In recent years, the adoption of cryptocurrencies has extended beyond the realm of tech enthusiasts and into the mainstream business landscape. As Bitcoin gains recognition and trust after over a decade since its inception, an increasing number of companies across various industries have started accepting it as a form of payment. Let’s explore some of these diverse businesses that have embraced Bitcoin payments, across various industries.
Technology and E-Commerce
Microsoft: As an early adopter, Microsoft began accepting Bitcoin for various transactions, including purchasing apps and games. Although they suspended this service due to high volatility, they’ve paved the way for broader adoption of digital currencies.
Overstock: A tech-driven online retailer, Overstock has been accepting Bitcoin for several years. It not only enables Bitcoin payments but also embraces various other cryptocurrencies, including Ether, Litecoin, Dash, and Bitcoin Cash.
Newegg: Recognizing the popularity of cryptocurrency mining hardware within the community, Newegg started accepting Bitcoin for computer hardware purchases. It has maintained this service since 2014.
Shopify: The worldwide e-commerce giant, Shopify allows online store owners to accept Bitcoin and over 300 other cryptocurrencies, demonstrating its commitment to alternative payment methods.
ExpressVPN: An early advocate for cryptocurrency adoption, ExpressVPN has been accepting Bitcoin since 2014. Going beyond Bitcoin, they also embrace Ethereum, XRP, stablecoins, and more.
Retail and Consumer Goods
Home Depot: This major hardware store chain accepts Bitcoin for payments via Flexa checkout systems in its stores. While the currency is converted to US dollars immediately, customers can still enjoy the convenience of using Bitcoin for their purchases.
Whole Foods: Partnering with a spending app called ‘SPEDN by Flexa,’ Whole Foods customers can buy groceries using Bitcoin, Litecoin, or the Gemini dollar.
Gyft: Gyft, a major gift card company, lets users purchase, send, and redeem online gift cards using Bitcoin. It simplifies transactions and allows for a seamless exchange of Bitcoin for various gift cards.
Travel and Entertainment
Twitch: The streaming video platform Twitch started accepting Bitcoin in 2014, paused briefly due to stability concerns, and reintroduced the payment option. It also accepts Ether and other digital currencies.
Virgin Airlines: With a history of innovation, Virgin Airlines and Virgin Mobile enable users to pay for their plane fares with Bitcoin.
AMC Theaters: In a move signaling the integration of crypto into entertainment, AMC Theaters announced that it would accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for online movie ticket purchases.
Nonprofit and Social Impact
Save the Children: An early adopter in the nonprofit sector, Save the Children began accepting Bitcoin donations in 2013. Their commitment to ‘HODLhope’ aligns with their mission to provide better lives for children worldwide.
The Internet Archive: This nonprofit digital library accepts donations in various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Altcoins.
Financial and Domain Services
Namecheap: A pro-internet freedom company, Namecheap accepts Bitcoin for domain name registration and web hosting. It champions digital freedom and encourages the use of cryptocurrencies.
PayPal: While not a direct acceptance of Bitcoin, PayPal allows US users to use Bitcoin at checkout and even holds cryptocurrencies in users’ accounts.
As cryptocurrencies gain stability and mainstream recognition, we can expect even more companies to join this growing trend of embracing digital currencies as a legitimate payment method.
