Bitcoin and select altcoins.
- Starbucks supports Bitcoin payments through the Bakkt app, enabling customers to reload their Starbucks cards with cryptocurrency.
Retail
- Home Depot accepts Bitcoin payments via Flexa, allowing customers to use cryptocurrency for home improvement purchases.
- Whole Foods processes crypto payments through the Spedn app, which enables Bitcoin and other digital currency transactions at checkout.
- Nordstrom integrates crypto payments into its in-store and online shopping platforms, supporting purchases with Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Real estate
- In Miami, a $22.5-million penthouse in the Arte Surfside complex was purchased entirely with Bitcoin, one of the largest real estate transactions involving cryptocurrency.
- Magnum Real Estate Group sold a retail condo in Manhattan for $15.3 million in Bitcoin, marking one of the first large-scale commercial real estate deals in crypto.
- Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty in Texas completed a home sale using Bitcoin, expanding crypto transactions into the residential property market.
Hospitality and travel
- Mirai Flights processes cryptocurrency payments for private jet charters, catering to high-net-worth individuals.
- Travala accepts BTC, ETH and other cryptocurrencies for hotel and flight bookings, partnering with major travel service providers.
- Expedia facilitates crypto payments for hotel bookings through Travala, offering Bitcoin payment options on select accommodations.
Advertising
- Claimr, a Web3 marketing platform, processes approximately 8 million euros annually, with the majority of transactions conducted in cryptocurrency.
- Accessible.org began accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in 2025, allowing clients to pay for digital accessibility services with crypto.
- Black Iris Social Club in Richmond accepts Bitcoin for event bookings and memberships, integrating cryptocurrency into its operations.
Did you know? The first-ever real-world transaction using Bitcoin took place on May 22, 2010, when programmer Laszlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 BTC. Today, those 10,000 BTC would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, making it one of the most expensive pizza orders in history. This event is now celebrated annually as Bitcoin Pizza Day in the crypto community.
Why are businesses accepting crypto payments?
So, all the big brands are in. But what’s driving this trend, and can small businesses benefit, too?
One of the most significant advantages is lower…
cointelegraph.com