Key Insights

• Companies from all over the world are now accepting payment in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
• These include entertainment, retail, and even grocery service providers.
• Some of the biggest names include Microsoft, Twitch, AT&T and Starbucks.
• The crypto payment market is expected to hit a $1.8 trillion ceiling by 2030.

Bitcoin has come a long way since its creation in 2009.

A year after its creation in 2010, the first known transaction was performed by László Hanyecz, who made history by using 10,000 Bitcoin to purchase two pizzas from Papa John’s. 

Today, Bitcoin is recognized not only as a speculative asset but also a payment method.

Even though there are more vocal skeptics of this new cryptocurrency today, several major companies now accept it as payment.

Big names in the corporate sector are now using it to cater to their tech-savvy customers and streamline payment overall.

Why Companies Are Embracing Bitcoin Payments?

To begin with, companies now consider accepting Bitcoin as a “cool” thing to do.

Crypto transactions are arguably faster than traditional means. They also incur lesser fees and are not affected by country borders.

There are even projections that the Bitcoin payment market could hit an insane $1.83 trillion by 2030.

More businesses are jumping to board this train every year, and here are a few you should know about.

1. PayPal

This is one of the world’s leading online payment processors. It also accepts crypto and allows users to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin alongside other cryptocurrencies. 

Paypal even features a “Checkout with Crypto” feature where customers can use Bitcoin to purchase products/services from millions of online stores that use its service.

What You Can Buy: Goods from PayPal’s merchant network, including clothing, food, electronics, etc.

2. Microsoft

Microsoft was one of the earliest adopters of Bitcoin payments. It allows users to top up their Microsoft accounts with Bitcoin despite Bill Gates’ skeptical stance on crypto.

This feature was previously paused. However, it is back online now, and the company accepts Bitcoin for purchases on its platforms—especially for digital content like Xbox games and apps.

What You Can Buy: Digital items in the Microsoft Store like games, apps, and entertainment content.

3. AT&T

AT&T, the U.S.-based telecommunications giant, accepts Bitcoin payments via BitPay.

This makes it the first major American mobile carrier to integrate crypto as a payment option.

What You Can Buy: Phone bills and service fees.

4. Starbucks

Users can reload their Starbucks cards using Bitcoin through the Bakkt app. Customers can’t yet pay for their coffee using Bitcoin at the cash register. However, they can use these reloaded cards to pay for their in-store coffee, snacks, and other items.

What You Can Buy: All items available in-store with a Starbucks card.

5. Home Depot

Home Depot is the largest home improvement retailer in the U.S.

The company accepts Bitcoin through the Flexa app and allows shoppers to pay with Bitcoin for their tools, appliances, and more.

What You Can Buy: Tools, building materials, and home improvement supplies.

6. Whole Foods

Whole Foods partnered with the Spedn app to allow customers to pay with Bitcoin at the checkout.

This convenience—especially from a major grocery chain makes it easier for crypto users to cover their everyday needs.

What You Can Buy: Groceries, beauty products, and household essentials.

7. Burger King

Several Burger King branches in countries like Venezuela have adopted Bitcoin as a payment method through Cryptobuyer.

This arrangement allows Customers to pay for meals in Bitcoin and other popular cryptocurrencies.

What You Can Buy: Fast food items like burgers, fries, and beverages.

8. Overstock

This American online retailer was one of the first to embrace Bitcoin. 

The company partnered with Coinbase to process Bitcoin transactions for customers who want to buy home goods, furniture, and more.

What You Can Buy: Home decor, furniture, electronics, and other retail goods.

9. Newegg

The online electronics and computer hardware retailer accepts Bitcoin payments for its inventory. 

The company was among the earliest tech-focused entities to welcome Bitcoin as a payment method.

What You Can Buy: Computers, components, and electronic gadgets.

10. Shopify

Merchants on Shopify can now accept Bitcoin through various payment providers like Solana Pay and Crypto.com. Many of these merchants now allow customers to pay for goods and services in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

What You Can Buy: Depending on the merchant, you can buy a range of products, from clothing to digital goods.

11. Wikipedia

The Wikimedia Foundation, Wikipedia’s parent organization, accepts donations in Bitcoin through BitPay. 

This arrangement allows crypto enthusiasts to contribute to one of the world’s largest sources of free information.

What You Can Buy: Nothing, really (donations only).

12. Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks basketball team accepts Bitcoin for game tickets and merchandise, as processed through BitPay. 

This initiative was introduced by the team owner, Mark Cuban, a well-known crypto proponent.

What You Can Buy: Tickets, jerseys, and other team merchandise.

13. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut accepts Bitcoin as payment in Venezuela. 

It offers customers a convenient way to pay for their favorite pizzas using crypto.

Even though this offering is limited to specific regions, Bitcoin adoption is growing in everyday purchases.

What You Can Buy: Pizzas, drinks, and other menu items.

14. Virgin Galactic

Anyone can go to space using crypto. For holders looking for adventure beyond Earth, Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic allows customers to pay for space travel tickets using Bitcoin.

This gives “to the moon” a whole new meaning.

What You Can Buy: Space travel tickets.

15. CheapAir

Interestingly, the travel booking site CheapAir has supported Bitcoin payments since 2013. 

It allows customers to spend Bitcoin booking flights, hotels, and car rentals.

What You Can Buy: Flights, hotel stays, and car rentals.

16. Gyft

This company lets users spend Bitcoin on gift cards, which can be used at popular retailers like Amazon, iTunes, and Starbucks. 

Gyft’s service is great for holders looking to use Bitcoin indirectly at stores that don’t directly accept crypto.

Buy a gift card using crypto and spend anywhere.

What You Can Buy: Gift cards for popular retailers.

17. Twitch

This game-streaming platform allows users to pay for goods and even make donations using Bitcoin.

Amazon owns it and shows the growing role of crypto in the gaming community.

What You Can Buy: Subscriptions and donations to streamers.

FAQs

1. Where will Bitcoin go in 2024?

Currently, Bitcoin’s price is around $74,734 USD. The most recent Bitcoin price forecast suggests that BTC will reach $83,468 by November 9, 2024.

2. Who accepts Bitcoin payments?

Prominent companies like Subway, Burger King, ExpressVPN, and Newegg are accepting BTC payments. 

3. Are Bitcoin payments safe?

Crypto transactions are also secure and virtually impossible to alter or interfere with, reducing the risk of fraud even when sending money to a stranger.