One of the most prevailing arguments against Bitcoin is that it has failed as a currency. Opponents forget that currency has evolved over thousands of years and even the U.S. dollar took two hundreds years to reach market dominance.
Bitcoin has significantly outperformed our traditional currencies in the speed of growth and acceptance. Still, opponents may have a misconception about just how many organizations will accept Bitcoin as payment.
In this article, we will list dozens of companies you can purchase goods and services from with Bitcoin.
Why Shop With Bitcoin?
Bitcoin offers a decentralized system that operates independently of any central authority, such as a government or financial institution.
Additionally, Bitcoin provides a level of privacy and anonymity, making it appealing to individuals who value their financial independence.
Some people simply use Bitcoin because they are speculating that it will outperform their native fiat currency, and they’ve decided to keep significant cash savings in Bitcoin.
Benefits of Using Bitcoin for Purchases
Anonymity and privacy
One of the significant advantages of using Bitcoin for purchases is the privacy it offers. While transactions are recorded on the blockchain, they are not linked to personal identities.
This anonymity provides a layer of security and protects users’ sensitive financial information.
Lower transaction fees
Compared with traditional payment methods, Bitcoin transactions typically involve lower fees. This is especially beneficial for international transactions, as it eliminates the need for currency conversions and reduces the cost of sending money across borders.
Global accessibility
Bitcoin is a global currency that transcends geographical boundaries. It allows individuals from different parts of the world to engage in transactions without the need for traditional banking systems.
This accessibility opens up opportunities for people who may not have access to traditional financial services.
Major Stores Accepting Bitcoin
Online retailers
Many online retailers have embraced Bitcoin as a form of payment. Overstock.com accepts Bitcoin, and also many major alt-coins. Newegg and Shopify also accept Bitcoin, enabling customers to purchase a wide range of products, including electronics, furniture, clothing, and more.
Travel and accommodation services
If you’re planning a trip, you’ll be glad to know that some travel agencies and accommodation services accept Bitcoin.
CheapAir, Travala, and Destinia are among the platforms that allow you to book flights, hotels, and other travel-related services using Bitcoin.
Food and beverage establishments
Satisfying your cravings with Bitcoin is also possible. A long list of restaurants, cafes, and even fast food chains accept Bitcoin as payment. The following stores accept Bitcoin:
- Bonefish Grill
- Boston Market
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Burger King
- California Pizza Kitchen
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
- Chili’s Grill & Bar
- Chipotle
- Chuck E Cheese’s
- Cold Stone Creamery
- Domino’s
- DoorDash
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Hooters
- Jamba Juice
- Jersey Mike’s
- Krispy Kreme
- Landry’s
- LongHorn Steakhouse
- Maggiano’s Little Italy
- Olive Garden
- Outback Steakhouse
- P.F. Chang’s
- Papa John’s
- Pinkberry
- Red Lobster
- Royal Caribbean
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Shari’s Berries
- Sheetz
- Steak ‘n Shake
- Subway
- Uber Eats
- Walmart
- Whole Foods Market
Electronics and technology stores
Tech enthusiasts can rejoice, as several electronics and technology stores accept Bitcoin.
AT&T has allowed customers to top up their pre-paid phones with BitRefill since 2019.
Microsoft, Dell, and TigerDirect are among the companies that allow you to purchase computers, software, and other gadgets using Bitcoin.
Gift cards and prepaid services
Bitcoin holders can also use their digital currency to purchase gift cards and prepaid services.
Platforms like Bitrefill offer a wide range of options, allowing you to buy gift cards for popular retailers, streaming services, gaming platforms, and more.
Luxury goods and Apparel
Bitcoin is becoming established in the luxury market. Some high-end retailers, including Rolex and Lamborghini, accept Bitcoin as payment for their exclusive products and services.
This shows the growing acceptance and recognition of Bitcoin among prestigious brands and wealthy consumers.
Additionally, these apparel stores also accept Bitcoin.
- Adidas
- American Eagle
- ATHEIST Shoes
- Athleta
- Banana Republic
- Bass Pro Shops
- Bath & Body Works
- Bottega Senatore
- Burlington
- Callaway
- Columbia
- Express
- Fanatics
- FragranceNet.com
- Gap
- Gap Options
- Greenbelt Outdoors
- H&M
- JCPenney
- Jomashop
- L.G.R
- Lanieri
- Nautica
- NFLShop.com
- Old Navy
- Overstock.com
- Pacsun
- Ralph Lauren
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Ulta Beauty
- Under Armour
- Walmart
- Zappos.com
How to Make Purchases with Bitcoin
Setting up a Bitcoin wallet
Before making any purchases with Bitcoin, you’ll need to set up a Bitcoin wallet. There are various types of wallets available, including hardware wallets, software wallets, and online wallets.
Choose the one that best suits your needs and ensure you keep your private keys secure.
Finding Bitcoin-accepting merchants
To find stores and services that accept Bitcoin, you can visit the websites of companies listed in this article. Websites like Coinmap can also help you find local businesses that welcome Bitcoin payments.
Completing the transaction
Once you’ve identified a Bitcoin-accepting merchant, making a purchase is similar to traditional online transactions.
A vendor will supply you with a Bitcoin address or a QR code to complete the payment. Using your Bitcoin wallet, send the required amount of Bitcoin to the provided address, and the transaction will be processed.
Challenges and Future of Bitcoin Payments
Volatility of Bitcoin’s value
One of the primary challenges of using Bitcoin for purchases is its price volatility.
Bitcoin’s value can fluctuate within short periods, making it difficult to determine the exact cost of an item at the time of purchase. However, as the market matures, increased stability and wider adoption will directly reduce this issue.
Bitcoin’s volatility is decreasing as more Bitcoin is being used in finance and other real-world applications. Currently, the Bitcoin volatility index is at 1.5%. Bitcoin is becoming more stable every year.
Regulatory concerns
Bitcoin’s decentralized nature has raised concerns among regulators worldwide. Some countries have implemented strict regulations addressing money laundering and counter terrorism. Others are still developing their stance on cryptocurrencies.
The future of Bitcoin payments will depend on finding a balance between regulatory compliance and preserving the benefits of its decentralization.
The Future of Buying With Bitcoin
The Bitcoin ecosystem is continuously evolving. Developers are working on solutions to address scalability issues, enhance transaction speeds, and improve the overall user experience.
These advancements, such as Mintlayer and the Lightning Network, aim to make Bitcoin more efficient and practical for everyday transactions.
Mintlayer Instant Currency Exchange
One of the most promising use cases for Mintlayer and Bitcoin will be using the Lightning Network as a layer 3 to create an instant DEX on the Mintlayer blockchain.
Nodes can nominate different channels with different currencies and convert currencies in real time without the need for third-party intervention.
In a hypothetical transaction, Ben wants to pay Adam for coffee with his Bitcoin, but Adam only wants to accept a government fiat currency or an equivalent stablecoin. In a single transaction Ben will pay with Bitcoin which will then be converted at a node in the Lightning network for mUSD, a stablecoin on Mintlayer, which is then sent through to Adam. Adam won’t even realize Ben paid with BTC, and the transaction costs will be a miniscule fraction of current payment processors.
With the savings in processing fees, small shops can incentivize users to use these new payment gateways on Mintlayer with a rebate that is paid for from the savings over using VISA.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can buy almost anything directly with Bitcoin.
From online retailers to travel services, food establishments to luxury brands, the acceptance of Bitcoin as a form of payment continues to grow.
The benefits of using Bitcoin for purchases, including privacy, lower fees, and global accessibility, make it an attractive option for individuals seeking a decentralized and secure method of payment.
Mintlayer will offer solutions that satisfy a large range of concerns businesses have with this new technology. We can expect more merchants and service providers to embrace Bitcoin as a viable payment option once our features are fully fleshed out.
So, if you’re a Bitcoin holder wondering what you can buy with your digital currency, the options are expanding every day. Embrace the possibilities and explore the world of Bitcoin-enabled purchases.
