Key Takeaways
- Dogecoin is a meme coin created in 2013 to poke fun at the overly-serious culture surrounding cryptocurrency at the time;
- You can use DOGE as a payment method by exchanging it for fiat, transferring it through a P2P network, buying a gift card or a prepaid card with it, or shopping in a store that accepts Dogecoin;
- There’s a growing list of companies that accept DOGE as payment, including famous names like Microsoft, Tesla, Twitch, and Gucci.
There was a time when the words “Dogecoin” and “useful” seemed like they would never belong in the same sentence – and yet, here we are! In an ironic turn of circumstances, the first meme coin created in 2013 purely as a joke is starting to catch on as a legitimate payment option among forward-thinking businesses. If you want to find out how to pay with Dogecoin - you’ve come to the right place!
The coin's low transaction fees, availability on popular exchanges like Binance, Bybit, or Kraken, and the quirky and accessible aesthetic helped it strike a chord with the crypto community. Over the years, Dogecoin has generated a loyal fanbase that was determined to prove its creators wrong and elevate this meme coin into a cryptocurrency to be reckoned with.
Thanks to this community, the asset has been used for various purposes, from helping fund the Jamaican bobsled team’s trip to the Sochi Olympics in 2014 to buying a new Gucci handbag. In this article, I will explain all about how to pay with Dogecoin, an why it’s a good idea – or why it might not be, depending on your situation.
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Table of Contents
What is Dogecoin?
Before I can teach you how to pay with Dogecoin, let me explain what it is and where it comes from.
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In 2013, the year Dogecoin was created, cryptocurrency was really starting to take off. Bitcoin had become all the rage in tech circles. No longer just an obscure gimmick that was more of a theoretical exercise for enthusiasts to tinker with than anything practical, crypto was finding its way into the broader technological landscape. It was shaping up to become the alternative finance sector in its own right.
Unsurprisingly, there were those who felt that the conversation around crypto had become too pretentious and needed to be taken down a peg or two. That was the reasoning that Jackson Palmer and Billy Markus put forward, at least. They came up with the idea of Dogecoin as an antidote to what they saw as the toxic culture surrounding cryptocurrency at the time.
After letting the idea stew for a few days, they created Dogecoin over the course of two hours by copying the code from Luckycoin with a few modifications, such as changing the font to Comic Sans as a playful nod to its whimsical vibe. The branding was based on the iconic Shiba Inu dog meme that spoke in sarcastic snippets of broken English.
Everything about Dogecoin was supposed to be an antithesis of “respectable” cryptocurrency, starting with the lack of a supply cap that was supposed to prevent it from gaining too much value over time. 10,000 Dogecoins are mined every minute, which adds ~14 million to the supply on a daily basis. DOGE doesn’t support smart contracts, either, which limits its use cases.[1]
On the other hand, low prices and cheap transaction fees meant that anyone could collect as many coins as they wanted – if they wanted to buy any at all.
It’s hard to pinpoint the moment when its ironic following turned genuine, and more people started to ask how to pay with Dogecoin rather than just hold it. Nevertheless, at this point, it’s safe to say that this Shiba Inu-based meme coin is here to stay for the foreseeable future, and the wider crypto community has only just begun to acknowledge its potential.
Reasons to Use DOGE as a Payment Option
If you’re open to learning how to pay with Dogecoin but still have doubts, you’re not alone! Many people are wondering what to do with Dogecoin now that it’s on the rise again, but they still see it primarily as a meme coin that doesn’t match the utility of more established cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Before we delve into what companies accept Dogecoin, let's look into all the reasons why you might consider using your DOGE holdings to purchase something in 2024 or later on.
Constant Value Growth
Earlier on, I mentioned Dogecoin reaching mainstream popularity over the years, but what does this actually look like in terms of its price history and value growth?
Not many crypto coins can boast of being an overnight success. However, Dogecoin is an exception – or close enough, at any rate. It was launched on December 6, 2013, with a starting price of $0. Within a few days, it rose to $0.0004, and less than two weeks later, the price jumped by nearly 300% over the period of 72 hours, going from $0.00026 to $0.00095.
Even though this explosive debut was followed by an 80% crash three days later, this wasn’t the end. Over the decade after its release, Dogecoin continued to grow, at times following the lead of other meme coins or the crypto market as a whole but occasionally diverging from the general trends.
The first three years were a slow start, but things picked up pace in 2017, with DOGE reaching $0.003, and then again in 2018 when the price climbed to $0.017.
After two more years of relatively stable prices, Dogecoin reached the front pages of the crypto news in 2021 with an unprecedented bull run – an 800% increase in just 24 hours! Its price surged to an all-time high of $0.7376.
2024 heralded a new revival for Dogecoin – first in March when it rose from $0.089 to $0.22 after the passing of Kabosu (the real-life Shiba Inu who inspired the meme), and then in November with another bull run following the US presidential elections.
Donald Trump’s victory and Elon Musk’s appointment to the government inspired a surge of positive sentiment for Dogecoin that’s predicted to last for the remainder of the year.
To sum it up, its long track record has proved its resilience and staying power. In spite of all the crashes and setbacks, Dogecoin has managed to recover and continue its upward trend every time so far.
While this pattern can’t predict the future for sure, it’s still a promising sign. Therefore, learning how to pay with Dogecoin isn’t such a crazy idea and might very well be worth investigating!
Passionate Community
A dedicated fanbase is a boon to any crypto coin – but for meme coins like DOGE that face constant scrutiny and skepticism due to their “unserious” status, it becomes one of the core pillars to lean on. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the project wouldn’t be where it is today without its loyal supporters backing it up.
Even though its creators, Palmer and Markus, have long since distanced themselves from the community, it has taken on a life of its own. The Dogecoin Foundation, established in 2014, has spearheaded numerous philanthropic projects using the asset as a fundraising tool. Notable achievements include sponsoring the Jamaican bobsled team during the Sochi Winter Olympics and funding a clean water project in Kenya.
The power of celebrity endorsement can’t be discounted, either. Dogecoin has received patronage from a number of famous influencers and other figures, including billionaires like Elon Musk and Mark Cuban.
Musk, in particular, has developed a soft spot for this meme coin over the years. He’s famously had a hand in driving DOGE prices by randomly name-dropping it in tweets and has spoken of his desire to integrate Dogecoin into the X (formerly Twitter) ecosystem. He’s already implemented the option to use Dogecoin as a payment method in his company, Tesla (more on that later when I explain where you can use Dogecoin).
The passionate community around Dogecoin contributes to the coin’s popularity and, in turn, gives businesses the incentive to support it, too. It only takes a few dozen fans to raise the question, “How to pay with Dogecoin online?” until companies start to take notice.
Which leads us to the third factor…
Accessibility and Practical Benefits
It might sound trite at first glance, but lots of people are tempted to learn how to pay with Dogecoin simply because they can! Unlike many other meme coins that have remained decidedly niche, DOGE is everywhere these days, so you might as well take the plunge and put it to good use.
The barrier of entry couldn’t be any lower: the digital asset is available on the majority of centralized exchanges these days, including giants like Kraken, Binance, and Bybit. You can even find it in some traditional brokerages.
Cheap and fast transactions have made DOGE a popular choice for beginners, too. Not to mention, it’s a global payment method, so there’s no currency conversion or international bank fees to deal with!
Privacy is one of the most popular arguments for crypto payments, and it applies to Dogecoin, as well. It offers you a way to transfer money without disclosing as much personal information as you would have using fiat currency.
Last but not least, the branding itself adds to its mass appeal. It is arguably the first crypto coin that was able to reach a casual audience that was in it mainly for fun rather than financial gain. This type of user is more interested in how to use Dogecoin in real life, not just hold on to it as an asset or trade it for other coins.
- Secure and reliable
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- Fully reserved
How to Pay With Dogecoin?
If I’ve managed to convince you that learning how to pay with Dogecoin is worth it, the next step is teaching you the details. At this point, you’re probably about to ask, “Where can I spend Dogecoin?”.
There are several main avenues to choose from:
Trading Platforms
The most obvious choice (and the one many readers will probably think of first) is trading Dogecoin on crypto exchanges to buy other coins – either converting them directly or exchanging them on the market.
Unfortunately, this option is quite limited as you can only buy other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies this way. Having said that, if there ever comes a time when you don’t know what to do with Dogecoin anymore or feel strapped for cash, you can always sell it for another crypto or fiat money.
The good news is that the asset is available on most centralized and decentralized exchanges today, including household names like Bybit and Kraken, so you won’t have to look far!
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks
P2P is arguably the most direct and private method of payment in crypto. Here’s how it works: you simply transfer funds from your crypto wallet to another user's, either by entering their wallet address or scanning a QR code. No third-party intermediaries are involved.
You can find the P2P trading option on some crypto exchange platforms like Binance, but more importantly, it’s increasingly being integrated into online forums and other platforms, allowing private users to transfer funds to each other or exchange them for products and services. If you’ve ever wondered how to pay with Dogecoin online when dealing with a private individual rather than a business, this is the way!
P2P trading is quite a minimalist payment system that functions as a simple wallet-to-wallet transfer with no additional features. You’ll have to manually enter the recipient’s wallet address or scan the provided QR code and notify them yourself once the payment comes through. If you find someone who accepts Dogecoin as payment, P2P can be a superb replacement for fiat transfers.
Direct Merchant Payments
While P2P payments are ideal for personal transactions, businesses require a more advanced solution that can be automated and scaled to meet their needs. This is where direct payment gateways come into play: they serve as a bridge between merchants and consumers, relying on third-party software or self-hosted solutions to manage payments efficiently.
Direct merchant gateways can be integrated into e-Commerce platforms, web apps, or most other types of websites. You’ve likely encountered this type of interface before. As a customer, all you need to do is click the provided link (or, in some cases, scan the QR code), open your wallet, enter the amount of crypto you want to transfer, and confirm the transaction.
The main benefit of direct payment gateways is all the additional features that make them suitable for managing large transaction volumes for commercial purposes. Direct payment gateways run on smart contracts that can automate various workflows like recurring payments, escrow services, invoicing, sending confirmations, updating inventory, or processing refunds.
Gift Cards and Prepaid Payment Cards
If you still think that figuring out how to pay with Dogecoin might be a bit of a headache and don’t want to waste time googling what companies accept Dogecoin as payment, you can always go the indirect route instead!
Purchasing a gift card with the meme coin means the answer to the question “What can I buy with Dogecoin?” becomes “Anything”! Platforms like Coinsbee, eGifter, and BitRefill let you buy a wide range of gift cards for the most popular stores and services Amazon, Steam, Netflix, H&M, and many others.
Alternatively, you could use Dogecoin to purchase a prepaid payment card, which is an even more flexible option since, unlike a gift card, it won’t expire and isn’t limited to any specific retailer. On Coinsbee, you’ll find over 30 prepaid payment cards to choose from, including some of the most popular providers like Paypal and MasterCard.
What Can You Buy With Dogecoin?
Let’s say I’ve managed to convince you that learning how to pay with Dogecoin is worth it – now it’s time to see who accepts Dogecoin as payment directly. Even though gift cards and prepaid payment cards can be a viable option, deep down, you’d probably prefer to just pop over to an e-store and click “Buy" with no extra steps or any additional hassle.
In that case, let me help you out here. This section will answer all of your questions about “Where can I spend Dogecoin?”. And the answer is – more places than you could imagine! You can buy anything from a piece of jewelry to a new yacht. The list below is by no means exhaustive, but it’s as good a starting point as any.
Software and Electronics
This is probably the most obvious category, as cryptocurrency is usually associated with the tech sphere. Here are a few companies where you can use Dogecoin as payment:
- Microsoft: That’s right – one of the biggest tech giants now accepts DOGE as a payment through BitPay! You can purchase any Microsoft software product, subscription service, or hardware by adding BitPay as your preferred payment method.
- NewEgg: A popular destination for both beginner and professional PC builders. It accepts a number of cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin. You can use your DOGE to buy laptops and desktop computers from popular brands like HP, Lenovo, Acer, and LG.
- Twitch: The number one online streaming service for gamers, owned by Amazon. It has allowed DOGE payments since 2014, making it one of the first companies to respond to the market asking, “Where can I spend Dogecoin?”.
- AltusHost: A state-of-the-art European web hosting provider that lets you exchange DOGE for an array of services like web hosting, reseller hosting, VPS, and dedicated servers.
In other words, f you’re wondering what to do with Dogecoin, there’s no reason your next smartphone or other gadget couldn’t come from one of these stores!
Jewellery and Precious Metals
As you can see, the answer to the question “What can I buy with Dogecoin?” isn’t limited to software or electronics. Why not use it to add some sparkle to your life and get something shiny?
- Wrist Aficionado: One of the most famous high-end watch retailers in the United States that also sells bags, jewelry, and other luxurious accessories. Their list of brands includes Hermes, Cartier, and Rolex. You can pick DOGE as the payment option through BitPay.
- Ace Jewelers: A renowned Amsterdam-based merchant that offers exquisite jewelry and watches from leading brands like IWC, Omega, Breitling, and many others.
- CRM Jewelers: A Miami-based purveyor of luxury watches and jewelry. It boasts a clientele of 1M customers from over 170 countries. You’ll find brands like Rolex, AP, and Hublot.
- American Gold Exchange: Here’s where you can trade Dogecoin for another type of asset: precious metals. It offers a wide range of gold and silver coins, including some famous collectibles like re-1933 U.S. gold coins in Mint State grades.
Honorable mentions: Bullion Exchanges, Global Vault Group, and Amsterdam Vintage Watches.
Fashion and clothes
Even if jewelry isn’t your cup of tea, you could still spice up your outfit using crypto! Learn what companies accept Dogecoin as payment for clothes and fashion accessories.
- Gucci: One of the first top fashion brands to embrace crypto payments, both online and in its boutiques across the US. You have a choice between several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin.
- Ralph Lauren: Another iconic high-end brand to jump on the Dogecoin wagon. Unfortunately, it’s not available in all the stores yet, only the one in the Miami Design District – but, as they say, you’ve got to start somewhere.
- Pacsum: A one-stop shop for fashionable denim, cargo pants, graphics, and more. If you’re a PacSun rewards member, paying in Dogecoin will earn you a $5 reward towards your next purchase.
- RoomsToGo: If you feel like decorating your home instead of just your closet, check out this store for affordable and high-quality furniture! You can pay with Dogecoin online or in one of their physical stores across 150+ countries.
It’s certainly encouraging to see so many renowned brands catering to crypto enthusiasts. While “How to pay with Dogecoin?” probably isn’t something you’re likely to overhear in your local clothing store anytime soon, when it comes to world-famous, forward-thinking brands, it feels like only a matter of time.
Gaming, Sports, and Entertainment
Above everything else, Dogecoin is supposed to be fun – so why not use it to add some entertainment to your life? Here are the companies representing this category that figured out how to use Dogecoin to attract more customers:
- AMC Theatres: One of the largest theatre chains in the United States. It started accepting Dogecoin payments in 2022, alongside some other coins like Litecoin and Shiba Inu. The first step was offering gift card purchases, but partnering with BitPay allows the company to extend this payment method to movie tickets and even snacks.
- Dallas Mavericks: This Texas-based NBA team has implemented the option to purchase tickets, merchandise, and concessions at their games using Dogecoin, thanks to the efforts of the owner, Mark Cuban, who has a soft spot for this OG meme coin.
- Chess.com: A free online chess platform that lets players place bets or tip other players with DOGE.
- Playasia: An online store for all things video games. Put your DOGE holdings to good use by purchasing video games, digital codes, or iTunes cards.
Needless to say, if you’re trying to decide, “What can I buy with Dogecoin that would be in line with the fun-loving philosophy behind it?”, you won’t be strapped for choice.
Travel and Leisure
Up for an adventure? Dogecoin’s got you covered, too! A growing number of travel companies have added cryptocurrency payments to their stores. Let’s see which one of them you could pick for your next trip:
- AirBaltic: This leading airline in the Baltics and Eastern Europe has partnered with BitPay to give its customers the opportunity to pay for flights using crypto. It accepts a number of coins, including Dogecoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Upon checkout, BitPay will automatically convert your crypto to EUR based on the exchange rate at the time of booking.
- Fast Private Jet: Exclusive and affordable travel itineraries for corporate or personal trips. You can use DOGE to hire private jets, helicopters, yachts, or even an air ambulance.
- GetYourGuide: A travel company based in Zurich and Berlin. You’ll find sightseeing tours, day trips, tickets for tourist attractions, and travel itineraries for a competitive price.
- GreenBelt Outdoors: An inflatable SUP, kayak, and paddleboard rent service in Austin, US. You can book a one-time rent or buy a membership.
Honorable mentions: Safari Guru, Monarch Air, and Luna Jets.
Automotives
It’s shaping up to be quite a long list – and it’s only getting more impressive! If you want to learn how to pay with Dogecoin, you might as well go all in and find out all of your options:
- Tesla: You’ve probably been waiting to see this one, so here it is! Founded by Elon Musk, one of the most prominent Dogecoin fans, Tesla has been accepting DOGE payments since 2022. Unfortunately, you can’t buy an actual Tesla car with crypto yet – but if you already own one, you can charge it at a Tesla Supercharger station using Dogecoin.
- Camper & Nicholsons: A luxury yachting company founded in 1782 that offers an extensive range of services for yacht owners: buying and selling yachts, building and maintenance services, chartering, and crew placement.
- O’Gara Coach: The ultimate destination for luxury car enthusiasts, based in Southern California. Use DOGE to buy new or pre-owned vehicles from brands like Bentley and Bugatti.
- Exclusive Automotive Group: Another luxury car retailer offering both new and pre-owned cars in Washington, D.C. The company also has lease and repair services.
As you can see, Tesla is far from the only car company that’s embraced the Dogecoin hype!
Risks and Drawbacks
While the idea of learning how to pay with Dogecoin is no doubt exciting, let me wrap up this article with a word of caution. Like any other cryptocurrency, this digital asset is susceptible to certain risks you should look out for.
The first thing to keep in mind is volatility. Even though Dogecoin has had a few impressive bull runs so far, it’s suffered a number of crashes, as well, especially due to pump-and-dump schemes[2]. Make sure to diversify your portfolio! Dogecoin could be an excellent addition to your crypto payment options, but it’s probably a bad idea to singlehandedly rely on it as your only avenue.
Secondly, the crypto sphere is rife with bad actors trying to take advantage of inexperienced newcomers. Before transferring DOGE to another wallet address, make sure you can trust the recipient. When it comes to online stores, do your own research and find out if they’re legitimate before trusting them with your holdings.
Lack of protection and regulations is another issue to contend with. Some of the controversy in how to pay with Dogecoin comes down to the uncertainty around things like taxation and customer protection. For example, Dogecoin payments typically aren’t liable for chargebacks or dispute resolution.
Conclusions
Over the past few years, Dogecoin has started to transcend its reputation as a frivolous meme coin and catch on as a payment method alongside the more established coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The question “How to pay with Dogecoin?” keeps popping up on crypto forums and websites more often than ever before. At this point, it’s long overdue for an in-depth explanation.
After reading this article, you’ll have learned all about the different ways to use DOGE for making payments – whether it’s sending $5 to a friend for a cup of coffee or buying a luxury handbag. Dogecoin benefits from cheap and fast transactions and a dedicated community that’s constantly trying to get the word out. Availability is no obstacle, either: you can find this coin in many of the top exchanges, such as Binance.
The list of companies that accept Dogecoin as payment keeps growing by the day. It’s not limited to software or electronics stores, either: you can buy anything from clothes to a new car! Having said that, make sure the store is legitimate, and keep in mind that, just like any other cryptocurrency, Dogecoin is susceptible to high market volatility and scams.
The content published on this website is not aimed to give any kind of financial, investment, trading, or any other form of advice. BitDegree.org does not endorse or suggest you to buy, sell or hold any kind of cryptocurrency. Before making financial investment decisions, do consult your financial advisor.
Scientific References
1. W. Metcalfe: 'Ethereum, Smart Contracts, DApps';
2. M. La Morgia, A. Mei, F. Sassi, et al.: 'The Doge of Wall Street: Analysis and Detection of Pump and Dump Cryptocurrency Manipulations'.