
What Businesses Accept Bitcoins in 2025: Top Places to Spend
Bitcoin has evolved from a niche digital asset to a viable payment method for a growing number of businesses. Yet, the question remains: what businesses accept bitcoins for everyday purchases? While mainstream adoption isn't universal, the ecosystem is expanding quickly, moving beyond early adopters to include major retailers, online services, and local shops. This shift is driven by merchants seeking lower transaction fees, faster cross-border payments, and access to a tech-savvy customer base.
For businesses, integrating cryptocurrency payments is no longer a complex technical hurdle. Platforms like BlockBee offer seamless, non-custodial solutions that simplify the process, enabling merchants to accept over 70 cryptocurrencies with instant settlement directly to their own wallets. This has opened doors for all types of ventures. Beyond traditional retail, a growing number of service providers, such as those offering web design services, are now exploring or accepting Bitcoin for their offerings, demonstrating its increasing utility.
This article dives into seven prominent examples of businesses and platforms where you can spend your Bitcoin today. We will analyze their integration strategies and offer actionable insights for both consumers and aspiring merchants. Each entry includes direct links and screenshots to give you a clear, practical overview of how crypto payments work in the real world, helping you find the best options for your needs. We'll break down the "how" and "why" behind each company's crypto adoption, providing replicable strategies for businesses looking to follow suit.
1. BitPay Merchant Directory
The BitPay Merchant Directory is less a single store and more a curated gateway, serving as an essential starting point for anyone looking to spend cryptocurrency. As the largest U.S.-based crypto payment processor, BitPay has compiled an extensive list of over 250 businesses that accept Bitcoin and other digital assets through its platform. This makes it an invaluable resource for finding mainstream brands that have integrated crypto payments.
The directory’s primary strength lies in its breadth and trust. It showcases a wide array of U.S. household names, from tech retailers like Newegg to home goods giants like Wayfair, instantly answering the question of what businesses accept bitcoins with a verifiable, high-profile list. Its user interface is straightforward, allowing users to search for specific brands or browse by categories such as "Electronics," "Travel," and "Gaming."
Strategic Analysis: The Gateway Model
BitPay’s model is unique because it often acts as an intermediary, providing two primary ways to spend crypto:
- Direct Payments: Some merchants, like Newegg, offer a direct "Pay with BitPay" option at checkout. This is a streamlined process where the customer pays from their crypto wallet, and BitPay handles the conversion for the merchant.
- Gift Card Purchases: For many other major retailers (e.g., Home Depot, Amazon), acceptance is facilitated through BitPay's gift card marketplace. Users buy a gift card with their Bitcoin and then use that gift card to make a purchase. This expands the reach of crypto spending to brands that haven't natively integrated a payment processor.
Key Insight: BitPay’s dual approach cleverly bridges the gap between crypto holders and traditional retail. While not always a direct peer-to-peer transaction, it provides a practical and secure method to use digital assets for everyday purchases at a massive scale.
Actionable Takeaways for Users
To get the most out of the BitPay Directory, follow these practical tips:
- Verify the Payment Method: Before you get too excited, click on a merchant listing to see how they accept crypto. The directory will clarify if it's a direct payment or if you need to purchase a gift card first.
- Use the BitPay App: For the smoothest experience, especially when buying gift cards, using the BitPay mobile app can simplify the process. You can buy, store, and redeem gift cards directly from your phone.
- Watch for Fees and Rates: When using any third-party processor, be mindful of network fees and the exchange rate provided at checkout. BitPay locks in an exchange rate for a short period, so it’s important to complete the transaction promptly.
Website: https://www.bitpay.com/directory
2. BTC Map (btcmap.org)
For those looking to spend Bitcoin in the physical world, BTC Map is an essential, community-driven tool. Unlike corporate directories, BTC Map is an open-source, interactive map that focuses exclusively on brick-and-mortar and online businesses that accept Bitcoin, primarily through on-chain or Lightning Network payments. It provides a grassroots answer to the question of what businesses accept bitcoins by connecting users directly with local merchants.
The platform's strength lies in its hyper-local focus and authenticity. Powered by OpenStreetMap and maintained by a global community of Bitcoin users, it offers a transparent and constantly updated view of real-world adoption. Users can explore their city, find nearby coffee shops, restaurants, and stores, and see when each listing was last verified. The interface is map-centric, making it intuitive for discovering merchants in your immediate vicinity or planning a trip.
Strategic Analysis: The Grassroots Adoption Model
BTC Map operates on a completely different model from centralized payment processors. Its value is derived from decentralized, user-generated data, which highlights genuine, peer-to-peer adoption.
- Community Curation: The accuracy and depth of the map depend entirely on local Bitcoin communities adding and verifying merchants. This creates a powerful network effect where active cities become hotspots for Bitcoin commerce.
- Direct P2P Focus: Listings on BTC Map typically represent businesses that have set up their own wallets (often Lightning-enabled) to accept BTC directly, bypassing intermediaries. This aligns with the core ethos of Bitcoin as a direct payment system, as explained in our detailed guide on businesses that accept Bitcoin found in our article on blockbee.io.
Key Insight: BTC Map reveals the true pulse of circular economy adoption. It's not about gift cards or third-party workarounds; it’s a directory of merchants who are genuinely invested in the Bitcoin ecosystem, offering a direct glimpse into where the network is growing organically.
Actionable Takeaways for Users
To effectively use BTC Map and support local Bitcoin-accepting businesses, consider these tips:
- Check Verification Dates: Since the data is crowdsourced, always check the "Last Verified" date on a merchant’s listing. A recent verification (within the last few months) gives you higher confidence that the information is still accurate.
- Contribute to the Map: If you visit a listed merchant, verify their information and update the map. If you know a business that accepts Bitcoin but isn't listed, add them. This strengthens the resource for everyone.
- Explore Local Communities: Use the "Communities" tab on the website to see which cities have the most active users and verified listings. This is a great way to find vibrant local Bitcoin economies to visit or engage with.
Website: https://btcmap.org
3. CoinGate Stores (Merchant Directory)
Similar to BitPay, CoinGate operates as a major cryptocurrency payment processor and maintains its own curated list of merchants. The CoinGate Merchant Directory is a valuable resource for finding businesses, particularly in the digital services sector, that have integrated direct crypto payments. It lists over 100 businesses, making it a key destination for anyone wondering what businesses accept bitcoins for services like VPNs, web hosting, and travel.
The directory’s main advantage is its focus on natively integrated online services. Unlike directories that heavily rely on gift cards, CoinGate's list primarily features companies like NordVPN and Hostinger that offer a "Pay with CoinGate" option directly at their checkout. This ensures a seamless transaction and signals a deeper commitment to crypto from the merchant. The interface is clean, allowing users to browse by category or view featured stores.
Strategic Analysis: The Direct Integration Model
CoinGate’s directory showcases a model centered on direct, processor-managed payments. This approach differs significantly from a gift card-centric ecosystem:
- Direct Checkout: When a user selects crypto at a merchant's checkout, they are redirected to a CoinGate invoice. This provides a unified payment experience where the user pays directly from their wallet, with support for the Bitcoin mainnet and the Lightning Network for faster, cheaper transactions.
- Processor-Verified Trust: Since CoinGate manages these integrations, every store listed is guaranteed to be an active, live partner. This eliminates the guesswork for consumers and provides a reliable list of businesses that have fully committed to accepting crypto.
Key Insight: The CoinGate model emphasizes the importance of a smooth, native payment flow. By focusing on direct integrations, it offers a more authentic crypto-spending experience and is an excellent indicator of which digital service industries are leading the charge in adoption.
Actionable Takeaways for Users
To make the most of the CoinGate directory, consider these tips:
- Check Service Availability: Many merchants listed are global, but their services might have regional specifics. Before purchasing, verify that the service (e.g., hosting server location, shipping availability) is suitable for your needs, especially if you are in the U.S.
- Explore Lightning Network Payments: For smaller, recurring payments like a monthly VPN subscription, look for merchants that support Lightning Network payments via CoinGate. This can significantly reduce transaction fees and confirmation times compared to on-chain Bitcoin payments.
- Use the Directory for Digital Goods: The directory is strongest for finding digital products and subscriptions. Use it as your go-to resource for privacy tools (VPNs, proxies), online entertainment, and web infrastructure services that can be purchased and used instantly from anywhere.
Website: https://coingate.com/stores
4. Bitrefill
Bitrefill has carved out a niche as the leading "crypto-to-real-world" marketplace, primarily focused on gift cards, bill payments, and mobile refills. For anyone asking what businesses accept bitcoins, Bitrefill provides a practical answer: nearly all of them, indirectly. The platform allows users to purchase digital gift cards for thousands of major U.S. retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot using Bitcoin, effectively turning crypto into store credit for everyday spending.
The platform’s core appeal is its immediacy and vast selection. It excels by offering instant digital delivery, making it a go-to for spontaneous purchases. It supports both on-chain Bitcoin transactions and the Lightning Network for faster, cheaper payments. Its user interface is clean and efficient, enabling users to quickly find brands, select a gift card value, and pay with their preferred crypto wallet, often in under a minute.
Strategic Analysis: The Intermediary Model
Bitrefill operates as a specialized intermediary, converting cryptocurrency into a universally accepted format: the store gift card. This model bypasses the need for merchants to integrate complex crypto payment systems themselves.
- Direct-to-Consumer Service: Unlike payment processors that serve merchants, Bitrefill’s customer is the crypto holder. It sources gift cards in bulk and resells them for cryptocurrency, essentially acting as a retail bridge.
- Lightning Network Integration: By championing the Lightning Network, Bitrefill solves the common Bitcoin complaints of high fees and slow confirmation times for small, everyday purchases. This makes it viable to buy a $5 coffee with BTC.
- Rewards and Incentives: The platform encourages repeat business through a rewards program, offering "Sats back" (a percentage of the purchase in Satoshis) on many transactions, creating a loyalty loop for its users.
Key Insight: Bitrefill’s success lies in making crypto spending feel as seamless as traditional online shopping. It abstracts away the complexities of direct merchant adoption by focusing on a simple, proven retail product (gift cards) and enhancing it with crypto-native features like Lightning payments and rewards. For more details on business integration, discover how to start accepting crypto payments for your business.
Actionable Takeaways for Users
To maximize your experience on Bitrefill, consider these tips:
- Use the Lightning Network: For smaller purchases, always opt for a Lightning Network payment if your wallet supports it. This will save you significantly on network fees and provide near-instant transaction confirmation.
- Check for Rewards: Before buying, look for the "Rewards" tag on gift cards. Maximizing your "Sats back" can add up over time, effectively giving you a discount on your purchases.
- Understand Product Limits: Be aware that some products, especially prepaid Visa cards, may have activation requirements or regional restrictions. Always read the product details carefully before completing your purchase.
Website: https://www.bitrefill.com/us/en/
5. Newegg
Newegg stands as a pioneering example of a major U.S. retailer directly embracing cryptocurrency. This electronics-focused e-commerce giant was one of the first in its sector to accept Bitcoin, making it a go-to destination for tech enthusiasts looking to spend their digital assets. Its long-standing integration with BitPay has solidified its reputation as a reliable answer to the question of what businesses accept bitcoins for high-ticket items like PC components, laptops, and other consumer electronics.
The primary strength of Newegg’s crypto offering is its seamless and direct integration. Unlike platforms that rely solely on gift cards, Newegg provides a native "Pay with BitPay" option directly at checkout. This creates a frictionless, trustworthy payment experience for a wide variety of tech products, positioning the company as a leader in crypto e-commerce adoption.
Strategic Analysis: The First-Mover Advantage
Newegg’s strategy revolves around catering to its tech-savvy, early-adopter customer base. By integrating Bitcoin payments, it captured a niche but valuable market segment that other retailers ignored.
- Direct Checkout Integration: The "Pay with BitPay" option on its desktop site is a crucial differentiator. It removes the extra step of buying a gift card, making the purchase feel as legitimate as using a credit card.
- Clear Documentation: Newegg maintains a detailed knowledge base article explaining exactly how to pay with crypto, which currencies are supported, and the process for refunds. This transparency builds trust and reduces customer friction.
Key Insight: Newegg’s success demonstrates the power of direct integration. By embedding crypto payments into its existing checkout flow, it validated digital currency as a viable payment method for mainstream e-commerce and strengthened its brand loyalty among a forward-thinking audience. For other retailers, this approach provides a blueprint for mastering e-commerce payment gateway integration.
Actionable Takeaways for Users
To make the most of shopping on Newegg with Bitcoin, consider these practical tips:
- Shop on Desktop: The "Pay with BitPay" option is currently exclusive to the desktop version of the website. Ensure you are not on the mobile app or mobile site when you are ready to check out.
- Act Within the Time Limit: BitPay invoices expire after 15 minutes to lock in the exchange rate. Have your wallet ready to send the payment as soon as you generate the invoice to avoid any issues.
- Understand Refund Policies: Be aware that refunds for crypto payments are processed differently. Newegg typically issues them via BitPay for a direct crypto refund or offers a Newegg gift card, giving you flexibility.
Website: https://www.newegg.com
6. Namecheap
Namecheap stands out as a pioneering, mainstream service provider that embraced cryptocurrency early on. As a leading domain registrar and web hosting company, it allows customers to purchase essential web infrastructure like domains, hosting plans, SSL certificates, and privacy services using Bitcoin. This positions it as a go-to choice for privacy-conscious developers, crypto-native businesses, and anyone looking to build a web presence with digital assets.
The platform’s primary strength is its seamless and flexible integration of crypto payments directly into its core services. Unlike retailers that rely solely on gift cards, Namecheap allows you to directly top up your account balance with Bitcoin, which can then be spent on any of their products. This answers the question of what businesses accept bitcoins in a fundamental way by enabling the creation of online businesses and identities funded entirely with crypto.
Strategic Analysis: The Account Funding Model
Namecheap’s approach is centered on an account credit system, giving users strategic flexibility in how and when they spend their crypto.
- Direct Crypto Deposits: Users can add funds to their account balance, with deposits ranging from $1 to $100,000. This credit is then used like cash for any purchase on the site.
- Dual Gateway Options: Namecheap thoughtfully provides two distinct payment gateways. Users can choose BitPay for multi-coin support (BTC, ETH, etc.) or opt for the open-source BTCPay Server for a direct, Bitcoin-only transaction that offers enhanced privacy and decentralization.
Key Insight: By treating crypto as a funding source rather than just a checkout option, Namecheap empowers users to manage their budget and hedge against short-term price volatility. You can top up your account when Bitcoin's price is favorable and spend the USD-denominated credit later.
Actionable Takeaways for Users
To make the most of Namecheap’s Bitcoin payment options, consider these practical tips:
- Choose Your Gateway Wisely: If you are a Bitcoin purist or prioritize privacy, select the BTCPay option at checkout. If you want to pay with other altcoins or prefer the established BitPay interface, that option is available.
- Understand the Top-Up System: Remember that crypto deposits are non-refundable and are converted to a USD balance in your account. Plan your deposit amount carefully, as the funds can only be spent on Namecheap’s services.
- Monitor Exchange Rates: Since the final charge is in USD, the amount of Bitcoin you pay will depend on the exchange rate at the moment of the transaction. Both BitPay and BTCPay lock in a rate for a limited time, so be prepared to complete the payment promptly to secure that rate.
Website: https://www.namecheap.com
7. AMC Theatres
As the largest movie theater chain in the United States, AMC Theatres' adoption of cryptocurrency payments marked a significant step in bringing digital assets to mainstream entertainment. Since 2021, customers have been able to use Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to purchase movie tickets, concessions, and gift cards directly through the AMC website and mobile app, making it one of the most visible real-world examples of what businesses accept bitcoins for everyday leisure activities.
The integration’s primary strength is its seamlessness and brand recognition. By partnering with BitPay, AMC positions cryptocurrency as a standard payment option alongside giants like PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay on its "Pay Your Way" page. This normalization helps demystify crypto for the average consumer, presenting it not as a complex investment but as a practical way to pay for a night out.
Strategic Analysis: Mainstream Entertainment Integration
AMC's strategy is focused on catering to a tech-savvy audience and embracing modern payment trends without taking on the volatility risk of holding cryptocurrency.
- Processor-Based Integration: Like many large retailers, AMC uses a third-party processor (BitPay) to handle the transaction. When a customer pays with Bitcoin, BitPay instantly converts the payment to U.S. dollars for AMC. This allows the theater chain to accept crypto without managing wallets or worrying about price fluctuations.
- Digital-First Approach: The payment option is available exclusively through AMC's digital channels, the website and mobile app. This targets the most likely crypto users, who are already comfortable with online transactions, and simplifies implementation by avoiding the need to update thousands of physical point-of-sale systems nationwide.
Key Insight: AMC's model demonstrates how a large, established brand can appeal to a niche but growing market by integrating crypto payments into its existing digital checkout flow. It’s a low-risk, high-visibility strategy that generates significant media attention and customer goodwill.
Actionable Takeaways for Users
To make the most of using Bitcoin at AMC, consider these tips:
- Plan and Pay Online: Since crypto payments are not accepted at the physical box office or concession stand, always book your tickets and pre-order concessions through the AMC website or app before heading to the theater.
- Be Ready for the Payment Window: BitPay provides a 15-minute window to complete your transaction after generating the invoice. Have your crypto wallet open and ready to scan the QR code to ensure you lock in the exchange rate and complete the purchase in time.
- Use Gift Cards for In-Person Flexibility: If you want to pay for concessions on-site, a good workaround is to buy an AMC gift card online with your Bitcoin first. You can then use the gift card for any purchase at the theater.
Website: https://www.amctheatres.com
7 Businesses Accepting Bitcoin: Feature Comparison
Service / Directory | 🔄 Implementation Complexity | 💡 Resource Requirements | 📊 Expected Outcomes | 💡 Ideal Use Cases | ⭐ Key Advantages |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BitPay Merchant Directory | Low - relies on BitPay rails | Moderate - integration with BitPay network | Reliable access to 250+ U.S. merchants accepting BTC | Quick find of mainstream U.S. crypto-friendly brands | High trust with active BitPay partners; U.S.-focused brands |
BTC Map (btcmap.org) | Medium - open-source, crowdsourced with verification | Community-driven data curation | Transparent, frequently updated Bitcoin-only listings | Discover local verified BTC-accepting stores | Bitcoin-only focus; transparent, frequent updates |
CoinGate Stores | Moderate - processor-verified multi-chain support | Medium - ongoing merchant verification and expansion | Live merchant integrations supporting BTC and Lightning | Find digital services and travel bookings | Processor-backed list; multi-chain support |
Bitrefill | Low - instant gift card delivery | Moderate - extensive catalog and payment options | Fast BTC spending via gift cards and eSIM top-ups | Spend BTC indirectly at retail and travel | Vast U.S. gift card catalog; fast delivery; rewards programs |
Newegg | Medium - native BitPay checkout on desktop | Moderate - integration with BitPay and support | Direct BTC payments at a major electronics retailer | Purchase electronics with BTC online | Direct crypto checkout; large product selection |
Namecheap | Medium - BTC deposits via BTCPay and BitPay | Moderate - dual payment gateway maintenance | BTC funding for hosting, domains with documented process | Paying for web services quietly with BTC | Bitcoin-only BTCPay option for privacy; reputable web services |
AMC Theatres | Low - BitPay-based crypto payments online/app | Low - payment integration limited to app and online | BTC accepted for tickets and gift cards nationwide | Spending BTC on mainstream entertainment | Nationwide availability; familiar brand; multi-platform support |
From Niche to Mainstream: Your Next Step in Crypto Commerce
The journey through the landscape of what businesses accept bitcoins reveals a clear and undeniable trend: cryptocurrency is no longer a niche novelty but a burgeoning pillar of modern commerce. From global tech retailers like Newegg to digital service providers like Namecheap and even entertainment giants like AMC Theatres, the adoption of Bitcoin payments is accelerating across diverse industries. This shift isn't just about adding another payment button; it's a strategic move to tap into a new, tech-savvy customer base, reduce transaction fees, and future-proof business operations.
Our exploration of tools like the BitPay and CoinGate directories, alongside community-driven projects such as BTC Map, demonstrates the growing ecosystem supporting crypto transactions. These platforms highlight a key insight: the path to accepting digital assets is more accessible than ever. However, the most powerful strategies emerge not from simply being listed in a directory, but from integrating crypto payments directly into the core business model.
Key Takeaways for Your Business
Reflecting on the examples discussed, several critical lessons stand out for any merchant considering this step. The most successful implementations share common threads of strategic planning and customer-centric design.
- Direct Integration vs. Third-Party Processors: While custodial processors like BitPay offer convenience, a non-custodial gateway provides greater control, security, and financial autonomy. Your business retains full ownership of its funds from the moment of transaction, eliminating counterparty risk.
- Customer Experience is Paramount: The checkout process must be seamless. As seen with pioneers like Newegg, a smooth, intuitive payment flow is crucial for converting crypto-holding customers. Clunky interfaces or confusing steps will lead to abandoned carts.
- Beyond Bitcoin: While Bitcoin remains the flagship cryptocurrency, the market is diverse. Offering a range of popular cryptocurrencies can significantly broaden your appeal to different segments of the digital asset community.
- The Power of Control: The decision to hold crypto or instantly convert it to fiat offers strategic flexibility. Businesses can choose to speculate on asset appreciation or eliminate volatility by settling in their local currency, tailoring their approach to their financial risk tolerance.
Your Actionable Roadmap to Crypto Adoption
Moving from theory to practice requires a clear, step-by-step approach. The question is no longer if you should consider accepting Bitcoin, but how to implement it effectively. The right tools are essential to bridge the gap between your current operations and the future of digital finance.
For businesses ready to take the leap, the choice of a payment gateway is the single most important decision. You need a solution that is not only robust and secure but also flexible enough to grow with your business. Look for a platform that prioritizes direct, non-custodial transactions, offers extensive e-commerce plugin support for easy integration, and provides transparent, low-cost fee structures. This ensures you can join the ranks of businesses that accept bitcoins without sacrificing control or profitability.
The evolution from a niche payment method to a mainstream option is happening now. By strategically integrating a powerful payment solution, you can position your business at the forefront of this financial revolution, capturing a new wave of global customers and setting a new standard for secure, efficient commerce.
Ready to empower your business with secure, non-custodial crypto payments? BlockBee provides the tools you need to seamlessly integrate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies directly into your checkout, giving you full control over your funds. Explore our powerful features and e-commerce plugins at BlockBee and start accepting the future of money today.