Bitcoin’s volatility created a nightmare for most merchants. A 10% rise or drop in price in a single day was and is still common. For a merchant, this could lead to a $100 loss on a $1,000 sale.
BitPay, Coinbase, and other Bitcoin payment processors have helped merchants by taking on the volatility risk in accepting Bitcoin payments. Merchants can integrate with a Bitcoin payment processor and accept payments through these third party services. Payment processors receive bitcoin and send the merchant local currency at the end of each day or week. Merchants may also choose to keep any percent of payments as Bitcoin.
Bitcoin payment processors charge 1% per transaction, while credit card companies take 2-3% per transaction. Bitcoin helps businesses with low margins cut costs. If a merchant feels comfortable accepting Bitcoin without a payment processor, it’s free to accept Bitcoin with an address or wallet.
In addition to cutting costs, price increases have been the main driver of merchant adoption. As Bitcoin’s price rises, the hype makes more businesses view Bitcoin as legitimate and something that can help improve profits.
Bitcoin’s 2013 run up to $1,100 brought a huge wave of merchant adoption and is responsible for bringing on many of the billion dollar companies listed below.
This post will show you how to buy just about anything with Bitcoin. A number of the stores below offer a wide range of products that cover almost every category. If you don’t see what you need under a specific category, come back to the top and check under the “General” category.
General
Bitrefill - Bitrefill is the most popular way to spend Bitcoin on everyday goods and services. Buy gift cards for Amazon, Uber, DoorDash, Airbnb, Steam, and hundreds of other brands with Bitcoin and Lightning. Instant delivery, no account required.
The Bitcoin Company - The Bitcoin Company lets you buy gift cards, pay bills, and top up prepaid cards using Bitcoin and Lightning Network. Supports hundreds of US retailers and service providers.
Overstock - Overstock was the first major retailer to accept Bitcoin in 2014. The site sells furniture, home goods, clothing, jewelry, and electronics. Bitcoin payments are processed via BitPay.
Fold - Fold offers a Bitcoin rewards debit card that earns Bitcoin back on every purchase. The Fold Card works anywhere Visa is accepted, and users earn satoshis (small fractions of Bitcoin) as cashback rewards. Fold also offers a Bitcoin gift card marketplace.
Travel
Travala - Travala is a crypto-native online travel agency offering 2.2 million hotels and 600+ airlines worldwide. Pay with Bitcoin, Lightning, and 100+ other cryptocurrencies. Often offers discounts for crypto payments.
CheapAir - CheapAir has accepted Bitcoin since 2013, making it one of the longest-running Bitcoin-accepting travel agencies. Book flights, hotels, and car rentals with Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Dash.
Alternative Airlines - Alternative Airlines is a flight booking platform that lets you buy tickets on 600+ airlines with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Payments are processed via BitPay and UTrust.
Computers and Electronics
Newegg - Newegg is one of the world's largest online retailers for computer hardware, electronics, and gaming gear. Bitcoin payments are accepted via BitPay.
Domains and Hosting
Namecheap - Namecheap was the first major domain registrar to accept Bitcoin in 2013. Buy domain names, web hosting, SSL certificates, and more with Bitcoin. Namecheap has been a consistent supporter of internet freedom and privacy.
Njalla - Njalla is a privacy-focused domain registration service that acts as a privacy layer between you and the domain registry. Pay with Bitcoin and Monero. Founded by one of the creators of The Pirate Bay.
Hostinger - Hostinger is a major web hosting provider offering shared hosting, VPS, and cloud hosting plans. Bitcoin is accepted as a payment method via CoinGate.
Decentralized MarketPlaces
Food & Groceries
Menufy - Menufy is an online ordering platform used by thousands of restaurants across the United States. Customers can pay with Bitcoin when ordering food delivery or pickup.
Hire Freelancers
Luxury Items
BitDials - BitDials is a luxury marketplace for buying premium watches (Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet), jewelry, and accessories with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
AutoCoinCars - AutoCoinCars is a UK-based platform for buying and selling cars with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Listings include everything from everyday vehicles to supercars and classic cars.
Physical Locations
Most companies accepting Bitcoin are online retailers. Bitcoin acceptance in brick and mortar stores, however, is growing at a slower pace. Although the options are somewhat limited, merchant directories like Coinmap.org and AirBitz’s Directory will help you find local restrauraunts and stores that accept Bitcoin.