How to Pay with Crypto and Bitcoin in 2025

Why More People Are Using Crypto for Online Purchases

Why bother with crypto when you have a credit card? It usually comes down to freedom and fees. Banks charge a premium for cross-border transactions; crypto doesn't. In 2025, the adoption curve has steepened because shoppers are tired of declined transactions and 3% foreign exchange fees.

Many users are now learning how to pay with btc to bypass these traditional banking hurdles.

The rise of stablecoins has also been a game-changer, allowing people to spend digital assets without worrying about Bitcoin's price swings. Whether it's for privacy, lower costs, or just the convenience of "tap to pay" wallet integrations, figuring out how to spend Bitcoin and other assets efficiently is becoming a standard part of modern personal finance.

Ultimately, this virtual money offers a fast and secure alternative to traditional finance.

How Crypto Payments Work in Simple Terms

Think of it as a direct peer to peer exchange. In 2025, digital transactions are seamless: you send value directly from your wallet to the merchant.

You don't need a middleman to approve it. When you pay, you simply use your wallet app to scan a merchant's QR code, confirm the amount, and hit send.

The blockchain verifies the funds are yours and moves them instantly. It’s secure, it’s private, and once you know how to pay in crypto, you realize just how outdated waiting three days for a bank settlement actually is. You are essentially being your own bank, sending value directly to the merchant's digital doorstep.

‍

How to Make a Bitcoin Payment Step by Step

Making a Bitcoin payment is significantly easier than it was just a few years ago. You don't need to be a developer; you just need to follow a secure, logical process. From setting up your first wallet to watching the blockchain verify your purchase, this section breaks down how to pay with cryptocurrency so you can send and receive funds with total confidence.

1. Set Up a Secure Bitcoin Wallet

You can't spend digital cash without a digital wallet. For daily coffee runs, a mobile app with Lightning Network support is your best bet for high transaction speed. For significant savings, stick to a hardware device like a Ledger or Trezor. Crucially, write down your recovery phrase on paper. Never store it online, because that is the only key to your funds.

2. Acquire Bitcoin Safely

You need to fund your wallet before you shop. Most users buy Bitcoin via regulated exchanges like Kraken or Coinbase using an online account connected to a bank transfer. Once bought, move the coins to your private wallet immediately. This step is vital because "not your keys, not your coins" remains the golden rule of crypto safety.

3. Find Merchants That Accept Crypto

Spotting crypto-friendly stores is easier in 2025. Look for the Bitcoin logo or "Pay with Crypto" buttons at checkout. Major retailers and thousands of small businesses now integrate these options. If in doubt, use directories like Cryptwerk for more information on verified merchants.

4. Choose a Payment Method (Direct, Gateway, or Gift Card

You have options: scan a merchant's personal QR code, use a processor checkout screen, or buy a gift card for sites like Amazon. Direct peer-to-peer transfers are often cheapest, while payment gateways provide a familiar e-commerce experience.

Choose the route that fits the store's setup to streamline the purchase process.

‍

Ready to accept or spend crypto seamlessly? Try a trusted payment gateway that supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more to experience instant, borderless transactions today.

5. Confirm and Track Your Transaction

After sending, you get a Transaction ID (TXID): your digital receipt. Paste this into a block explorer to watch the network verify your payment in real-time. While Bitcoin mainnet might take ten minutes, Layer 2 solutions usually confirm instantly.

Always double-check the transaction details to ensure a secure transaction before that final click.

What You Can Buy with Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies

The question isn’t "what can I buy?" anymore: it’s "what can’t I buy?" In 2025, the crypto economy allows you to purchase a vast array of real-world goods and services.

Electronics and Tech Gadgets

Tech retailers were the first movers, and they remain the biggest players. Sites like Newegg and specialized crypto-only merchants allow you to buy everything from high-end gaming PCs to the latest smartphones directly with Bitcoin. For merchants, this is a strategic win: selling high-ticket electronics via credit card is risky due to chargebacks. How to pay in bitcoin for these items is simple, just select it at checkout to avoid credit limits and potential bank fraud flags on large purchases.

• Microsoft: One of the earliest adopters, allowing you to top up your Microsoft account with Bitcoin to buy games, movies, and apps on the Xbox and Windows stores.
• Newegg: A massive retailer for PC parts and consumer electronics that accepts Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and more directly at checkout.
• Scan Computers (UK): A leading UK hardware retailer that has fully integrated crypto payments for high-end gaming rigs and components.
• AT&T: The first major US mobile carrier to let customers pay their phone bills using cryptocurrency via BitPay.

Travel, Flights, and Hotels

Travel is where crypto shines. Platforms like Travala have normalized booking flights and hotels with digital assets, often offering tokenized rewards back. Because crypto transactions are borderless, you don't get hit with the typical 3% foreign transaction fee that banks charge when you book a hotel in Tokyo or a flight from London. It’s the most efficient how to spend cryptocurrency use case for digital nomads.

• Travala: The giant of crypto travel, offering over 2 million hotels and flights globally. They accept 100+ cryptocurrencies and offer their own tokenized rewards.
• Alternative Airlines: A flight search platform that lets you book seats on over 600 global airlines, including major carriers like Emirates and British Airways paying with Bitcoin or stablecoins.
• AirBaltic: The world's first airline to accept Bitcoin for tickets, continuing to serve European travelers with direct crypto payments for "Green" class seats.
• Virgin Voyages: Richard Branson’s cruise line accepts Bitcoin for bookings, targeting a younger, digital-first demographic.

Gift Cards and Digital Goods

If a store doesn’t accept crypto directly, gift cards bridge the gap. Services like Bitrefill and Coinsbee let you swap crypto for cards to Amazon, Uber, DoorDash, or Walmart instantly. It’s the easiest workaround for everyday spending, allowing you to live entirely on crypto even at stores that only take fiat.

Luxury and Fashion

High-net-worth holders use crypto for liquidity. For luxury brands, a confirmed blockchain transaction is safer than a credit card authorization that could be reversed weeks later.

‍

• Gucci: Accepts ApeCoin, Bitcoin, and stablecoins in select flagship stores across the USA.
• Balenciaga: Accepts crypto payments online and at select retail locations in the US and Europe.
• Farfetch: The global luxury fashion platform accepts cryptocurrency for customers in the UK, US, and Europe, integrating it seamlessly into their checkout.
• Ralph Lauren: The Miami Design District store was the brand's first to accept crypto, pioneering the trend for their retail network.
• Hublot & Tag Heuer: These LVMH-owned watchmakers accept crypto payments for high-value timepieces (up to significant limits) via payment partners.

Food, Drinks, and Everyday Purchases

While buying coffee with mainnet Bitcoin is slow, the Lightning Network has made it viable. In tech hubs and crypto-friendly cities, you can now how to buy things with bitcoin instantly at registers using Layer 2 solutions.

• Chipotle (USA): Allows customers to pay with 98 different digital currencies at nearly 3,000 restaurants exclusively through the Flexa (Spedn) app.
• Burger King: Has piloted direct crypto payments in specific regions (like Paris and Venezuela) and accepts crypto rewards/gift cards globally.
• Starbucks: While not accepting Bitcoin directly at the register, the Starbucks app allows users to reload their balance using Bitcoin via partnership integrations like Bakkt.
• Menufy: A food delivery platform connecting thousands of local restaurants that allows you to pay for your takeout order with crypto.

Online Subscriptions and Services

From VPNs to cloud storage and streaming, digital services favor digital money. It protects user privacy (no bank statement trail) and enables automated, programmable payments for SaaS platforms.

• ExpressVPN, NordVPN, & ProtonVPN: Privacy-focused giants that accept Bitcoin and privacy coins like Monero to ensure user anonymity.
• Twitch: The streaming behemoth allows users to pay for subscriptions and "Bits" (tipping currency) using crypto to support their favorite creators.
• Hostinger & Namecheap: Major web hosting and domain registrars that have accepted crypto for years, catering to web developers and tech entrepreneurs.
• TIME Magazine: Offers digital subscriptions payable in crypto, one of the first legacy media brands to do so.

Donations and Charities

Non-profits prefer crypto for its transparency. Major organizations accept direct wallet transfers, ensuring that 100% of the donation reaches the cause without banking intermediaries taking a cut.

‍

• The Giving Block: A massive platform that connects crypto donors with thousands of charities, including United Way and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
• Save the Children: Accepts direct Bitcoin donations to fund humanitarian aid worldwide.
• American Red Cross: Has accepted Bitcoin donations since 2014 via BitPay to support disaster relief efforts.

Popular Categories and Stores That Accept Bitcoin

The "crypto economy" isn't a separate world anymore; it's just a part of the regular economy. Major sectors, from retail and travel to gaming and charity, have integrated digital assets to capture a younger, wealthier, and more global customer base. If you are wondering how do you spend cryptocurrency in 2025 without converting it to cash first, the answer lies in these rapidly expanding categories where direct acceptance is becoming the norm.

Online Retailers

E-commerce giants were some of the first to embrace digital currency, recognizing that crypto users often have higher average order values. Overstock remains a pioneer, accepting Bitcoin for everything from furniture to electronics. Newegg is the go-to for tech enthusiasts, allowing you to upgrade your PC or buy a new laptop directly with your wallet. Even Microsoft allows users to fund their accounts with Bitcoin to purchase software and games.

For shoppers, the process of how to pay with bitcoin online at these stores is often faster than typing in a credit card number. You simply select "Crypto" at checkout, scan, and you’re done.

Accept crypto on your online store with B2BINPAY

Travel and Booking Platforms

The travel industry is perhaps the most logical fit for crypto because it eliminates the friction of currency exchange. Travala is the market leader, offering over 2 million hotels and flights bookable with 100+ different cryptocurrencies. Alternative Airlines allows you to book flights on major carriers like Emirates or Delta using crypto, ensuring that your travel plans aren't grounded by a declined credit card transaction abroad. AirBaltic also continues to serve European travelers with direct Bitcoin payment options for their flights.

Streaming and Gaming Services

Gamers and streamers are digitally native, so it’s no surprise that this sector has high adoption. Twitch, the world’s leading live-streaming platform, allows viewers to support their favorite creators by paying for subscriptions and "Bits" using crypto. In the gaming world, marketplaces like G2A and Kinguin let users buy game keys and software licenses with Bitcoin, bypassing the often high fraud-protection barriers of traditional payment processors.

Learn how gaming companies settle payments instantly

Restaurants and Delivery Services

While you might not pay for every burger with Bitcoin yet, the options are growing. Menufy connects thousands of local restaurants in the US, allowing you to order takeout and pay directly with cryptocurrency. Chipotle has partnered with payment apps like Flexa to allow crypto spending in-store. In tech-forward regions, even major chains like Burger King have piloted direct crypto payments or integrations with ordering kiosks, proving that digital assets have a place in the drive-thru.

Nonprofits and Donations

Philanthropy is one of the fastest-growing use cases for crypto. It’s transparent, borderless, and tax-efficient for donors. The Giving Block is a massive platform that enables thousands of charities, including the American Cancer Society and United Way, to accept crypto donations securely. International organizations like Save the Children and the Red Cross also accept direct Bitcoin transfers, ensuring that aid reaches crisis zones instantly without losing value to banking intermediaries.

Start accepting crypto donations today

Alternative Ways to Pay with Crypto

Even if a store doesn’t accept Bitcoin directly, there are still flexible ways to use your digital assets. From gift card platforms and crypto debit cards to peer-to-peer transactions, learning how to pay in cryptocurrency goes beyond traditional checkout buttons. These alternatives make it easier to integrate crypto into your everyday spending routine, no matter where you shop.

Using Crypto Debit and Prepaid Cards

Crypto debit cards from providers like Crypto.com, BitPay, and Coinbase let you spend Bitcoin just like fiat currency. These cards automatically convert crypto to USD or EUR at the time of purchase, so you can swipe them at any POS terminal that accepts Visa or Mastercard. It’s one of the most practical ways for users wondering how to pay using crypto in real life.

Buying Gift Cards with Bitcoin

If a store doesn’t yet accept crypto, gift cards offer a reliable workaround. Platforms like Bitrefill, Coinsbee, and Purse.io let users buy digital gift cards for Amazon, Netflix, Uber, and more using BTC. It’s a simple, effective way for anyone exploring how to pay using Bitcoin to spend crypto indirectly, without needing to convert to fiat or use a bank.

Sending P2P Payments

Peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto payments are a fast, private way to transfer funds between individuals. Whether splitting a restaurant bill, paying a freelancer, or sending money to family overseas, P2P lets users transfer crypto directly from wallet to wallet, no third-party required. It’s a core use case for crypto, especially in regions with limited access to traditional banking.

Paying Bills with Crypto

Some services now allow users to settle everyday bills, like electricity, phone, or internet, with cryptocurrencies. Platforms such as BitPay Bill Pay or Coinsfer act as intermediaries, converting your crypto into fiat and sending it to your utility provider. It’s especially useful for crypto holders looking to manage recurring payments without touching their bank accounts.

Alternative Ways to Pay with Crypto

Direct checkout isn't the only option anymore. If you are trying to figure out how to pay in cryptocurrency at a store that only accepts Visa, or you need to settle a utility bill that demands a bank transfer, the ecosystem has built "bridges" to make it happen. These tools turn your digital assets into spendable cash instantly, allowing you to live entirely on-chain without waiting for the rest of the world to catch up.

Using Crypto Debit and Prepaid Cards

This is the closest experience to a traditional bank account. In 2025, providers like Crypto.com, Coinbase, and the non-custodial MetaMask Card have perfected the "swipe and convert" model. You keep your funds in crypto (Bitcoin, USDC, or Ethereum), and the moment you pay for your coffee or groceries, the card provider instantly converts the exact amount to fiat (USD, EUR, GBP) to pay the merchant.

It works at any terminal that accepts Mastercard or Visa. For users wondering how to pay using crypto for everyday expenses, like gas or groceries, without the hassle of manual exchanges, this is the most practical solution. You get the liquidity of cash with the upside of holding assets.

Buying Gift Cards with Bitcoin

When a retailer is stubborn about not accepting crypto, gift cards are your backdoor. Platforms like Bitrefill and Coinsbee allow you to buy digital gift cards for practically anything: Amazon, Uber, DoorDash, or PlayStation Store, using your crypto wallet.

The process is instant: you send Bitcoin or Lightning Network funds, and a barcode arrives in your email seconds later. It is a simple, reliable method for learning how to pay using Bitcoin at major corporate retailers that haven't integrated direct blockchain payments yet. Plus, it requires no bank account and protects your personal data from the merchant.

Sending P2P Payments

Sometimes you just need to pay a person, not a business. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments are the digital equivalent of handing someone cash. Whether you are splitting a dinner bill or paying a freelance designer in another country, apps like Strike or Binance Pay let you zip value globally for pennies.

In 2025, stablecoin transfers on networks like Tron or Solana have become the standard for this. They settle in seconds and cost a fraction of a cent, making them vastly superior to traditional wire transfers or PayPal for international payments.

Paying Bills with Crypto

You can now pay your "real world" bills without ever cashing out to a bank. Services like BitPay Bill Pay and Spritz Finance act as a bridge between your wallet and your providers. You connect your utility, mortgage, or credit card accounts, and send crypto to the platform; they handle the conversion and wire the fiat to the service provider. It is a powerful tool for crypto-natives who want to keep their net worth in digital assets while keeping the lights on.

Challenges of Paying with Bitcoin and Crypto

It’s not all smooth sailing yet. While paying with crypto gives you freedom, it shifts the responsibility entirely onto your shoulders. If you are learning how to pay through bitcoin, you need to understand the three distinct hurdles that still trip up beginners in 2025: price swings, security gaps, and the taxman.

Price Volatility

The reality is that Bitcoin can drop 10% in the time it takes to eat dinner. For a merchant, this is a nightmare: they can't afford to sell a laptop for $1,000 in BTC and have that BTC be worth $900 an hour later.

The 2025 Shift: This is why stablecoins (like USDC and USDT) now account for over 30% of all on-chain transaction volume. They solve the volatility problem. If you want to spend crypto without the stress, swapping your BTC to a stablecoin before you shop is the smartest move.

Limited Merchant Acceptance

Adoption has exploded, Block (Square) enabled Bitcoin payments for 4 million merchants late last year, but you still can't pay for everything directly. You will often encounter a "gap" where a local store or utility provider hasn't upgraded their POS system yet.

The Workaround: This is where crypto debit cards and gift card marketplaces (like Bitrefill) become essential tools. They act as a translation layer, turning your crypto into fiat instantly so the merchant never knows the difference.

Potential Security Risks

In the first half of 2025 alone, users lost $3.1 billion to crypto fraud. The biggest culprit wasn't sophisticated hacking, it was simple phishing. Scammers create fake checkout pages or "support" accounts to trick you into signing a malicious transaction.

Golden Rule: When using crypto for payments, always verify the URL and the first/last four characters of the wallet address. If you lose your private keys or send money to a scammer, there is no bank hotline to reverse the charge. The loss is permanent.

Regulatory and Tax Uncertainty

This is the "hidden cost" of spending crypto. In both the US and UK, spending crypto is technically a "disposal of assets."

• UK Context: For the 2025/2026 tax year, your capital gains tax-free allowance has been reduced to £3,000. If you bought Bitcoin cheap and buy a car with it now, the profit you "realized" by spending it is taxable.
• US Context: The IRS still treats crypto as property, not currency. Buying a $4 coffee with Bitcoin you bought for $1 triggers a taxable event on the $3 gain.
• The Fix: Use crypto tax software to track your spending automatically, or stick to spending stablecoins (which have no capital gains) for daily purchases.

Popular Platforms That Accept Bitcoin

Big brands aren't just "testing" crypto anymore; they are actively building it into their checkout flows. For you, this means you can finally use your digital assets for daily needs, from upgrading your gaming setup to booking a flight, without jumping through hoops.

If you are wondering how to use cryptocurrency to buy things efficiently, these platforms are leading the charge.

Shopify

Shopify is quietly becoming the biggest crypto onboarding engine in commerce. Millions of merchants using the platform can now flip a switch to accept payments via Solana Pay, Crypto.com, or BitPay. The standout here is the Solana Pay integration: if you pay with USDC, the transaction is virtually instant and free. If you see a "Pay with Crypto" button on a boutique store or a tech drop, it’s likely running on this infrastructure.

Twitch

Twitch knows its audience. The platform has enabled crypto payments to support the creator economy directly. While direct subscription payments have fluctuated, the real utility is in tipping. Viewers can send donations to their favorite streamers using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin through integrations like Streamlabs or NOWPayments. It’s a way to support creators without a middleman taking a massive cut of the funds.

‍

Starbucks (via Gift Cards)

Correction for 2025: You can’t scan Bitcoin directly at the espresso machine yet, and the old Bakkt consumer app is gone. The modern "hack" that everyday crypto users actually rely on is Bitrefill. You can buy a digital Starbucks gift card with Bitcoin or Lightning Network funds instantly while standing in line, scan it at the register, and earn your rewards points just like a cash payer. It’s the fastest way to turn crypto into caffeine.

Travala & Alternative Airlines

While carriers like Norwegian Air were pioneers in exploring crypto (even launching their own exchange, NBX), the real utility for travelers today is through aggregators. Travala and Alternative Airlines let you book seats on almost any major carrier, from Emirates to Delta, using 100+ cryptocurrencies. This is a lifesaver for international travelers who want to avoid declined credit cards or foreign transaction fees.

Burger King

Burger King’s relationship with crypto is strictly regional, but it’s real. In Venezuela, where fighting inflation is a daily battle, Burger King locations actively accept cryptocurrencies like Dash and Tether directly at the register. In Europe and the US, the best route remains buying a digital gift card with crypto instantly before you order.

Tax and Legal Considerations

If you are learning how to buy something with bitcoin, you need to know the rules. In 2025, the "Wild West" days are over, and tax authorities have automated their oversight.

• United States (The 1099-DA Era): As of January 1, 2025, the new IRS rules for digital asset brokers kick in. Major exchanges and payment processors are now required to track your transaction data and eventually issue Form 1099-DA. This means buying a coffee with Bitcoin is a reported taxable event. If the Bitcoin you spent is worth more than when you bought it, you owe tax on the difference.
• United Kingdom: The Capital Gains Tax (CGT) allowance for the 2025/26 tax year sits at just £3,000. Since spending crypto counts as "disposing" of an asset, it’s very easy to accidentally cross this threshold if you use Bitcoin for regular purchases.
• The Smart Move: To avoid a tax nightmare, many users now swap their spending money into stablecoins (like USDC) first. Since stablecoins don’t fluctuate in value, spending them typically doesn't trigger a capital gains tax event.

Security Best Practices for Crypto Payments

In 2025, hackers don't try to break your password; they try to trick you into handing it over. Security is about behavior, not just software.

• Watch for "Address Poisoning": This is the most common scam right now. Attackers send tiny amounts of crypto to your wallet from an address that looks almost identical to yours (matching the first and last 4 characters). They hope you’ll lazily copy their address from your transaction history for your next transfer. Rule: Always check the middle characters of an address, not just the ends.
• Upgrade to Hardware 2FA: SMS codes are easily stolen via SIM swapping. Secure your exchange accounts with an authenticator app or, even better, a physical hardware key like a YubiKey.
• Cold Storage is King: If you aren't planning to spend it this week, get it off the internet. Store your savings on a hardware wallet (like a Ledger or Trezor). Never, ever type your 12-24 word seed phrase into a computer or phone.
• Verify the URL: Phishing sites are getting perfect at mimicking payment gateways. Before you connect your wallet to pay, double-check the domain name. If it looks even slightly off, close the tab.

Final Takeaways

In 2025, using cryptocurrency isn't just a tech statement; it's a practical defense against a legacy banking system that is often slow and expensive. For merchants, accepting crypto is the best insurance against chargeback fraud. For you as a shopper, it’s about regaining privacy and avoiding foreign transaction fees.

The learning curve is flattening fast. Whether you are a business owner integrating a gateway or a shopper figuring out how to pay for something with bitcoin for the first time, the infrastructure is finally robust enough to rely on. The future of payments isn't coming; it's already here in your digital wallet.

FAQ

Which Cryptocurrencies Are Best for Shopping?

It depends on what you are buying. For everyday items, stablecoins like USDC or USDT are superior because they hold a steady value, you won't regret buying a $5 coffee if the price of Bitcoin doubles next week. For larger, luxury purchases or cars, shopping with bitcoin is the standard due to its high liquidity and acceptance. Privacy-focused users often stick to Monero, while Litecoin remains a favorite for its speed and low fees.

Can I Get a Refund When Paying with Bitcoin?

You can, but don't expect it to work like a credit card reversal. Because blockchain transactions are irreversible, you cannot simply "cancel" a payment. You must contact the merchant directly. If they agree to a refund, they will have to manually send a new transaction back to your wallet address. Always verify the return policy before you hit send.

How Long Do Transactions Take?

Speed varies by network. Solana and Polygon transactions are effectively instant (under 5 seconds). Ethereum typically takes 1–3 minutes. Bitcoin on the main network can take 10 to 60 minutes to fully confirm, which is why most in-person merchants now use the Lightning Network to process Bitcoin payments instantly.

How do I convert crypto to cash?

The fastest route is a crypto debit card, which spends your crypto as cash in real-time. If you need physical bills, you can use a Bitcoin ATM to sell your coins for cash on the spot. For larger amounts, your best bet is still a centralized exchange (like Coinbase or Kraken): sell your assets for USD, EUR, or GBP and withdraw the funds via ACH or SEPA transfer.

Can I transfer crypto to a bank account?

No, because traditional bank accounts cannot hold digital assets. You can't wire Bitcoin to a checking account. You must first sell the cryptocurrency on an exchange or through a payment processor to convert it into fiat currency (like Dollars or Euros), which can then be transferred to your bank.