Bitcoin has continued to gain traction as a legitimate form of payment. Its prominence has made it the preferred asset for many businesses looking to tap into the innovative payment market.
Here are some of the notable companies that accept bitcoin as a payment method.
Microsoft
Microsoft was one of the early adopters of Bitcoin, allowing users to add funds to their Microsoft accounts using bitcoin since 2014.
This balance can be used to purchase games, movies, and apps in the Windows store. Microsoft’s decision to accept bitcoin signifies the tech giant’s forward-thinking approach and its willingness to explore new financial technologies.
In a 2014 interview on Bloomberg TV, Bill Gates mentioned that Bitcoin was “better than currency” in terms of its capability to facilitate transactions.
Related: Bill Gates and Bitcoin | Embracing the Potential with Caution
AT&T
AT&T made headlines by becoming the first major U.S. mobile carrier to accept bitcoin payments.
Through a partnership with BitPay, a Bitcoin payment service provider, AT&T customers can pay their bills using bitcoin. This move reflects the company’s commitment to providing its customers with diverse payment options.
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN, a privacy-focused virtual private network service, began accepting bitcoin as a payment method in 2011. This decision aligned with their commitment to enhancing user anonymity and privacy, allowing customers to pay for their services without revealing personal information.
By embracing Bitcoin early on, Mullvad VPN positioned itself as a pioneer in the integration of Bitcoin within the VPN industry, catering to users who prioritize security and confidentiality in their online activities.
Zap.stream
Zap.stream stands out in the live streaming arena with its forward-thinking integration of NOSTR and Bitcoin as native payment options for streaming and tips.
By leveraging NOSTR, an open protocol for decentralized social networking, Zap.stream ensures enhanced privacy and security for its users. This integration facilitates direct and censorship-resistant communication between content creators and their audiences.
Moreover, incorporating Bitcoin as a native payment method for tips aligns with the growing trend of its adoption.
Viewers can seamlessly tip their favorite streamers using bitcoin — called zaps — promoting a borderless and efficient financial interaction.
This not only empowers creators with more control over their earnings but also appeals to the tech-savvy audience who value the decentralization and transparency that Bitcoin offers.
Burger King (Select Locations)
In select locations, Burger King has begun to accept bitcoin payments. This includes various branches around the world, like Venezuela and France, reflecting a growing trend in the fast-food industry to embrace Bitcoin.
While not all locations accept it, this initiative marks an important step toward mainstream adoption.
“A partnership between Burger King Venezuela and CryptoBuyer has resulted in consumers being able to pay for their burgers at the fast-food chain with Bitcoin (BTC)…”
-Source: Coinmerce
Whole Foods
Through a partnership with the digital payment platform Flexa, Whole Foods has enabled Bitcoin payments.
Flexa’s technology allows customers to pay using bitcoin via a mobile app, which then converts the bitcoin into fiat at the point of sale. This seamless integration makes it easy for shoppers to use bitcoin for their grocery needs.
Expedia
Expedia, one of the world’s largest online travel agencies, accepts bitcoin for hotel bookings. This feature, facilitated through a partnership with Coinbase, allows travelers to book accommodations using bitcoin.
Shopify
Merchants using Shopify can choose to accept bitcoin payments through various integrations with Bitcoin payment processors. This option provides Shopify’s vast network of online stores with the ability to cater to the growing number of Bitcoin users.
Merchants who set up their own instance of BTCPay Server (an open-source payment gateway), can connect it to their store, enabling them to accept bitcoin payments directly from customers.
Newegg
Newegg, a major retailer specializing in computer hardware and consumer electronics, accepts bitcoin as a payment method. This option appeals particularly to Newegg’s tech-focused customer base, many of whom are likely early adopters of Bitcoin.
Companies That Accept Bitcoin: An Ever-Expanding List
The adoption of Bitcoin as a payment method by major companies across various sectors highlights its growing acceptance and legitimacy.
From tech giants like Microsoft to every day retailers like Whole Foods and Burger King, Bitcoin is making its mark as a viable alternative to traditional payment methods.
As more businesses recognize the benefits of accepting bitcoin, there is expectancy for this list to continue expanding, bringing closer a future where Bitcoin is a standard part of our financial ecosystem.
