Which websites accept bitcoin

Who Accepts Bitcoin in 2021?

Before you get yourself some Bitcoins, you may wonder who accepts Bitcoins as payment? Since Bitcoin is relatively new and many businesses are wary of its price fluctuations, you may not find it surprising that it is not as widely accepted as traditional fiat currencies.

Despite that, the ranks of retailers and services that accept Bitcoin are growing. According to Coinmap.org, there are nearly 15,000 venues all over the globe where you can purchase goods and services using Bitcoin, The actual number of vendors accepting Bitcoin is likely to be much higher though, knowing that Bitcoin is already legal payment instrument in countries like Japan.

Map of retailers who accept bitcoin worldwide. Source: coinmap.org

You can buy food and drinks at many bars and restaurants around the world. Aside from that, you can also get various web services, book accommodation and plane tickets, purchase real estate, order pizza, consumer goods, pay your taxes or even travel to space with Virgin Galactic using BTC.

Well-Known Companies That Accept Bitcoin

For starters, the benefits of using Bitcoin for payments start by allowing you to send your funds to the merchants armed with functional Bitcoin wallets, with no intermediaries and at minimal fees. Those offering goods and services in exchange for Bitcoin stand to profit as well, as they can tap into a pool of growing crypto-friendly audience, with lower transaction fees compared to network payment cards and the ability to settle things down without chargebacks.

As you can see, many companies accept Bitcoin, but it also depends on where you are and what you need. Although Bitcoin is more popular among smaller merchants, several well-known companies accept Bitcoin payments, too.

  • Microsoft. For now, the giant from Redmond supports the option of topping up one’s Microsoft account with Bitcoin. Used in this manner, Bitcoin can be used to buy apps or games from the company’s Windows or Xbox stores, without support for purchasing stuff from its online store. While the company’s earlier record of supporting Bitcoin has been spotty, its support for this cryptocurrency is surely a wind in the sails of crypto promoters.
  • Expedia. This travel industry behemoth supports the use of Bitcoin via Coinbase, but the users are well-advised to check the fine print in their terms of use.
  • Wikimedia, the parent company behind the Wikipedia platform, will accept your donations in bitcoins, provided that you make them via BitPay.
  • Lovers of food will surely appreciate the fact that the global restaurant chain, or at least its Canadian outlet, offers chicken in exchange for Bitcoin. The bad news that this was a time-limited from 2018, but the company promises the BTC users to stay tuned for new developments.
  • Subway is yet another restaurant franchise which advises its customers to check their local joints for the support for Bitcoin, as some of them may offer support for this currency now just as they did in the past.
  • Playboy TV supports payment with Bitcoin to those who want to use their BTC to gain access to adult content.
  • NewEgg is an online retailing powerhouse, particularly when it comes to hardware and electronic gadgets. It was one of the pioneers among the early Bitcoin adopters. The platform supports three ways of paying with Bitcoin, including web purchases, wallet-based transfers, and transactions made on smartphones. A caveat: bitcoins are not accepted if you want to spend them on digital gift cards, preorders, and subscriptions, so you better make sure to check the fine print in the platform’s terms of service.
  • AT&T is a renowned U.S. mobile operator who offers an option to use Bitcoin for payment, provided that the users effect it via BitPay service.

There are also some major players that do not (as of October 2019) accept Bitcoin as payment, as these market players are often the subject of the inquiries made by Bitcoin users:

  • Online retailer giant Amazon does not accept Bitcoin payments. Yet, the options such as Purse.io allow you to buy stuff from its merchants in a more or less direct manner. This platform will link the holders of Bitcoin who want to purchase stuff on Amazon with those who want to receive Bitcoin in exchange for making an order from the platform.
  • eBay is yet another popular online buying option and, similar to Amazon, it does not support Bitcoin as a means of payment.
  • Starbucks will not allow you to use your BTC to pay for coffee or any of its products as of yet.
Читайте также:  Даем инвестиции под проект

Where Can I Use Bitcoin to Buy Stuff Online?

Those with spare bitcoins to spend usually look at the internet as a safe haven that offers access to various types of products and services. While various brick-and-mortar stores are starting to accept Bitcoin as a legit tender now, online retailers still offer the best deals and attract the majority of attention for a reason.

  • Overstock.com, for example, is among the more popular big-time online retailers offering the option to make payments with bitcoin. The site’s offer covers various products, ranging from couches and rugs to PC hardware. The platform launched its Bitcoin support in early 2014, with the range of supported currencies nowadays including Ethereum, Dash, Bitcoin Cash, and others. It also offers refunds for whatever you buy with Bitcoin, combined with its parallel use with coupons and gift cards.
  • Gift card platforms such as eGifter and Gyft allow you to spend BTC to buy gift cards that can be used at stores that do not support direct purchases with bitcoins at the moment. Once acquired, these cards can be used with Amazon, Home Depot and other retailers.
  • Shopify is an e-commerce giant which provides the online environment in which the merchants can open their own virtual selling stands, not unlike what you find on eBay. At the moment, tens of thousands of merchants on it are readily accepting Bitcoin via the use of BitPay. Unfortunately, the only snag here is the fact that you’ll have to check out and find these stores yourself, as the site does not yet offer the comprehensive list of BTC-friendly sellers.
  • The same goes for Etsy, an e-commerce platform dedicated to the sales of handmade and vintage items, with a growing number of merchants offering support for Bitcoin purchases.
  • BitPlaza is yet another e-retailer, promising easy support for shopping with Bitcoin. The platform’s offer ranges from cosmetics to groceries and electronics. In addition to visiting its online shopping center, you can spend your hard-earned BTC with the help of dedicated Android and iOS apps.
  • If you need a gift for that special geek in your life (including yourself!), anything ranging from Marvel action heroes to old-school game memorabilia can be found at Geekorama.

Can You Travel with a Bitcoin Wallet?

Traveling somewhere? The following platforms will help you to book plane tickets and hotels for Bitcoin.

  • CheapAir leading the charge here. Among other options, the platform supports paying for international flights with Bitcoin, allowing you to fly with confidence with your Bitcoin wallet safely tucked away in a virtual pocket. In addition to flights, you can use your favorite crypto to pay for hotel accommodation. If you book flights with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, you have access to USD 100 coverage if the fares take a dip after paying for them. The company utilizes Coinbase wallets and is one of the pioneers of the Bitcoin adoption in the air travel industry.
  • CheapAir’s competitor is a rising star platform called More Stamps Global which allows you to book flights and hotels with Bitcoin, alongside other crypto- and fiat-based payment options. In addition to flights and accommodation, it supports travel transfers and payment for various services and activities associated with travels, such as renting cars.
  • BTCTrip is a dedicated travel platform that focuses on enabling Bitcoin-supported flights via direct payment method.

Buying Precious Metals and Homes with Bitcoin

If gold and silver are high on your purchase list, you’ll be glad to know that nicknaming Bitcoin “cryptocurrency gold” was highly appropriate at least in case you want to use it as a means of acquiring precious metals. There are several companies that offer support for buying silver and gold online with BTC, including REEDS Jewelers, JM Bullion, APMEX and GramGold.

  • Some of them even offer a discount based on BTC-powered transactions, such as JM Bullion.
  • Others, such as APMEX, have special requirements, such as setting a maximum cap for purchases made with Bitcoin.
  • REEDS Jewelers will allow you to spend Bitcoins at their physical stores and online outlets alike, offering a full range of luxury watches and jewelry. It also supports refunds for purchases made with bitcoins. Yet, you should bear in mind that combined purchases made with BTC and other accepted payment methods are not supported at the moment.
Читайте также:  Биткоин биржа вывод средств

Luxury home buyers will surely welcome the opportunity to fork out their bitcoins on the Bitcoin Real Estate platform which allows them to buy or sell properties that manage to catch their eye. In addition to dedicated platforms such as this one, there is a growing number of real estate dealers who want to attract younger and crypto-friendly buyers by offering support for Bitcoin.

Do You Need Other Sites to Spend Bitcoin On?

Spendabit.co and Bspend.com are websites that let you search for retailers that accept Bitcoin for items you need.

Other big companies that accept Bitcoin include:

  • Microsoft Xbox and Windows Store.
  • KFC Canada
  • Tesla
  • Reddit
  • Subway
  • Wikipedia
  • Playboy
  • Virgin Galatic, including Virgin Mobile and Virgin Airline
  • Bloomberg.com
  • Etsy Vendors
  • Avnet
  • Badoo
  • Zynga
  • Newegg.com electronics
  • Mint
  • Euro Pacific
  • T-Mobile Poland
  • Foodler
  • Fancy.com
  • Pornhub
  • Purse.io
  • AirBaltic
  • WordPress
  • Dish
  • Roadway Moving Company
  • Cryptopet
  • WebJet
  • SEO Clerks
  • Digitec Galaxus
  • Privacy-focused e-mail service providers Tutanota and Protonmail.
  • VPN services such as Express VPN, Pure VPN, CyberGhost, NordVPN, HideMyAss
  • Namecheap.com domain registrar.
  • Lionsgate Films
  • Dish Network

Alongside specific companies, there are websites which let you discover niche retailers and service providers who accept Bitcoins. These include:

  • Bitcoin.travel — a service for finding airlines that accept Bitcoin.
  • BTCTrip
  • CryptoCoffee — a crypto-centric coffee distributor.
  • Takeaway.com — a service for ordering food with Bitcoin
  • Ordertakeways.co.uk
  • Movietickets.com
  • BitPlaza — a mobile app and website for purchasing various brand products.
  • Spendabit — a search engine that lets you discover stores that accept Bitcoin.

Some cafes and museums accept Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, too, but you should check with them individually. Look them up on coinmap.org.

Other Ways to Spend Your Bitcoins

You can also spend bitcoin indirectly by getting a Bitcoin-powered credit card from Xapo, BitPay, Uquid, and alternative service providers. Besides, cryptocurrency projects TenX, Pundi X, and Crypto.com also work on making Bitcoin and cryptocurrency payments an everyday option.

A crypto wallet and debit cards offered by Crypto.com

All in all, a retailer who accepts Bitcoin is likely to gain a bigger following due to network effects and appeal to a broader target group. Although many people still argue that Bitcoin is not a suitable payment system due to price fluctuations, fees, and unregulated nature of blockchain, the Bitcoin network is still relatively young and is likely to grow and improve in the future.

Источник

3 Ways to Accept Bitcoin Payments on Your Website

  • Oct 31, 2017
  • 0
  • by A2 Marketing Team

Bitcoin has been in the news a lot lately. Several major online retailers – such as Steam and Overstock – have even begun accepting this type of currency. That means it might be time for you to consider doing the same.

Fortunately, you don’t need to know much about Bitcoin to accept it as a form of payment. In fact, some services such as Coinbase can automatically take your Bitcoins and turn them into hard currency. From a practical standpoint, it’s just as if you had accepted a regular payment.

In this article, we’ll talk about why you should consider accepting Bitcoin payments on your site, and introduce you to three ways to do it. Let’s get down to business!

What Bitcoin Payments Are (And Why You Should Consider Accepting Them)

Bitcoin is a decentralized, peer-to-peer network that enables its users to send money to each other. Basically, it’s a tool you can use to send and receive digital payments from anyone almost instantly, in any part of the world.

This cryptocurrency has grown a lot since its inception in 2009, and adoption is at an all-time high. If you do business online, it makes sense to consider accepting Bitcoin alongside other payment methods, because:

  • It’s easy to receive Bitcoin payments. All you have to do is give out an address and indicate how much Bitcoin users need to pay.
  • There are plenty of payment processors available. If you don’t want to receive payments directly, several processors can handle it for you and convert your Bitcoins into regular currency.
  • You can hold on to Bitcoin as an investment. Bitcoin is volatile, but its value has increased tremendously over the past few years.
  • Bitcoin is faster than other payment methods. If you’re paid using credit cards, it can take weeks until you can use that money. With Bitcoin, you can use your funds as soon as the payment is confirmed (which usually takes minutes).
  • Its fees tend to be very low. Bitcoin doesn’t take a percentage of your payments (unless you use a third-party processor), unlike similar methods. You just need to attach a small fee (often merely cents) for your payment to get processed by the network.
Читайте также:  Анализ инвестиций или анализ капиталовложений

Technically, any business can accept Bitcoin. However, it’s particularly useful for websites that sell digital goods and services. Using Bitcoin enables you to process payments with lower fees and receive money instantly. This currency is also well suited for sites that need to receive international payments, since it’s much faster than bank transfers from one country to another.

3 Ways to Accept Bitcoin Payments on Your Site

In this section, we’re going to introduce you to two Bitcoin payment processors and a manual method. Let’s start with the former.

1. Coinbase

Coinbase is one of the largest Bitcoin exchanges. On top of enabling regular users to buy and sell Bitcoin using their credit cards and bank accounts, Coinbase also offers a merchant service.

You can sign up to the platform’s merchant service either as a business or as an individual. Either way, you’ll be able to start accepting Bitcoin payments on your site, which will go directly into your Coinbase account. Then, you can use the service to convert those coins and withdraw them to your bank account for a 1% fee. The service is entirely free aside from that, and if you want to keep your Bitcoin there is no fee to do so.

Overall, Coinbase is an excellent choice for businesses that want to keep some of their holdings in Bitcoin. If your website sees a significant amount of sales, you can also benefit from setting up daily withdrawals to your bank.

Key Features:

  • Enable Bitcoin payments on your site for any type of service you want.
  • Withdraw your payments to your local bank in exchange for a 1% fee.
  • Instruct Coinbase to hold part of your earnings in Bitcoin and liquidate the rest.

2. BitPay

Just like Coinbase, BitPay enables you to receive Bitcoin payments and transform them into bank withdrawals for a 1% fee. However, unlike Coinbase, this platform doesn’t pull double duty as an exchange. Instead, it’s all about payment processing.

BitPay has made a name for itself in the field, and it’s the Bitcoin payment processor of choice for platforms such as Shopify and Steam. It supports dozens of integrations with major platforms, and you can use it to accept one-time payments, set up subscriptions, and even receive donations. Plus, it takes care of invoicing and record-keeping for you, which makes it ideal for websites that want an all-in-one solution.

Key Features:

  • Accept Bitcoin payments and withdraw money to your local bank account.
  • Set up one-time payments, recurring subscriptions, and donations on your website.
  • Let the platform take care of invoicing and record keeping for you (only for Bitcoin payments).

3. Accept Payments Manually

One of Bitcoin’s main selling points is that you don’t need to rely on third-party services to use them. If you want to, you can accept Bitcoin payments on your website without having to go through another platform.

The process is relatively simple – just generate a Bitcoin address for each sale you make on your site, and provide instructions for how much money people should send. You’ll receive the coins in your wallet, and you can process the order as soon as the transaction is confirmed.

Of course, if you use this method, you’ll have to take care of invoicing and billing on your own. You’ll also need to arrange delivery for any items or services you sell, and provide payment addresses manually. This is potentially a lot of work, but it does cut out the middleman. That makes this method ideal for websites that only need to accept Bitcoin payments from time to time, or that see small sales volumes.

Key Features:

  • Accept Bitcoin payments without the need for a middleman.
  • Store your Bitcoins in any wallet you want, and use them as soon as the transaction is confirmed.
  • Exchange your Bitcoin for any currency you want, using platforms such as LocalBitcoin.

Conclusion

It’s hard to know what’s going to happen with Bitcoin in a few years. For now, however, it makes sense to consider accepting this currency for payments on your website, because there are a lot of people using it. Fortunately, there are plenty of methods that enable you to start accepting Bitcoin without too much fuss and continue with business as usual.

Here are three of our favorite methods that enable websites to accept Bitcoin payments:

  1. Coinbase: An exchange that doubles as a payment processor.
  2. BitPay: This payment processor can handle subscriptions, donations, and even invoicing for Bitcoin payments.
  3. Manual payments: Accepting payments manually cuts out the middleman, but can be a lot of work depending on your volume of business.

Источник

Оцените статью