What Businesses Accept Bitcoins? 7 Key Places in 2025

The question of "what businesses accept bitcoins" has moved beyond a niche query into a mainstream consideration for both consumers and merchants. As cryptocurrency adoption grows, the ability to spend digital assets directly on goods and services is becoming a practical reality. For merchants, accepting Bitcoin is no longer a novelty; it's a strategic move to tap into a tech-savvy, global customer base and reduce reliance on traditional payment rails, which often come with higher fees and chargeback risks.

This guide is designed to provide a clear, comprehensive answer to where you can actually spend Bitcoin today. We will move beyond simple lists and dive into a detailed analysis of the most significant platforms and directories that facilitate crypto commerce. You'll find a curated selection of real-world examples, from massive electronics retailers like Newegg to essential service providers like Namecheap, alongside powerful directories that map out thousands of local and online vendors. For online businesses, the ability to accept various forms of payment is crucial for reaching a wider audience. Understanding how to add multiple payment methods is a foundational step before incorporating specialized options like cryptocurrency.

Each entry in this listicle includes a strategic breakdown, offering actionable insights for merchants considering a similar path. We analyze their integration methods, customer experience, and the specific advantages they gain by accepting Bitcoin. With direct links and screenshots for every example, this resource serves as both an inspiration and a practical roadmap for integrating cryptocurrency payments into your own business operations, showing you precisely what works and why.

1. BitPay Merchant Directory

For anyone asking "what businesses accept bitcoins," the BitPay Merchant Directory is one of the most authoritative and comprehensive starting points. As a leading crypto payment processor, BitPay curates this extensive list of merchants who have integrated its services, providing a verified and reliable resource for crypto spenders. It effectively acts as a discovery platform, connecting users directly with companies that have officially embraced cryptocurrency payments.

The platform is free to access and browse, with a clean user interface that allows visitors to filter merchants by category. These categories include everything from electronics and travel to dining and luxury goods, showcasing the growing diversity of businesses accepting Bitcoin and other digital assets. This organizational structure makes it simple to find specific products or services, whether you're looking to book a flight or buy a new laptop.

Strategic Analysis: The "Pay Direct vs. Gift Card" Distinction

A key feature of the BitPay Directory is its clear labeling of how each merchant accepts crypto. This transparency is crucial for managing user expectations and understanding the nuances of the crypto payment landscape.

• Pay Direct: These merchants have fully integrated a crypto payment gateway at their checkout. This is the most seamless method, allowing customers to pay directly from their wallets.
• Gift Card: This option involves using crypto to purchase a store-specific gift card, which is then used to complete the transaction. While an extra step, it opens up a vast ecosystem of major brands that may not have direct crypto integration yet.

Strategic Insight: The inclusion of gift card options is a brilliant "bridge" strategy. It allows BitPay to list major retailers like Amazon or Walmart, significantly expanding the directory's appeal and utility. For businesses, it represents a low-risk entry into the crypto market, enabling them to capture crypto-spending customers without overhauling their existing payment infrastructure.

Actionable Takeaways for Users and Merchants

For consumers, the directory is an invaluable tool for maximizing the utility of their Bitcoin holdings. A practical tip is to use the "Gift Card" option to shop at mainstream retailers that don't yet support direct crypto payments, effectively turning Bitcoin into a universal payment method.

For e-commerce merchants, the BitPay directory serves as a powerful case study. Analyzing the mix of "Pay Direct" versus "Gift Card" merchants can help a business decide on its own integration strategy. Starting with a gift card program via a service like BlockBee can be a pragmatic first step before committing to a full-scale direct payment gateway integration. This phased approach minimizes technical overhead while testing customer demand for crypto payments.

2. BTC Map

For those wondering "what businesses accept bitcoins" in their local area, BTC Map offers a community-driven, open-source solution. This platform is an interactive global map that pinpoints physical, brick-and-mortar businesses that accept Bitcoin. It is especially valuable for finding cafes, shops, and local services that support on-chain or Lightning Network payments, making it an essential tool for everyday crypto spending.

The map is free to use and maintained by a global community of volunteers who add and verify listings. Its user interface is simple: a map populated with pins representing merchants. Users can filter results and explore different cities to see the density of Bitcoin adoption. This grassroots approach makes it a unique and dynamic resource, reflecting real-time, on-the-ground acceptance of crypto. You can learn more about how BTC Map visualizes Bitcoin adoption and its role in the ecosystem.

Strategic Analysis: The "Hyperlocal vs. E-commerce" Focus

BTC Map's core strength lies in its hyperlocal focus, which contrasts sharply with directories centered on online e-commerce giants. This distinction is critical for understanding its role in the broader crypto economy.

• In-Person Transactions: The map prioritizes businesses where customers can physically spend their Bitcoin, often for small, everyday purchases. This encourages the use of the Lightning Network for fast, low-cost payments.
• Community-Verified Data: Unlike corporate-curated lists, BTC Map relies on user submissions and verifications. This creates a self-healing and constantly evolving dataset, though its accuracy depends heavily on local community engagement.

Strategic Insight: BTC Map champions the "circular economy" vision of Bitcoin, where crypto is earned and spent within a local community. For brick-and-mortar businesses, getting listed is a zero-cost marketing tactic to attract a tech-savvy, niche demographic. It signals that a business is forward-thinking and caters directly to the crypto community.

Actionable Takeaways for Users and Merchants

For consumers, BTC Map is the go-to tool for planning a "spend a day on Bitcoin" adventure in a new city. A practical tip is to check the last updated date on a listing or call ahead to confirm, as the community-driven nature means some data can become outdated.

For local business owners, adding your establishment to BTC Map is a straightforward and free way to gain visibility. To stand out, ensure your listing details are complete, including whether you accept Lightning payments. Integrating a reliable payment gateway like BlockBee makes accepting these in-person crypto payments seamless, allowing you to easily appear on platforms like BTC Map and tap into a growing customer base.

3. Cryptwerk

Cryptwerk positions itself as a comprehensive ecosystem for crypto commerce, going beyond a simple directory to become an active marketplace. For those asking "what businesses accept bitcoins," it provides a massive, crowd-sourced index of over 10,000 global companies. It functions as both a discovery engine and a direct shopping platform, aiming to connect crypto holders with merchants ready to transact.

The platform is free for users and offers powerful filtering tools, allowing searches by country, category, and specific cryptocurrency. Its standout feature is the integrated marketplace, listing over 200,000 products that can be purchased directly with crypto. This dual-functionality, combining a directory with an e-commerce hub, makes it a one-stop-shop for crypto spending. Tools like its mobile apps and Chrome extension further enhance its utility, helping users identify crypto-friendly merchants as they browse the web.

Strategic Analysis: The "Directory vs. Marketplace" Model

Cryptwerk's strength lies in its hybrid approach, which addresses two distinct user needs: finding places to spend crypto and actually spending it. This model provides unique insights into the crypto economy's evolution.

• Directory Function: This serves as a broad, top-of-funnel discovery tool. It indexes a vast number of businesses, from small online shops to larger enterprises, giving a wide-angle view of global crypto adoption. The quality of listings can vary, as it relies partly on community submissions.
• Marketplace Function: This is a curated, bottom-of-funnel experience. By aggregating products from various vendors into a single shopping interface, it removes the friction of navigating to multiple third-party sites. It provides a more transactional and immediate use case for Bitcoin.

Strategic Insight: The marketplace feature is a clever way to monetize the directory's traffic and build a more engaged user base. While a directory points users elsewhere, a marketplace keeps them within the Cryptwerk ecosystem, capturing more value and providing a smoother user journey. It transforms the platform from a simple list into an active economic hub.

Actionable Takeaways for Users and Merchants

For consumers, Cryptwerk is an excellent tool for both discovery and direct purchases. A key tip is to use the browser extension to passively discover new merchants while browsing online. Before making a purchase through a directory listing, always double-check the merchant’s website to confirm they still accept crypto, as payment options can change. The built-in discounts and cashback offers provide an extra incentive to use the platform.

For merchants, getting listed on Cryptwerk's directory is a low-effort marketing tactic to attract crypto-native customers. Businesses looking for deeper integration can explore becoming a marketplace vendor. This allows them to tap into a pre-qualified audience of active crypto spenders. By analyzing which product categories are most popular on the marketplace, merchants can gain valuable insights into what the crypto community is currently buying, helping to inform their own product and marketing strategies.

4. BitcoinWide

For those looking to answer "what businesses accept bitcoins" with a focus on both global and local options, BitcoinWide offers a comprehensive, community-driven directory. Unlike payment-processor-specific lists, BitcoinWide aims to be a universal catalog, featuring over 8,500 merchants worldwide. It serves as an essential discovery tool for finding both online stores and brick-and-mortar shops that have embraced cryptocurrency.

The platform is free to use and provides a powerful search functionality that allows users to filter by U.S. location, specific cryptocurrencies, and business categories. Its standout feature is the map interface, which visually pinpoints nearby merchants, making it incredibly practical for local spending. Each business profile includes contact details, a description, and direct links, streamlining the user’s journey from discovery to purchase.

Strategic Analysis: The "Hyper-Local vs. Global" Approach

BitcoinWide’s strength lies in its dual focus on discoverability at both a macro (global e-commerce) and micro (local U.S. businesses) level. This approach tackles a common challenge in the crypto economy: connecting digital currency with tangible, everyday commerce.

• Hyper-Local Discovery: The map-based search and regional guides are designed to encourage local economic activity. This feature helps normalize crypto usage for routine purchases like coffee or groceries, moving it beyond a purely online phenomenon.
• Broad Coin Support: By allowing searches based on specific coins, BitcoinWide caters to a diverse crypto community beyond just Bitcoin holders. This acknowledges the fragmented nature of the market and enhances the directory's utility.

Strategic Insight: BitcoinWide’s open-platform model, where merchants can list for free, creates a more inclusive and potentially larger directory than closed-ecosystem alternatives. This strategy positions it as a grassroots resource for the entire crypto community, fostering a sense of shared ownership and encouraging merchants of all sizes to participate without a financial barrier to entry.

Actionable Takeaways for Users and Merchants

For consumers, the key is to leverage the platform's advanced filtering. Before heading out, use the map feature to identify local spots that accept your preferred cryptocurrency. For online shopping, filter by category and coin to quickly find relevant e-commerce stores, but always double-check the merchant's site for their current crypto acceptance policy, as directory data can sometimes lag.

For small, local businesses, getting a free listing on BitcoinWide is a no-brainer marketing tactic. It provides visibility to a niche but highly motivated customer base actively looking for ways to spend their crypto. To stand out, merchants should create a detailed profile, specify which coins they accept through their payment gateway (like BlockBee), and promote their presence on the directory through their own marketing channels to attract crypto-savvy patrons.

5. Bitrefill

Bitrefill is a pioneering platform that answers the question "what businesses accept bitcoins" by offering an ingenious workaround: gift cards. It allows users to spend Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies at thousands of major retailers indirectly. By purchasing brand-specific gift cards, mobile top-ups, or even booking travel, users can effectively live on crypto, bridging the gap between digital assets and everyday commerce.

The platform is known for its extensive catalog, featuring over 5,000 U.S. brand gift cards delivered instantly via email. With support for both on-chain Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, it offers flexibility in transaction speed and cost. Its user-friendly interface, available on the web and through highly-rated mobile apps, simplifies the process of converting crypto into real-world goods and services without needing a traditional bank account.

Strategic Analysis: The "Indirect Spending" Gateway

Bitrefill’s core strategy revolves around providing a frictionless bridge for crypto holders to access the traditional retail world. This model is powerful because it sidesteps the need for merchants to integrate crypto payment gateways directly.

• Massive Accessibility: By focusing on gift cards, Bitrefill instantly unlocks access to retail giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Apple, which do not currently accept direct crypto payments. This vastly expands the utility of Bitcoin for everyday purchases.
• Low Barrier to Entry: The platform requires only an email address for most transactions, preserving user privacy and simplifying the checkout process. This minimal friction encourages adoption among both new and experienced crypto users.

Strategic Insight: Bitrefill’s model demonstrates the power of abstraction in driving crypto adoption. Instead of waiting for universal merchant acceptance, it provides an immediate solution that makes crypto spendable today. For businesses, this highlights a key consumer behavior: crypto users are actively seeking ways to spend their assets, and offering a gift card option can capture this motivated market segment with minimal technical investment.

Actionable Takeaways for Users and Merchants

For consumers, Bitrefill is an essential tool for leveraging crypto holdings for daily expenses. A practical approach is to use its mobile app to buy gift cards on the go, such as purchasing a coffee shop gift card right before ordering. This makes spending Bitcoin as convenient as using a traditional payment app.

For merchants, Bitrefill serves as compelling evidence of consumer demand for crypto payment options. Businesses not yet ready for a full payment gateway integration can partner with platforms like Bitrefill to offer their gift cards. This allows them to tap into the crypto economy and gain valuable insights into this customer base. As a next step, exploring a solution for accepting crypto payments for business directly can help retain these customers and reduce reliance on intermediaries.

6. Newegg

For tech enthusiasts wondering "what businesses accept bitcoins" for high-end electronics, Newegg stands out as a pioneering major retailer. This U.S.-based e-commerce giant, known for its vast selection of PC components, laptops, and consumer electronics, was one of the first in its class to embrace direct cryptocurrency payments. By integrating BitPay, Newegg provides a true crypto checkout experience, allowing customers to pay for their goods directly from their Bitcoin wallets.

Newegg’s commitment to crypto is not just a footnote; it's a fully supported payment option available on its desktop site. This makes it a go-to destination for building a new gaming PC, upgrading a workstation, or buying the latest gadgets using digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and various stablecoins. Their clear policies and established reputation add a layer of trust that is crucial for high-value online transactions.

Strategic Analysis: The "First-Mover Advantage" in E-commerce

Newegg’s early and consistent support for Bitcoin payments demonstrates a powerful strategy for capturing a niche but highly valuable customer segment. Unlike competitors who might only offer gift card workarounds, Newegg’s direct integration signals a deep commitment to the crypto community.

• Direct Integration: By using a processor like BitPay, Newegg allows for a seamless transaction flow. Customers simply select "Pay with BitPay" at checkout, scan a QR code, and send the funds.
• Targeted Marketing: This move directly appeals to a tech-savvy, crypto-native audience that often overlaps with Newegg's core demographic of PC builders and gamers.
• Limitations as a Trade-off: The desktop-only checkout and exclusion of certain items (like pre-orders) are calculated trade-offs. They likely simplify the complex refund and fulfillment logistics associated with volatile assets while still serving the majority of use cases. You can read more about Newegg's approach to crypto payments.

Strategic Insight: Newegg's strategy validates the idea that even large, established retailers can successfully cater to the crypto market without alienating their traditional customer base. Their direct payment model serves as a powerful differentiator, building brand loyalty and attracting customers who prioritize using their digital assets for real-world purchases.

Actionable Takeaways for Users and Merchants

For consumers, the key to a smooth transaction on Newegg is preparation. Since the BitPay payment window is only 15 minutes, have your crypto wallet ready and ensure you have sufficient funds to cover both the purchase price and network fees before initiating the checkout process. Note that this option is only available on the desktop version of the website.

For e-commerce merchants in the electronics or tech space, Newegg provides a blueprint for successful crypto adoption. The primary lesson is to understand your audience. If your customers are tech-forward and likely to hold crypto, integrating a direct payment gateway like BlockBee can create a significant competitive advantage. Start by enabling payments for core product lines where returns are straightforward, and expand a s you become more comfortable with the workflow. This measured approach mirrors Newegg’s model and minimizes operational risk.

7. Namecheap

For businesses and individuals seeking to establish a digital presence, Namecheap stands out as a pioneering domain registrar and web hosting provider. It’s a key answer to the question "what businesses accept bitcoins" in the tech infrastructure space, having embraced cryptocurrency payments long before it was mainstream. This early adoption demonstrates a commitment to privacy and financial freedom, aligning perfectly with the core ethos of the crypto community.

The platform allows customers to purchase domains, web hosting, SSL certificates, and various privacy services using Bitcoin. Namecheap facilitates these transactions through reputable processors like BitPay or its own self-hosted BTCPay Server, offering flexibility and choice. This direct integration is a significant advantage, removing the need for third-party gift cards and providing a seamless checkout experience for crypto users.

Strategic Analysis: The "Top-Up vs. Direct Checkout" Model

Namecheap's approach to crypto payments offers a unique and highly practical model that balances user convenience with transactional efficiency. This strategic choice caters to both one-time purchasers and long-term customers.

• Direct Checkout: For single purchases, users can pay for a specific service like a domain or hosting plan directly with Bitcoin at checkout. This is the simplest method for straightforward, one-off transactions.
• Account Top-Up: Users can add funds to their Namecheap account balance using Bitcoin. This pre-funded credit can then be used for future purchases, renewals, or multiple services, streamlining subsequent checkouts.

Strategic Insight: The "Top-Up" feature is a brilliant customer retention strategy. By encouraging users to pre-load their accounts, Namecheap simplifies the renewal process for time-sensitive services like domains and SSL certificates. This minimizes the risk of service interruption due to payment friction and fosters long-term loyalty within its crypto-savvy customer base.

Actionable Takeaways for Users and Merchants

For users, the account top-up feature is a powerful tool. A practical tip is to fund your account when Bitcoin's price is favorable, effectively locking in value for future hosting or domain renewals. This proactive approach can lead to significant cost savings over time and ensures critical services never expire unexpectedly.

For service-based merchants, especially those in the SaaS or subscription sector, Namecheap's model is highly replicable. Implementing a crypto-funded account balance system via a platform like BlockBee can reduce transaction fees associated with frequent, small recurring payments. This "crypto credit" model simplifies billing, enhances customer experience, and provides a stable revenue stream, making it a pragmatic strategy for any business with a recurring payment structure.

7 Key Comparisons of Businesses Accepting Bitcoin

From Niche to Norm: Your Next Steps in the Crypto Economy

Navigating the landscape of what businesses accept bitcoins reveals a powerful trend: cryptocurrency is no longer a fringe curiosity but a burgeoning economic force. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the directories like Cryptwerk and BTC Map that catalog this growth, and we've analyzed pioneering companies like Newegg and Namecheap that have integrated crypto payments directly into their operations. The key takeaway is clear: accepting Bitcoin is not just about catering to a niche market; it's a strategic move toward global reach, lower transaction fees, and enhanced customer privacy.

The journey from curiosity to implementation requires understanding both the "why" and the "how." The "why" is evident in the examples we've dissected. Businesses are tapping into an international customer base without the friction of currency conversions or the high costs associated with traditional card networks. They are also eliminating the risk of chargeback fraud, a persistent headache for online merchants. The "how" is where platforms and tools become essential.

Synthesizing Your Strategy: Key Takeaways

As you consider your own path, reflect on these critical insights gathered from our analysis:

• Visibility is a Two-Way Street: Listing your business on directories like BitcoinWide or Cryptwerk is not just for customers; it’s a signal to the entire crypto community that you are a forward-thinking brand. This builds credibility and attracts a technologically savvy audience.
• Customer Experience is Paramount: Services like Bitrefill demonstrate the power of a frictionless user experience. The easier it is for customers to spend their Bitcoin, the more likely they are to do so. Your payment process should be intuitive, fast, and transparent.
• Integration Method Matters: The choice between a direct integration and a third-party processor like BitPay depends entirely on your technical resources and business model. While direct control offers customization, processors provide a streamlined, hands-off solution for managing volatility and settlement.

Your Actionable Roadmap to Crypto Adoption

Feeling inspired? The next step is to translate these insights into a concrete plan. Use this checklist to guide your business toward accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

1. Assess Your Customer Base: Do you have a global audience? Are your customers tech-savvy or privacy-conscious? Understanding their profile will help build a strong business case for crypto adoption.
2. Define Your Goals: Are you aiming to reduce transaction fees, eliminate chargebacks, or attract a new demographic? Clear objectives will help you measure success and choose the right tools for the job.
3. Choose Your Integration Partner: Evaluate payment gateways based on their fee structure, supported cryptocurrencies, ease of integration, and customer support. Look for solutions that offer robust APIs and plugins for your existing e-commerce platform.
4. Acquire and Manage Your Crypto: To truly participate in the crypto economy and spend Bitcoin, you'll first need to acquire it from a reputable platform. Your options will vary by region, and thorough research is key, such as exploring South African cryptocurrency exchange platforms for those operating in that market. This initial step is foundational for both personal use and business treasury management.
5. Market Your New Payment Option: Once implemented, shout it from the rooftops! Announce your new payment method on social media, update your website with a "Bitcoin Accepted Here" banner, and list your business on the directories we’ve discussed.

The question of what businesses accept bitcoins is evolving daily, with more companies joining the ranks. By taking these deliberate, strategic steps, your business can move from being an observer of this trend to becoming a leader within it. The transition from niche to norm is happening now, offering a unique opportunity to innovate, reduce costs, and connect with the global economy of the future.

Ready to join the ranks of businesses accepting crypto and unlock a world of new customers? BlockBee provides the powerful, developer-friendly payment gateway you need to seamlessly integrate Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrency payments into your platform. Start your journey today by exploring the flexible tools and simple API at BlockBee.