What Businesses Accept Bitcoin? 7 Top Examples for 2025
Bitcoin has evolved from a niche digital asset to a viable payment method, yet the core question "what businesses accept bitcoin?" remains a critical one for both consumers and merchants. While direct acceptance by mainstream giants is still evolving, a robust ecosystem has emerged, offering diverse ways to use your crypto for everyday purchases, from electronics to travel.
This guide cuts through the noise to showcase the most reliable platforms, directories, and forward-thinking companies that have integrated Bitcoin payments. We will analyze their strategies, from direct checkout integrations to clever gift card systems, and provide actionable takeaways on how the landscape of crypto commerce is expanding. Each entry includes detailed analysis, direct links, and screenshots to help you see exactly how they work.
Beyond traditional local transactions, Bitcoin offers unique advantages for facilitating global commerce, making it a viable option for efficient cross-border payments. For businesses, this exploration reveals the practical steps needed to tap into this growing market, highlighting how payment platforms can streamline the process. Our analysis focuses on how these companies make crypto acceptance a secure and simple reality, offering replicable insights for any merchant considering this step.
1. BitPay Merchant Directory
For anyone asking "what businesses accept bitcoin," the BitPay Merchant Directory is often the best first stop. It acts less like a single store and more like a curated gateway, connecting you to over 250 brands that embrace cryptocurrency payments. This platform simplifies the spending process by consolidating a vast, searchable list of companies that work directly with the BitPay payment processor, one of the most established names in the crypto space.
The user experience is clean and straightforward. You can browse merchants by category, such as electronics, travel, or fashion, and find big U.S. brands like Newegg and AMC Theatres. This variety makes BitPay an excellent resource for both everyday purchases and significant investments.
Strategic Analysis
BitPay’s core strategy is a hybrid payment model, which is its most significant advantage. It cleverly mixes direct Bitcoin acceptance with an integrated gift card marketplace. This dual approach dramatically expands the number of places you can spend your crypto, even at retailers that haven't formally integrated direct crypto payments yet.
Key Takeaway: By offering gift cards for major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot, BitPay provides a practical workaround, effectively making almost any major purchase possible with Bitcoin. This solves a major adoption hurdle for consumers.
How to Use BitPay Effectively
To get the most out of the directory, consider these tips:
- Install the BitPay App or Browser Extension: This streamlines the payment process, allowing you to pay directly from your wallet with just a few clicks.
- Check for Direct vs. Gift Card Options: Always verify the payment method. Direct payments are seamless, but the gift card option opens up a much wider retail world.
- Be Mindful of Regional Restrictions: Since it has strong U.S. coverage, some merchants or gift cards may not be available internationally. Always confirm availability before planning a purchase.
The platform is free to browse, with no access fees. Its primary strength lies in its user-friendly interface and the trust associated with the BitPay brand, making it a reliable starting point for spending Bitcoin. You can learn more about how the BitPay Merchant Directory works and compare it with other platforms.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Payment Options | Direct Bitcoin payments via BitPay checkout, plus a large selection of gift cards for other major retailers. |
| Merchant Coverage | Over 250+ brands, with a strong focus on well-known U.S. companies. |
| User Experience | Clean, searchable interface with clear guidance on how to complete crypto transactions. |
| Primary Strength | The combination of direct payments and gift card workarounds provides maximum spending flexibility. |
| Potential Drawback | Not all listed merchants accept Bitcoin directly; some are only accessible through the gift card system. |
Website: https://www.bitpay.com/directory
2. BTC Map
While online directories list e-commerce giants, BTC Map answers the crucial question of "what businesses accept bitcoin" on a local, physical level. It is a free, open-source, and community-maintained global map that pinpoints brick-and-mortar stores, cafes, and services where you can pay in person using Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. This platform is an essential tool for travelers and locals aiming to live on a Bitcoin standard.
The interface is a familiar map-based view, allowing users to discover nearby merchants without needing an account. Its strength comes from its grassroots, community-driven approach, which ensures the data reflects real-world adoption rather than just corporate partnerships.
Strategic Analysis
BTC Map’s core strategy is a decentralized, community-sourcing model. Unlike centrally managed directories, its power comes from the global user base that adds and verifies listings. This open-source approach fosters a transparent and constantly evolving ecosystem that grows organically with Bitcoin adoption.
Key Takeaway: By leveraging an open and collaborative platform, BTC Map provides the most authentic ground-level view of Bitcoin adoption. Its public API also allows other developers to build new tools on top of its data, further expanding its utility.
How to Use BTC Map Effectively
To get the most out of this global map, consider these tips:
- Use the Mobile App for On-the-Go Discovery: The web version is great for planning, but the mobile app (available for iOS and Android) is perfect for finding a Bitcoin-friendly coffee shop while you're out.
- Filter for Lightning Network: For fast and cheap transactions, use the filter to find merchants that specifically accept Lightning payments.
- Contribute to the Map: If you find a new business that accepts Bitcoin or an outdated listing, update it. This community effort is what keeps the resource valuable and accurate for everyone.
The platform is completely free to use. Its primary advantage is providing a transparent, user-updated view of the circular Bitcoin economy, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to spend BTC in the physical world.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Payment Options | Direct in-person Bitcoin and Lightning Network payments at physical merchant locations. |
| Merchant Coverage | A global, community-sourced map of thousands of brick-and-mortar businesses, tagged on OpenStreetMap. |
| User Experience | Simple, map-based interface on web and mobile that is free to use with no account required. |
| Primary Strength | Open-source, transparent data updated by the community provides an authentic view of local adoption. |
| Potential Drawback | Data accuracy and coverage density can vary by region, as it relies entirely on community contributions. |
Website: https://btcmap.org
3. CoinGate Store Directory
Similar to BitPay, the CoinGate Store Directory is an official list maintained by a leading crypto payment processor. This directory answers the question "what businesses accept bitcoin" by showcasing a curated selection of online stores and services that use the CoinGate payment gateway. It's an excellent resource for finding merchants, particularly in digital service industries that were early adopters of cryptocurrency.
The user experience is built around efficient discovery, with live filters for categories like VPN services, web hosting, gaming, and travel. This focus on service-heavy sectors makes it a go-to for tech-savvy users looking to spend Bitcoin on subscriptions and digital goods from popular U.S. and international providers.
Strategic Analysis
CoinGate’s strategy centers on a niche-focused, processor-backed model. Instead of trying to cover every retailer, it highlights merchants in categories where cryptocurrency payments offer clear advantages, such as privacy (VPNs) and global access (hosting). By ensuring every listed merchant actively uses its payment rails, the directory maintains a high degree of accuracy and reliability, reducing the frustration of finding outdated or non-functional payment options.
Key Takeaway: The processor-backed nature of the directory is its greatest strength. It guarantees that if a merchant is listed, their Bitcoin payment integration is active and supported, solving a common problem with unofficial third-party lists.
How to Use CoinGate Effectively
To maximize your experience with the CoinGate directory, follow these suggestions:
- Leverage the Category Filters: If you need a digital service like a VPN or server hosting, start here. The filters are the fastest way to find a provider that accepts Bitcoin.
- Verify Regional Availability: While many listed merchants are global, some services may have regional restrictions. Always check the merchant’s site for availability in your area.
- Explore Beyond the Big Names: The directory is a great place to discover smaller, innovative online businesses that are crypto-forward.
Browsing the directory is free, offering direct access to verified merchants. It’s an invaluable tool for anyone looking to spend Bitcoin on digital services, and you can learn more about how platforms like this enable merchants to integrate cryptocurrency payments.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Payment Options | Direct crypto payments through the CoinGate checkout, supporting Bitcoin and other major altcoins. |
| Merchant Coverage | Strong focus on online services like VPNs, hosting, and gaming, with a global merchant base. |
| User Experience | Simple, filter-based navigation designed for quick discovery of merchants by industry. |
| Primary Strength | Processor-backed listings ensure high reliability and reduce the chance of finding outdated information. |
| Potential Drawback | Fewer large, mainstream U.S. physical goods retailers compared to gift card-focused platforms. |
Website: https://coingate.com/stores
4. Cryptwerk
For those looking to explore the vast and growing ecosystem of what businesses accept bitcoin, Cryptwerk is an indispensable global directory. It serves as an extensive, community-driven database featuring over 10,000 companies, making it one of the largest resources available for finding crypto-friendly merchants worldwide.
The platform's user experience is designed for discovery, offering powerful search filters by category, location, and accepted cryptocurrencies. Users can switch between a traditional list view and an interactive map, making it easy to find both online services and local brick-and-mortar stores. Each merchant has a dedicated page with details on accepted coins and user reviews.
Strategic Analysis
Cryptwerk's core strategy is a community-powered data aggregation model. Unlike directories that rely solely on payment processor partnerships, Cryptwerk combines automated data feeds with user-submitted listings. This decentralized approach allows it to achieve massive scale and cover niche markets that other platforms might miss.
Key Takeaway: By empowering the community to add and review listings, Cryptwerk creates a self-sustaining and ever-expanding ecosystem. This model ensures the directory remains relevant and comprehensive, reflecting real-time adoption trends from the ground up.
How to Use Cryptwerk Effectively
To maximize your experience with this extensive directory, follow these tips:
- Use the Map View for Local Discovery: If you want to spend Bitcoin locally, the map feature is invaluable for finding nearby cafes, shops, and services.
- Check Merchant Reviews: Since data quality can vary, always read user reviews on a merchant’s page to verify their crypto payment process and reliability.
- Leverage the Browser Extension: Install the Cryptwerk extension to receive notifications when you land on a website that accepts cryptocurrency, streamlining your shopping experience.
The directory is free to use for consumers. Its primary strength is its sheer volume of listings, offering an unparalleled view of the global crypto economy.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Payment Options | Directory links to merchants offering direct Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency payments. |
| Merchant Coverage | Over 10,000+ businesses listed globally, spanning a wide range of categories from travel to tech. |
| User Experience | Highly functional search with list and map views, plus dedicated merchant pages with community reviews. |
| Primary Strength | Its massive, community-curated database offers the most comprehensive look at global crypto adoption. |
| Potential Drawback | The reliance on user-submitted data means some listings may be outdated or less reliable than curated lists. |
Website: https://cryptwerk.com
5. Bitrefill
For those looking to live on crypto, Bitrefill is a game-changer. It directly answers the question "what businesses accept bitcoin" by providing a practical bridge to thousands of retailers that don't yet accept it directly. The platform specializes in selling gift cards, mobile refills, and vouchers from over 5,000 brands, all purchasable with Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and other popular cryptocurrencies.
Its core value lies in instant, digital delivery. You can purchase a gift card for Amazon, Walmart, or Starbucks and receive the code within minutes, allowing you to spend your crypto almost anywhere in real-time. This makes it an essential tool for everyday crypto users.
Strategic Analysis
Bitrefill’s strategy is utility-driven adoption via the Lightning Network. While other platforms offer gift cards, Bitrefill heavily promotes the use of the Bitcoin Lightning Network. This focus on fast, low-fee transactions for micro-purchases (like a cup of coffee or a mobile top-up) makes it exceptionally practical for daily spending.
Key Takeaway: By pioneering Lightning Network payments, Bitrefill removes the friction of high fees and slow confirmation times associated with on-chain Bitcoin transactions. This makes small, frequent purchases feasible and positions crypto as a viable medium for everyday commerce, not just large investments.
How to Use Bitrefill Effectively
To maximize your experience on the platform, follow these tips:
- Use the Lightning Network: Whenever possible, pay with a Lightning-enabled wallet to benefit from near-instant transactions and minimal fees, especially for smaller purchases.
- Check Denominations and Regional Availability: Gift card values and brand availability can vary by country. Always ensure the card you're buying is valid in your region.
- Leverage the Mobile App: Bitrefill’s mobile app is slick and efficient, making it easy to buy and redeem gift cards on the go, right at the point of sale.
The platform is free to use, with prices for gift cards displayed clearly. Its strength is its sheer convenience and massive global catalog, which has helped many enthusiasts live entirely on crypto. You can find out more about how services like Bitrefill facilitate crypto payments for business and drive adoption.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Payment Options | Bitcoin (On-chain and Lightning Network), Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT, and other major cryptocurrencies. |
| Merchant Coverage | Over 5,000+ gift cards and mobile refills globally, with a strong focus on popular U.S. and European brands. |
| User Experience | Fast, mobile-friendly interface with instant digital delivery and a straightforward checkout process. |
| Primary Strength | Leading support for the Lightning Network, enabling fast, cheap transactions for everyday purchases. |
| Potential Drawback | As a gift card intermediary, it's not a direct payment; card denominations and availability can be limited. |
Website: https://www.bitrefill.com/us/en
6. Newegg
For tech enthusiasts wondering what businesses accept bitcoin for high-end electronics, Newegg has been a pioneering force. As a major online retailer specializing in PC components, laptops, and consumer electronics, Newegg embraced cryptocurrency early on, integrating BitPay to facilitate direct Bitcoin payments. This move positioned them as a go-to destination for building a new PC or upgrading tech gear using digital assets.
The checkout process is familiar to any online shopper, with the option to select "Pay with BitPay" on the desktop version of their site. Newegg’s commitment is backed by clear policies outlining which products are eligible for crypto payments and how refunds are handled, adding a layer of trust and transparency often missing in the crypto e-commerce space.
Strategic Analysis
Newegg’s strategy revolves around a niche-focused adoption model. By targeting a tech-savvy audience already likely to be familiar with and invested in cryptocurrency, they created a powerful synergy. PC builders and electronics enthusiasts were early adopters of Bitcoin, and offering them a direct way to spend it on their passion projects was a brilliant move to capture a loyal and growing market segment.
Key Takeaway: Newegg’s success demonstrates the power of knowing your audience. Instead of a broad, catch-all approach, they focused on a community that views cryptocurrency not just as an investment but as a functional currency for relevant purchases.
How to Use Newegg Effectively
To ensure a smooth transaction when paying with Bitcoin, keep these points in mind:
- Shop on a Desktop: As of early 2025, the BitPay payment option is only available on Newegg's desktop website, not on their mobile app or mobile site.
- Avoid Restricted Items: Crypto payments cannot be used for pre-orders, subscriptions, or gift card purchases. Ensure your cart only contains eligible items before checkout.
- Act Quickly: You have a 15-minute window to complete the payment through the BitPay portal after you are redirected. Have your wallet ready to avoid the transaction timing out.
Newegg's direct integration and clear guidelines make it a standout example of a mainstream retailer successfully incorporating Bitcoin into its payment ecosystem. It remains a top choice for anyone looking to convert their crypto into tangible tech hardware.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Payment Options | Direct Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency payments processed through an integrated BitPay checkout system. |
| Merchant Coverage | Extensive catalog of PC components, laptops, peripherals, and other consumer electronics. |
| User Experience | Standard e-commerce checkout flow with a clear, well-documented process for crypto payments. |
| Primary Strength | A trusted, mainstream retailer offering direct crypto spending on a massive selection of tech products. |
| Potential Drawback | Crypto payment option is limited to the desktop website and has a tight 15-minute completion window. |
Website: https://kb.newegg.com/knowledge-base/using-crypto-on-newegg/
7. Travala
For crypto enthusiasts looking to travel the world, Travala stands out as a premier crypto-native booking platform. It directly answers the question "what businesses accept bitcoin" by enabling users to pay for over 2.2 million hotels, flights, and activities globally using Bitcoin and over 100 other cryptocurrencies. By integrating with major travel suppliers like Trivago, Travala offers a vast inventory comparable to traditional booking sites but with a crypto-first approach.
The platform is designed to feel familiar to anyone who has used a conventional travel website, with powerful search filters and a clean interface. Its real distinction lies in its seamless payment process and a loyalty program built for crypto users, making it a functional and rewarding way to spend digital assets on real-world experiences.
Strategic Analysis
Travala's core strategy is a crypto-centric rewards model that incentivizes users to pay with digital assets instead of just offering it as an alternative. This approach builds a loyal community by providing tangible benefits-like cash back and discounts-that are often better than what traditional platforms offer. It normalizes crypto spending for a high-value category like travel.
Key Takeaway: By creating its own token (AVA) and a tiered rewards program, Travala has built a self-sustaining ecosystem. Users are encouraged to not only spend crypto but to engage with the platform's native economy, driving both adoption and customer retention.
How to Use Travala Effectively
To maximize the benefits of booking with Bitcoin on Travala, follow these tips:
- Use the Travala Wallet for Zero Fees: For the most cost-effective transactions, transfer your Bitcoin to the platform’s native wallet before booking to avoid network fees on payments.
- Look for Best Price Guarantees: Travala often offers a best price guarantee, so it’s worth comparing their crypto prices against fiat options on other sites.
- Check Cancellation Policies Carefully: Refund and cancellation terms can differ for cryptocurrency payments compared to credit card bookings. Always review the specific terms before confirming.
The platform is free to use for browsing and booking. Its strength lies in its comprehensive inventory and crypto-focused rewards, establishing it as a leader in the crypto travel sector.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Payment Options | Native Bitcoin and over 100 other cryptocurrencies, with zero-fee options via the platform's wallet. |
| Merchant Coverage | Over 2.2 million properties, plus flights and activities from major global suppliers. |
| User Experience | Familiar, user-friendly booking interface similar to traditional travel websites. |
| Primary Strength | A robust rewards program and extensive inventory make it a practical and valuable way to use BTC for travel. |
| Potential Drawback | Price volatility can affect booking costs, and crypto-specific refund policies may be less flexible. |
Website: https://www.travala.com
Comparison of 7 Businesses Accepting Bitcoin
| Solution | 🔄 Implementation Complexity | ⚡ Resource Requirements | 📊 Expected Outcomes | 💡 Ideal Use Cases | ⭐ Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BitPay Merchant Directory | Medium – Integrated processor, wallet & app use | Moderate – Requires BitPay app and card | Good – Wide U.S. brand coverage, mixed direct & indirect BTC spending | U.S.-based shoppers wanting known brands | Trusted processor, user-friendly payment guidance |
| BTC Map | Low – Community-updated open source map | Low – Free, no account or paid services | Variable – Coverage depends on community data | Travelers seeking physical BTC-accepting stores worldwide | Open, free data with API, strong local listings |
| CoinGate Store Directory | Medium – Processor-backed but online services | Moderate – Uses CoinGate rails | Reliable – Reduced dead listings, category filters | Online service users (VPN, hosting, gaming) | Processor-backed reliability, quick merchant discovery |
| Cryptwerk | High – Large database, combined user & processor data | High – Extensive data and multi-tool platform | Broad – Covers many categories + marketplace | Users wanting all-in-one crypto directory & marketplace | Very broad coverage, multiple discovery tools |
| Bitrefill | Low – Gift card platform with Lightning support | Low to moderate – Digital delivery platform | Fast – Instant digital code delivery | BTC users spending on major retailers via gift cards | Instant use, large brand selection, multi-crypto support |
| Newegg | Low – Direct BTC checkout via BitPay on desktop | Low – Integrates with BitPay payment | Specific – Electronics retail U.S. consumers | Electronics buyers comfortable with desktop checkout | Direct payment at a major retailer, clear policy |
| Travala | Medium – Crypto-native travel booking platform | Moderate – Wallet integration, broad inventory | Extensive – Global travel bookings with rewards | Crypto users booking flights, hotels worldwide | 100+ cryptos supported, zero-fee BTC payments, loyalty |
From Niche to Mainstream: Key Takeaways for the Future of Bitcoin Payments
The landscape of businesses that accept Bitcoin is no longer a fringe curiosity. As we've explored through tools like the BitPay Merchant Directory, Cryptwerk, and BTC Map, the ecosystem is a vibrant and expanding mix of direct merchant adoption, processor-led directories, and innovative gift card platforms. The journey from niche tech circles to broader consumer awareness is well underway, driven by a clear shift in how both customers and businesses view digital currency.
While direct acceptance from household names like Microsoft and AT&T (via BitPay) signals a significant change, the true engine of this growth is the underlying infrastructure. Payment gateways are the critical bridge, allowing merchants to tap into the crypto economy without bearing the full weight of its complexity and volatility. This strategic layer is what makes widespread adoption not just possible, but practical.
Strategic Insights for Your Business
The central lesson from examining what businesses accept bitcoin is that success hinges on lowering the barrier to entry. For every tech giant like Newegg that builds a native integration, there are thousands of smaller businesses using turnkey solutions to get started. The key takeaway is clear: you don't need to be a cryptocurrency expert to benefit from accepting it.
Here are the most important factors for businesses to consider:
- Customer Experience is Paramount: The checkout process must be seamless. Complicated steps or uncertain transaction times will deter even the most enthusiastic crypto user. Tools that offer a smooth, familiar interface are essential.
- Volatility Management is Non-Negotiable: Most businesses cannot afford to speculate on currency fluctuations. Services that offer instant conversion from crypto to fiat currency remove this risk, making the decision to accept Bitcoin a straightforward business calculation.
- Integration is Key: The best payment solution is one that works flawlessly with your existing setup. Before you can effectively accept Bitcoin, it's vital to first choose the right e-commerce platform that supports robust cryptocurrency gateway integrations. This foundational choice will dictate the flexibility and scalability of your payment options.
Actionable Next Steps for Merchants
Inspired by the businesses on this list? The path forward involves a strategic choice. For online retailers and e-commerce merchants, the primary goal is selecting a tool that aligns with your technical capabilities and business model. Ask yourself: do you need a custodial service that handles everything, or do you prefer a non-custodial approach that gives you full control over your funds?
For developers and FinTech startups, the opportunity lies in building on this foundation. The demand for more sophisticated, secure, and user-friendly payment solutions will only grow. By focusing on creating better integrations and more powerful APIs, you can help shape the future of digital commerce.
The question of what businesses accept bitcoin is evolving rapidly. It is shifting from a simple list of early adopters to a strategic map of a new financial frontier. By embracing the right tools and focusing on a secure, user-friendly experience, your business can not only answer the question but become a part of the answer itself, positioning itself at the forefront of this financial innovation.
Ready to join the growing list of businesses accepting cryptocurrency? BlockBee offers a non-custodial payment gateway that puts you in complete control of your funds. With easy-to-integrate plugins for major e-commerce platforms and a powerful API, you can start accepting Bitcoin and dozens of other cryptocurrencies securely and effortlessly. Visit BlockBee to see how simple it is to step into the future of payments.
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