What Can You Buy With Bitcoin? Beginner's Guide

Forget watching crypto exchanges and Bitcoin (BTC) prices fluctuate—Bitcoin is now becoming a legitimate way to pay IRL, with major online retailers embracing the change. Since 2009, it has grown from a gimmick to a globally recognized digital currency that can buy everything from coffee and movie tickets to luxury goods.

Spending Bitcoin online is fast and secure, without relying on intermediaries. So, what can you buy with Bitcoin? Quite a lot! From flights to cars and real estate, the list of places accepting Bitcoin is growing as it enters mainstream commerce.

In this article, we'll explore what you can buy with Bitcoin and its bonuses, covering various categories and online stores. If you've been HODL'ing your Bitcoin and wondering where to spend it, or you're just curious about how crypto is reshaping shopping, you're in the right place!

Making Purchases with Bitcoin

Bitcoin, created in 2009 by the anonymous entity Satoshi Nakamoto, enables peer-to-peer transactions without the control of banks or any other central authority. Powered by blockchain technology, Bitcoin ensures transparency, security, and user control over finances. Unlike credit card transactions, Bitcoin payments protect privacy by requiring only a transfer from your crypto wallet to the recipient. Payments are typically processed within 24 hours, with lower fees, making it an attractive alternative to fiat.

However, there are challenges to consider. BTC serves as both a payment method and a speculative asset. Often viewed as a long-term store of value like stocks or gold, Bitcoin is highly volatile, with its value fluctuating sharply over short periods. For example, Bitcoin's value today is hovering around $95-100K, thanks to Trump's pro-crypto stance and presidential election win. Additionally, Bitcoin's network supports only seven transactions per second, compared to Visa's 6,640 per second average in 2023, making fiat a more practical choice at times.

While mainstream adoption is growing—El Salvador became the first country to accept Bitcoin as legal tender—not all merchants accept Bitcoin online, limiting its usability. However, this can often be bypassed by using crypto debit cards preloaded with funds.

Though Bitcoin isn’t universally accepted (yet), here’s how you can spend it today, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores.

BTC can be used to buy essentials like food and clothes

Everyday Items

Many merchants online now accept cryptocurrency like Bitcoin for payments, making the everyday necessities even more accessible and convenient. For example, e-commerce platforms like Overstock and Shopify let customers use Bitcoin to purchase anything from consumer electronics and clothes to home goods.

Popular digital gift card platform, Gyft, also allows customers to purchase gift cards for a wide variety of retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum (ETH), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH). This gives customers greater flexibility to spend Bitcoin indirectly at stores that don't accept cryptocurrency.

You can also pay for essentials using Bitcoin. This includes food delivery and even bill payments for services like cable, internet, utilities, cell phone services, and more. Companies like Coinbase Commerce partner with firms to enable bill payments via Bitcoin, helping you avoid high transaction fees.

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Services & Online Subscriptions

Bitcoin's acceptance as a mainstream payment method varies from company to company, however, many service providers now accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to attract a broader client base through innovative payment methods that benefit both parties.

VPNs: Many Virtual Private Network (VPN) providers accept Bitcoin as payment, including popular options like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and NordVPN, complementing the security and anonymity that VPNs offer.
Online Casinos: Numerous online casinos, such as Rivalry, are now accepting Bitcoin payments, providing a secure, fast, and anonymous gambling experience. For instance, Rivalry is a crypto-first casino with over 400 casino games (including online slots), live sports wagering, and esports betting.
Subscription Services: Some mainstream subscription services are starting to explore Bitcoin payments. For instance, Microsoft allows users to pay for services like Xbox Live and make purchases through the Microsoft Store using Bitcoin.

Use biotcoin payment to buy gold and real estate

Larger Purchases & Luxury Goods

Think Bitcoin is only for everyday items? Think again! Bitcoin is increasingly being used for expensive purchases, including real estate, cars, luxury watches, and even precious metals like gold.

For real estate, platforms like RealOpen accept Bitcoin. While this payment method is not yet widely adopted, it offers advantages such as faster transactions, enhanced privacy, and the ability to bypass bank-related delays typically associated with traditional real estate financing.

If you're looking to purchase real estate with crypto, keep jurisdictional regulations in mind, including the legal and tax implications of using Bitcoin to climb the property ladder.

Additionally, major auto manufacturers like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and BMW now accept Bitcoin directly for car purchases, as do smaller dealerships. Paying in Bitcoin provides an alternative financing option to fiat currencies, bypassing traditional auto loans.

Travel

BTC payments are becoming an increasingly popular payment option in the travel industry, offering a seamless, secure, and global method to book trips. As cryptocurrencies continue to gain traction, travelers can now use Bitcoin to book everything from flights to accommodations and tours, making it easier to plan and pay for their journeys.

Leading travel booking sites like GetYourGuide, Destinia, Travala, and Lodgis all accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, allowing users to pay directly for accommodations, rental cars, flights, cruises, tours, and other travel services seamlessly.

Bitcoin is poised to become a mainstream payment option for globetrotters, opening up a world of possibilities thanks to the security of blockchain technology and eliminating the need for currency conversion.

Philanthropy & Donations

Bitcoin isn't just for personal purchases—it's a powerful tool for charitable giving. Its decentralized, borderless nature allows donors to send funds directly to charities in need, bypassing banks and reducing costs. This efficiency is especially crucial for international aid during emergencies.

Transparency is another standout feature. Every transaction is recorded on a public blockchain, ensuring funds reach their intended recipients. Nonprofits like UNICEF and Save the Children have embraced Bitcoin, making it easier for tech-savvy donors to support meaningful causes.

Bitcoin also bridges gaps in regions lacking financial infrastructure, enabling direct contributions to unbanked populations. Its support for anonymous transactions also appeals to those wanting to give discreetly to sensitive causes without compromising their personal details.

How Can I Purchase Bitcoin?

If you want to embrace all the benefits of buying with Bitcoin, you'll first need to have some BTC stored in your crypto wallet. The most popular way to purchase Bitcoin is through cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, or Binance. These platforms also allow you to track the latest stats and monitor price fluctuations.

Here's a quick rundown of how to buy Bitcoin for yourself.

Create an account. Sign up for a crypto exchange if you haven't already.
Verify your identity. Once your identity has been verified, link your bank account, credit card, or transfer funds to buy Bitcoin.
Select your digital asset. Choose the cryptocurrency you're interested in buying (in this case, BTC), then click "Buy."

Final Thoughts

As Bitcoin continues to grow and become integrated into mainstream society, the variety of goods and services that accept Bitcoin payments and other digital currencies is expanding daily as more vendors become comfortable with digital currency.

From everyday spending to high-value assets, Bitcoin enables both big and small purchases, whether you're doing your weekly grocery shopping or splurging on an international cruise.

While Bitcoin may not replace fiat currency entirely, its significant advantages make it a useful, easy, fast, and safe payment method, especially for large online purchases and cross-border transactions.

FAQ

Can I buy things with Bitcoin payments?

Yes, many merchants, online stores, and major retailers accept Bitcoin as payment. You can pay directly if their payment systems support cryptocurrency integration, or you can use a crypto debit card. A cryptocurrency debit card allows you to spend crypto while the retailer receives fiat money in return. Payment-processing giants like Visa and Mastercard have partnered with crypto platforms to make this process seamless.

How can I pay with Bitcoin?

You can pay with Bitcoin in two main ways:

Direct Bitcoin Payment: If the retailer accepts Bitcoin, you'll simply need to scan their wallet's QR code or copy their wallet address to send payment from your own crypto wallet.
Crypto Debit Cards: These cards, preloaded with BTC or other cryptocurrencies, convert your crypto into fiat currency at the time of purchase. Platforms like Binace and Coinbase offer such cards, so you can use Bitcoin at millions of stores worldwide, even if they don't accept crypto directly.

Some platforms, like PayPal, also let you buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin, and use it to pay at merchants that support PayPal Checkout.

How can I convert Bitcoin into cash?

Converting Bitcoin into cash is straightforward using the following methods:

Crypto Exchanges: Platforms like Kraken, Binance, or Coinbase allow you to sell Bitcoin and withdraw the equivalent amount in fiat currency to your bank account.
Crypto ATMs: Bitcoin ATMs let you convert Bitcoin into cash instantly, though extra fees may apply.
Peer-To-Peer Transactions: You can send Bitcoin directly to someone who agrees to pay you in cash, with platforms like LocalBitcoins facilitating these transactions securely.

Make sure to check local regulations and fees associated with converting Bitcoin into cash to avoid unexpected costs.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are highly volatile assets, and their use in transactions may be subject to legal restrictions, tax obligations, or other regulations, depending on your jurisdiction. Before making purchases or engaging in transactions with Bitcoin, consult qualified professionals and conduct thorough research to ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies. The inclusion of specific companies or services does not imply endorsement.