Key Takeaways
- USDT’s stable value makes it ideal for both traditional payments and international transfers;
- You can easily set up a USDT wallet and use it for purchases or global fund transfers with minimal fees;
- Major brands like Overstock and Expedia accept USDT, making it versatile for multiple transactions.
If you’re curious about how to pay with USDT or Tether, you're in the right place! USDT is one of the most popular stablecoins in the cryptocurrency world. It is known for maintaining a stable value by being pegged to fiat currencies, mainly the US dollar (USD).
On exchanges like Bybit, Kraken, and Binance, USDT serves as a reliant conversion tool between crypto and fiat. Nowadays, its role has expanded beyond Web3 transactions, becoming increasingly integrated into everyday purchases. But what is the USDT payment method?
It's actually quite simple—whether you're paying for a meal or purchasing software, you can use crypto instead of traditional dollars. Best of all, it's just as efficient. Curious about how to pay with USDT? Let’s dive in.
Did you know?
Subscribe - We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!
How to Avoid Major Crypto Investment Risks? (Beginner-Friendly)
Table of Contents
- 1. How to Pay With USDT Using a Crypto Wallet
- 2. How to Pay With USDT Using Crypto Cards
- 2.1. Bybit Card
- 2.2. Coinbase Card
- 2.3. KuCoin Card
- 3. How to Use USDT for Non-Crypto Transactions
- 3.1. For Retail Purchases
- 3.2. For Dining Services
- 3.3. For International Transfers
- 4. Who Else Accepts USDT as Payment?
- 5. Benefits of Paying With USDT
- 6. Security Tips When Paying With USDT
- 7. Conclusions
How to Pay With USDT Using a Crypto Wallet
When navigating how to pay with USDT, using a crypto wallet becomes a viable and secure option. They generally fall into two categories: cold and hot storage. The former stores your assets offline, while the latter keeps your holdings online, usually on a crypto exchange.
Latest Deal Active Right Now:Sign up on Binance and claim up to $600 worth of rewards for completing simple tasks. Use Binance referral code (49316610) to activate the offer while it's still valid!
Since cold wallets lock your crypto holdings in a physical vault, your cryptocurrencies become more untouchable from online hacks, rendering them safer options than hot wallets.[1]
It's also worth noting that nearly all cold wallets support USDT payments. One of them is Ledger Flex, which is among the most secure crypto wallets you can get your hands on. Its E-Ink-protected screen automatically translates cryptographic transaction details into human-readable formats. As one of the first wallets to adopt this technology, Flex offers a highly transparent and user-friendly way to pay with USDT.
Here's how you can pay with USDT using Ledger Flex:
Step 1: Get your Ledger Flex and set up Ledger Live. Make sure to only purchase the wallet through the official website to avoid scams.
Step 2: Open Ledger Live and navigate to the "Card" section to create a CL Card account. This Baanx-powered card enables you to perform crypto transactions with Ledger. With the CL Card, you can spend USDT at over 90 million merchants worldwide, both virtually and physically.
Step 3: Top up your CL Card with USDT instantly on Ledger Live. If you prefer, you can also purchase crypto from trusted exchanges like Binance and then transfer it to your Flex device.
Step 4: With your CL Card funded, you can now start purchasing items with the USDT payment method. Whether you shop online or in-store, you can earn up to 1% cashback in USDT or BTC.
Please note that the CL Card, as of this writing, is only available to customers in the United Kingdom and the European Economic Area (EEA). If you own other Ledger devices, such as Stax or Nano X, you can follow the same steps above to begin your purchasing journey with crypto.
How to Pay With USDT Using Crypto Cards
Besides wallets, crypto debit cards are amongst the safest options for paying with USDT. Issued by trusted entities like Bybit or Coinbase, these cards are backed by leading payment providers such as VISA and Mastercard. With this payment method, you can easily shop at millions of stores or companies that accept USDT worldwide. Pretty neat, right?
Let's take a look at how to use USDT for transactions with the most trusted crypto debit cards out there.
Bybit Card
Aside from being one of the largest derivatives trading platforms by volume, Bybit is also known for its innovative products, including the crypto debit card. Although it is relatively new, the Bybit Card is accepted wherever Mastercard is recognized as a payment method.
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter. How to pay with USDT using the Bybit Card? Of course, you'll need to get the card first by following the steps below.
Step 1: Navigate to Bybit's website. In the menu, click on "Finance" and select "Card" from the dropdown.
Step 2: Choose the country that you live in. As of now, the Bybit Card is only accessible to citizens in EEA, Brazil (via Apple Pay), and Australia.
Step 3: You'll be directed to complete the Eligibility Check, which involves two verification layers. In the first phase, you'll need to submit your Proof of Identity. It can be a national ID, passport, or driver's license (exclusive for Swiss residents). There are chances where Bybit might ask you not only for one but two Proofs of Identity.
Step 4: Once you've succeeded in passing the first phase, onto the second one, verify your Proof of Address. Just make sure that this document is released within 3 months of your registration. If you submit proof that shows you're not from one of the supported countries, your evaluation will fail.
Step 5: Confirm your email address and make sure it's an active one.
Step 6: After all the details have been submitted, Bybit will require some time to complete the KYC process. The furthest is within 7 working days, or sometimes, it's as quick as a few minutes.
Step 7: Once the card is in your hands, you can use it for USDT transactions. But before doing so, you'll need to obtain your card details, which you can find on the "Card Dashboard" when you open your Bybit account. Do not forget to pre-fund your card with USDT or other cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH.
Step 8: Next, let's say you'd like to purchase goods online and choose to pay with your USDT balance. Insert your card details when checking out on an online site that supports Mastercard. Some merchants may then ask you to authenticate the transaction for security purposes.
The Bybit Card seamlessly converts your USDT into fiat, making it one of the most convenient options for crypto payments. However, transactions may sometimes show a pending status, which can take up to 7 days to process.
Coinbase Card
Looking to buy a cup of coffee with USDT? The Coinbase Card might be your friend. It’s one of the crypto debit cards that is available in a wide range of countries, including the UK, the US (excluding Hawaii), various parts of Europe, and over 25 other regions.
Before moving on to how to pay with USDT using the Coinbase Card, as always, you'll need to apply for the crypto debit card first. I'll show you how to do that through Coinbase's mobile app:
Step 1: Download the Coinbase app on the Google Play Store or App Store.
Step 2: Sign up and complete your identity verification. Mind that Coinbase will collect private information like your Social Security Number and Form W2 to adhere to existing financial laws.
Step 3: Once you have an account, in the navigation bar, select "Card".
Step 4: Simply follow the prompts to set up your card. These actions may include verifying your address, agreeing to legal disclosures, and selecting the cryptocurrency to earn rewards.
Step 5: Now that your card is ready for use, time to fund it with some crypto. Select "Add Funds" and decide how much crypto you'd like to buy and the payment method. You can link the following payment providers to fund your spending:
✓PayPal, ✓Cash App, ✓Venmo, Revolut, ✓Apple Pay, or ✓Google Pay.
Once you have the Coinbase Card, you can use it for online purchases, in person, or at your nearest crypto ATM. Aside from the virtual card, a physical version is available. Likewise, you can order the physical card on the mobile app, where you must set up your PIN. It might take 3 weeks after the application for the Coinbase Card to arrive at your doorstep.
KuCoin Card
If you're a Tether enthusiast from Europe, well, you should feel in luck. There's a wealth of crypto debit cards available as USDT payment methods, including the KuCard. Released by KuCoin, an exchange renowned for its wide range of crypto support, KuCard provides a way to spend crypto and earn cashback in return.
You may ask, who accepts Tether with KuCard? Anywhere VISA is accepted, you can pay with crypto using this debit card. That said, you'll need to sign up for one first.
Step 1: Visit KuCoin's website, and from the navigation bar, click "More". Select "KuCard".
Step 2: Once you're on the page, click "Apply Now" and fill out the required information. Agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy to continue.
Step 3: Choose whether to use a physical card, an online card, or both. You must pay €9.99 application fees if you choose the physical card.
Step 4: Personalize your card, and afterward, it will be activated for purchases.
With KuCard, you can designate a specific currency as your preferred payment method, including USDT, XRP, or KCS. Once you have figured everything out, congratulations—you can start spending your crypto at your favorite merchant.
How to Use USDT for Non-Crypto Transactions
Next up, how to pay with USDT for non-crypto transactions? Well, you've seen that several payment methods are available, namely debit cards and crypto wallets. Believe it or not, using USDT for daily transactions is becoming more common. Platforms like Travala, for instance, accept USDT directly for travel bookings.
For merchants that don’t natively accept USDT, you can easily convert it to fiat currency via crypto exchanges. Alternatively, you can purchase gift cards with USDT and redeem them at popular retailers, expanding your spending options.
Here are some other ways to pay with Tether for non-crypto transactions:
For Retail Purchases
To make traditional in-store payments, you can convert USDT into fiat currency on a centralized exchange and transfer the funds to your bank.
Another option is using crypto debit cards, as I've shown you above, or other alternatives like Nexo and SwissMoney. These cards, whether virtual, physical, or both, will automatically convert USDT into fiat at the point of sale. They simplify your buying process, allowing you to pay effortlessly even if the retailer doesn't directly accept cryptocurrency.
Alternatively, you can buy gift cards with USDT on platforms like LocalCoinSwap and redeem them at retailers such as Amazon or Walmart. This approach is useful for making purchases at stores that don’t accept USDT directly.
For merchants like Newegg, you can still use the currency indirectly via crypto debit cards or gift cards. Other platforms, such as the Epic Games Store and Time Magazine, also provide ways to pay with Tether-based funds.
These strategies make it easier to shop with USDT even when native acceptance is limited. As more companies begin supporting this stablecoin, using cryptocurrencies at checkout will become increasingly common.
Did you know?
Subscribe - We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!
What is Litecoin? LTC Easily Explained (ANIMATED)
For Dining Services
Imagine enjoying a meal at your favorite restaurant and paying with Tether instead of cash or a card. Although most restaurants don’t yet accept it directly, there are convenient ways to cover your dining expenses with crypto.
One evening, I visited a forward-thinking restaurant that used platforms like BitPay and NOWPayments, allowing me to pay directly with USDT by scanning a QR code. It was fast and easy—clear evidence that cryptocurrency is steadily integrating into everyday life.
At places that don’t accept Tether, a crypto debit card can be a game-changer. When I visited a local sushi spot that didn’t support digital currencies, I used my Bybit card, which automatically converted my USDT into fiat at checkout. It felt just like using a regular debit card, but it drew from my crypto balance instead.
Another great option is buying gift cards with USDT. Platforms such as LocalCoinSwap enable you to purchase digital vouchers for major chains or coffee shops. One morning, I bought a gift card with the stablecoin to enjoy breakfast at a popular café—a simple workaround when businesses don’t directly accept crypto.
These methods—crypto debit cards and gift cards—offer practical solutions for how to pay with Tether in your everyday activities. While more restaurants may eventually adopt USDT payment methods, the approaches above make it possible to spend your coins without much stress.
- Secure and reliable
- Low fees
- A good amount of fiat currencies accepted
- Reputable exchange
- Multiple fiat currencies are accepted
- Relatively low trading fees
- Fiat currencies - accepted
- Simple to use
- Accepts only the most trustworthy cryptocurrencies
- A leading cryptocurrency exchange platform
- Best for beginner investors
- Accepts fiat currencies
- Fully reserved and transparent
- Multiple tradable asset classes
- Early new token support
- 265 supports cryptocurrencies
- Secure & transparent
- Fully reserved
For International Transfers
If you're looking to send money overseas and want to save on time and fees, using Tether for international transfers can be a great option. Instead of relying on traditional bank transfers, USDT offers lower transaction costs and faster transfers. And if you're wondering how to use USDT for these types of transactions, the steps are straightforward and efficient.
First, you'll need to convert USDT into fiat currency on a platform like Binance or Uphold (if you're in the US). These services make it easy to exchange Tether for traditional currencies such as USD or EUR.
UPHOLD | BINANCE | |
Wide Range of Assets | Advanced Users & Beginners | |
United States, Argentina, United Kingdom, Mexico, France, +180 more | Turkey, Argentina, Vietnam, Ukraine, + 100 more | |
See All Coupons of Best Exchanges | All Binance Coupons | |
A reliable digital asset exchange with multiple additional features and tradable asset classes. | One of the leading crypto exchange platforms in the industry. | |
Visit site
Read review |
See TOP10 Brands
Read review |
---|
Table: Binance VS Uphold comparison
After converting your crypto and transferring the fiat into your bank account, you can use a trusted transfer service like Wise to send the money securely, avoiding high costs. Using services like Wise is simple. Just enter the recipient's bank details and the amount to be sent.
Who Else Accepts USDT as Payment?
It's more evident than ever now there are various ways to go about how to pay with USDT. That said, I've only scratched the surface, as there are more and more businesses that accept USDT.
To really crack the code on who accepts Tether, here's a comprehensive list:
- SurfShark: You may have heard the brand's name often endorsed by YouTube creators. Turned out SurfShark is one of the companies that accept USDT for its VPN subscriptions.
- Shopify: The e-commerce giant is one of the most forward-thinking companies in supporting USDT payment methods for its merchants. By doing so, Shopify sellers can enjoy a couple of benefits, including seamless local or international transactions, faster payment processing, and lower fees.
- Travala.com: Imagine being able to book over 2 million hotels in 230+ countries using USDT—that's exactly what you can do with Travala.com. Known as a pioneer in cryptocurrency payments, the travel booking platform adopted USDT as early as 2020.
- Alternatives Airlines: Thinking of flying somewhere and paying with USDT? Alternatives Airlines might just be, well, an "alternative". The flight booking service partners with 600+ carriers and has served over 65,000 customers, including those that prefer cryptocurrency transactions.
- Snel.com: With USDT, you can easily set up a website fully connected to a hosting server. Snel.com, an independent Dutch server hosting provider, accepts USDT as payment, offering options for web, VPS, or dedicated hosting services.
- Crypto Emporium: Similar to Amazon, Crypto Emporium is a marketplace where you can purchase a range of items, namely laptops, motorcycles, paintings, and even a Rolex with cryptocurrencies, including USDT.
These examples highlight just a fraction of the growing number of businesses embracing USDT, offering users seamless, secure, and versatile ways to transact in the ever-expanding crypto economy.
Benefits of Paying With USDT
Beyond understanding how to pay with USDT, it’s essential to recognize the advantages it offers. Thanks to its 1:1 stability with the US dollar, the stablecoin minimizes the price volatility often seen with other cryptocurrencies. This makes Tether an ideal choice for high-frequency transactions, benefiting both businesses and customers alike—a true win-win situation.
Stablecoins like USDT are viewed as a safe haven for cryptocurrency investors. When Bitcoin’s price falls, trading volume for Tether often rises, indicating its stability and security compared to more volatile coins.[2] Because Tether maintains a consistent value, companies accepting it don’t experience drastic fluctuations—a key factor for managing finances effectively.
Another significant advantage is the low transaction fees associated with Tether. Compared to traditional payment methods like credit or debit cards, fees for processing Tether transactions tend to be much lower. This allows businesses to reduce costs and increase profit margins.
For individuals, learning how to use USDT provides a seamless payment experience with reduced fees, especially for international purchases. The token’s structure supports fast, cost-effective transactions, helping customers save on expenses when shopping globally.
Meanwhile, businesses that adopt Tether gain access to a larger, worldwide customer base. Many companies accepting it—particularly in retail, e-commerce, and travel—benefit from blockchain security measures that reduce the risk of fraud and chargebacks. This level of protection makes Tether transactions both secure and trustworthy for buyers and sellers.
Customers also enjoy key benefits when paying with Tether. Because it offers more privacy than conventional payment methods, users don’t need to share sensitive personal information, adding an extra layer of security for every transaction.
Furthermore, Tether is widely accepted across various platforms. For places that don’t directly support it, you can convert your holdings into gift cards for popular retailers, making the stablecoin remarkably flexible for everyday spending.
In summary, companies that welcome Tether benefit from its stability, lower fees, and faster transactions, while individuals gain cost savings, ease of use, and enhanced privacy. Whether you’re booking travel or shopping online, knowing who accepts Tether—and how to use it effectively—ensures greater convenience and security in an ever-expanding digital economy.
Security Tips When Paying With USDT
Simply understanding how to pay with USDT isn’t enough if you’re serious about maximizing your crypto spending. After all, the Web3 world, while filled with wonders, is also full of deception. Furthermore, losses from crypto hacks continue to climb. Despite the efforts of the smart guys to catch the bad guys, it’s essential to learn how to protect yourself in this unpredictable jungle.
Tip 1: Never Share Your Private Information
Sure, this advice might sound pretty easy to follow, but it's actually easier said than done. Many users aren't actually aware of what constitutes "private information" aside from their debit card PIN, home address, and social security number.
Well, you should never give out your IP address and private keys, even if your grandmother asks to.
For one, revealing your IP address runs the risk of DDoS attacks, device impersonation, and identity theft.
As for private keys, they're the gateway to your crypto wallet. Once your private keys are compromised, it's only time before your digital assets follow suit. So, protect them with your dear life.
Tip 2: Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
I'd argue that this is another case of "easier said than done" because, let's face it, many people tend to skip setting up 2FA. Signing up for an account is already a time-consuming process, let alone activating your 2FA, which often involves third-party applications like Authy or Google Authenticator. But it's an effort well worth the time.
With 2FA, it will be nearly impossible for hackers to trespass on your account. Even if they have your password in custody, they can only log into your account if they're able to configure the 2FA, which is only possible if they actually steal your device.
Some exchanges and wallets offer advanced security features, such as biometric authentication. If available, make sure to activate as many security measures as possible to protect your account.
Tip 3: Back Up Your Wallet
You've done your best to protect your account, but another unfortunate scenario threatens the integrity of your wallet. Sometimes, the factors are out of your control, like a hardware failure or a crypto exchange getting breached.
This is where backing up your wallet acts as a failsafe. In case an unforeseeable circumstance hits you, as long as you have a "spare" of your private keys, you're pretty much safe.
Use the copy of your private keys to restore your wallet and its precious holdings to their full glory. Just make sure to store your backup in a safe place, such as a cloud server or, better yet, an external hard drive.
Conclusions
As evident here, there are different ways to go around how to pay with USDT. For those who seek higher security defenses when doing crypto transactions, cold wallets like Ledger Flex can do the tough job. Platforms like Bybit and Coinbase now also offer crypto debit cards, making it easier to use USDT as a payment method globally.
Beyond crypto transactions, USDT’s flexibility extends to everyday purchases. Whether you’re booking hotels with Travala or dining out, USDT simplifies transactions in real-world scenarios.
Even businesses that don’t directly accept USDT provide gift cards as a workaround. With these options, USDT opens up a world of financial possibilities, blending the digital and real-life economy seamlessly.
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. Haryadi G. A., Rahaman F. M., Subhan R., Lee J. M., Kim D.: 'Comparative Study of Cryptocurrency Wallet Security: A Hybrid, Hot, and Cold Wallet Approach';
2. Hsu W. S., Au C. H.: 'Revealing stablecoin successes: Lessons from a case study on USDT'.