When Bitcoin first entered the market in 2009, naysayers claimed it would never evolve into an everyday currency. Fast forward 14 years, and it turns out they may have been wrong. It’s 2025, and today cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin can be used to buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks, book flights via Delta, or deposit funds at an online casino.
Despite their volatility, cryptocurrencies are gaining in popularity, with many corporations already accepting them in a variety of ways. What’s brought about this wider acceptance?
Cryptocurrency Goes Mainstream
In the past, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum were classed as speculative assets. Today, they’re widely accepted payment methods. It’s estimated that in the US, 28% of adults (about 65 million people) own cryptocurrencies, and another 14% say they plan to buy this year.
Why It’s Become So Popular
Cryptocurrency has become popular as a regular currency and widely adopted by merchants and consumers for these reasons:
- Faster and More Efficient Payments: Bank transfers or credit card payments can take from hours to days to process, while cryptocurrency transactions are often instant. This is especially helpful for cross-border payments.
- Lower Transaction Fees: Merchant fees are a constant source of frustration for many businesses. Cryptocurrencies offer much lower transaction costs than regular banks’ credit card fees and other charges.
- Increased Security and Fraud Protection: The beauty of blockchain technology is that it’s extremely secure. With fraud and scamming reaching extreme levels, this is a positive step for many merchants.
- Privacy: Consumers can feel confident making payments with cryptocurrencies as they’re not exposing their banking details.
- A Tech-Savvy Customer Base: The younger, tech-savvy consumers already use digital currencies over traditional money. Merchants that recognize this are tapping into a ready customer base.
- Global Reach: Cryptocurrencies are borderless. Merchants access international markets without worrying about currency exchange or cross-border banking complications.
- Newer Hardware: Crypto wallets offer a level of security that is far superior to online exchanges or software wallets and quickly gained popularity after the collapse of FTX, Celsius, and BlockFi.
- Decentralization and Control: Consumers control their money without dependence on bank intermediaries or government-issued fiat currencies.
Industries Accepting Cryptocurrencies
Merchant adoption is growing, with 46% of US retailers accepting crypto payments. While cryptocurrency gift cards are the primary source of payment for many companies, online and EFT payments are increasing. The following industries are the ones where crypto is taking off, with many more to follow.
Retail
Large retailers and e-commerce platforms are integrating crypto payments to attract tech-savvy customers. The advantages for both the consumer and the retailer are lower transaction fees versus credit cards, quicker transaction settlements, and enhanced security.
Adoption is spread across industries, from tech to automotive. Microsoft set the trend and accepts popular cryptos, including BTC, BCH, ETH, and USDT, to pay for top-up options.
Retail giants like Shopify and Overstock lead in e-commerce crypto payments, showing 45% growth in crypto transactions. Amazon doesn’t directly accept crypto (yet), but it can be accessed through third-party wallets like Purse.io.
Tesla accepts payment by Dogecoin only, and BMW accepts a range of cryptos via its POS terminals in over 100 dealerships across the US.
Some major retailers (like Whole Foods and Home Depot) enable direct Bitcoin payments via intermediary platforms that convert crypto to fiat instantly at checkout. Then there’s Ralph Lauren accepting Bitcoin in select stores using its POS terminals.
Hospitality
Everyday items like coffee, burgers, and sandwiches from some big-name franchises can now be purchased with some form of cryptocurrency.
Starbucks partnered with Bakkt, allowing customers to convert Bitcoin into USD loaded onto the Starbucks app—a step towards seamless blockchain integration. Chipotle accepts over 98 different cryptocurrencies across all US locations via crypto payment platforms. Burger King and Subway accept cryptocurrency gift cards, and KFC tested the waters in Canada in 2018 with its “Bitcoin Bucket” promotion.
The hospitality industry is also likely to expand adoption through tokenized loyalty programs and blockchain-based supply chain management.
Travel and Tourism
The travel and tourism sectors are seeing a rapid rise in crypto bookings. Online travel agencies like Travala reported a 46% increase in crypto bookings from early 2023 to early 2024. BitPay Travel encourages its customers to pay for flights, hotels, rental cars, tours, and other travel-related services.
In July 2025, Emirates signed an agreement with Crypto.com to integrate its Pay feature into the airline’s flight ticket payment options. Delta, United, and American Airlines accept payment for all their travel services via crypto gift cards.
Soneva Resorts and Pavilion Hotels and Resorts both accept Bitcoin and Ethereum for room bookings. Meanwhile, specialized luxury travel services, like Berkley Travel and Amber Drive, accept crypto for faster, secure, and private large transactions.
Entertainment and iGaming
Some entertainment businesses and ticketing platforms have started accepting crypto, offering quicker payments and appealing to younger, tech-forward audiences.
An area that has heavily embraced crypto payments is the iGaming industry, especially online casinos. Apart from the speed and lower fees, allowing deposits and withdrawals via crypto allows for greater anonymity.
However, player safety depends on choosing reputable Apple Pay casinos. The good news is that the US states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan regulate licensed online gambling sites, ensuring fair gaming, fund protection, and secure transactions. For online casinos to accept cryptocurrencies, they need to be vetted by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Reputable crypto casinos are promoting transparency, fair play, and implementing strong cybersecurity measures.
What Consumers Need to Know
It may sound straightforward, but there’s an important caveat. In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) classifies cryptocurrency as property for tax purposes. So, every transaction involving cryptocurrencies—buying goods, converting to fiat currency, or trading between cryptos—can trigger capital gains taxes. Consumers and merchants still need to maintain detailed records of each transaction for accurate reporting at tax time.
Stablecoins are gaining popularity due to lower volatility, though adoption is still in its early stages. The US Treasury has proposed regulatory frameworks aimed at ensuring financial stability, transparency, and consumer protection, but it’s still only at the proposal stage.
Crypto at the Checkout
The financial world has changed, thanks to rapid technological advances. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies are leading the way. With so many companies already accepting these forms of payment and others lining up to join in, it appears that everyday transactions via crypto will one day be as common as credit cards and “tap and go.”
