Key Takeaways
- You can spend Bitcoin on online shopping, travel, and everyday services;
- Additionally, you can use crypto exchanges like Binance and Bybit to trade or earn with your Bitcoin;
- Crypto debit cards and Bitcoin ATMs make spending or converting Bitcoin into cash easy.
Cryptocurrencies have become more widely used. For instance, you might know Bitcoin as an investment tool, but did you know that you can use it for everyday purchases, too? From shopping online to paying for services, Bitcoin is becoming more practical. This might lead you to the question, how to spend Bitcoin?
Thankfully, platforms like Bybit and Binance have made it easier than ever to manage Bitcoin, whether you're trading or even converting your crypto to cash. However, many people still assume that spending on Bitcoin or other crypto assets requires technical complexities.
Don’t worry, I’ve been there, too, and I can tell firsthand that spending Bitcoin is much simpler than you’d expect. Whether you're looking to buy something online, book a flight, or even grab a meal, I'll walk you through all the ways you can spend Bitcoin (and other crypto) in real-world scenarios.
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Table of Contents
- 1. How to Spend Bitcoin in Everyday Transactions
- 1.1. Retail Purchases
- 1.2. Online Services and Subscriptions
- 1.3. Gift Cards
- 1.4. Travel and Accommodation
- 1.5. Food and Dining
- 1.6. Entertainment and Gaming
- 1.7. Local Businesses
- 2. How to Spend Bitcoin With Crypto Debit Cards
- 2.1. Bybit Card
- 2.2. Coinbase Card
- 2.3. KuCard
- 3. How to Spend Bitcoin With Bitcoin ATMs
- 4. Security Measures When Spending Bitcoin
- 5. Conclusion
How to Spend Bitcoin in Everyday Transactions
Cryptocurrencies are becoming more widely accepted, and knowing how to spend Bitcoin in everyday scenarios is important. So, where can you spend cryptocurrency for regular purchases? Let's break it down.
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Retail Purchases
If you’re wondering, “How do I spend Bitcoin for shopping?” the good news is that many retailers now accept Bitcoin.
Let’s start with Overstock, a popular online retailer that allows you to buy everything from furniture to electronics using Bitcoin. To make a purchase, browse products, add items to your cart, select Bitcoin as your payment method at checkout, and send the required amount to the provided Bitcoin address using your wallet.
Next up, Newegg, known for electronics, also accepts Bitcoin for purchases. The process is straightforward: select your items, choose Bitcoin at checkout, and complete the payment by sending the crypto to Newegg’s wallet.
So, if you’ve been wondering, “Where can you spend cryptocurrency?”, the aforementioned online retailers offer seamless shopping experiences that integrate cryptocurrency into your daily life.
Online Services and Subscriptions
Curious how to spend Bitcoin on online services? From subscribing to VPNs to web hosting, Bitcoin is known to be a popular payment method.
For starters, services like NordVPN allow you to use Bitcoin to pay for privacy-focused products, while several web hosting companies (like Namecheap) also accept cryptocurrency for their services.
As for subscription services, platforms like BoomFi and NOWPayments make it possible to set up recurring Bitcoin payments. Whether you’re paying for a streaming platform or a monthly service, these solutions simplify how you spend Bitcoin regularly. It’s a convenient way to integrate cryptocurrency into your day-to-day expenses.
The bottom line, if you’re looking for how to spend cryptocurrency for online services, the options are abundant.
Gift Cards
If a store doesn’t directly accept Bitcoin, don’t worry—you can still spend Bitcoin by purchasing gift cards. Platforms like Bitrefill and eGifter make it easy to buy gift cards with cryptocurrency.
Bitrefill offers gift cards for popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and more. To purchase a gift card, visit Bitrefill’s website, select the gift card you want, and pay with Bitcoin by following the provided instructions.
eGifter operates similarly, allowing you to buy gift cards from a wide range of retailers. Simply choose your retailer, select the amount, and complete the payment using Bitcoin.
As visible here, gift cards provide flexibility in terms of how to spend Bitcoin at stores that don’t directly accept it. This method ensures you can still enjoy the convenience of Bitcoin transactions, regardless of the store.
Whether you choose to make direct purchases at online retailers or use platforms like Bitrefill and eGifter for gift cards, understanding how to spend Bitcoin gives you the power to use your cryptocurrency in various ways. From shopping for electronics to purchasing everyday essentials, the options for how you spend Bitcoin are rapidly expanding.
Travel and Accommodation
If you’re a traveler, you might be wondering if it is even possible to spend Bitcoin for booking trip accommodations. Well, yes, it is possible. Truthfully, it is one of the most exciting ways to spend your cryptocurrency.
Platforms like Travala allow you to book flights, hotels, and car rentals with Bitcoin, offering 2 million accommodation options worldwide. The platform even partners with Expedia to let users book hotels with Bitcoin, although flight bookings are not yet supported.
In addition, Cheapair, a leader in crypto adoption, allows users to book flights, hotels, and car rentals using Bitcoin, simplifying the process for travelers. To book travel with Bitcoin, search for your flights or hotels and proceed to checkout. Choose Bitcoin as your payment method, and the platform will provide you with a Bitcoin address or QR code for the payment.
Afterward, use your cryptocurrency wallet (like Ledger Flex for extra security) to send the required amount of Bitcoin to the provided address. After confirming the transaction, you’ll receive confirmation of your booking via email once the payment is processed.
Finally, Destinia and Bitcoin.Travel also provide services for booking flights and hotels with Bitcoin. In a nutshell, the options for how to spend Bitcoin for your travels are overflowing. After all, the convenience of crypto transactions is among many reasons why more and more platforms have begun adopting Bitcoin payments.
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Food and Dining
What else can you buy with Bitcoin, aside from the ones I've touched on? As a child, you might have imagined a futuristic world where you’d pay for a meal not with traditional coins but with a digital version of them. Well, that forward-thinking vision has become a reality today.
Dining out or ordering food with Bitcoin is becoming increasingly simple, thanks to several restaurants and food delivery services now accepting cryptocurrency. PizzaForCoins and Menufy, for instance, offer easy ways for you to spend your Bitcoin on meals.
PizzaForCoins was one of the first services allowing users to order pizza with Bitcoin, setting the stage for wider adoption of cryptocurrency in the food industry. Menufy, on the other hand, allows you to order from thousands of restaurants and pay using Bitcoin, integrating crypto payments directly into the user experience.
Takeaway.com in Europe also lets users pay for food delivery using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Even if services like Uber Eats and DoorDash don’t accept Bitcoin directly, you can still use your Bitcoin by purchasing gift cards for these platforms through BitPay.
Slake, a newer food delivery app, has also embraced cryptocurrency by accepting Bitcoin alongside traditional payment methods. This makes it easy for users to pay for their meals using crypto while enjoying a modern, tech-friendly experience.
If you’re curious about how to spend your Bitcoin for dining experiences, the services mentioned here open the door to a whole new way of enjoying meals—from casual outings to gourmet dining—all while using cryptocurrency.
Entertainment and Gaming
If you’re a gamer, you'd probably wonder how to spend Bitcoin on entertainment. Thankfully, several platforms now allow users to buy video games and in-game items using cryptocurrency. For example, Humble Bundle lets users buy games and support charities with Bitcoin.
Though platforms like Steam don’t accept Bitcoin directly, you can buy gift cards with Bitcoin through services like BitPay.
If you’re still wondering where you can spend cryptocurrency on gaming, alternatives like GOG Galaxy and the Epic Games store sometimes offer promotions supporting crypto payments through third-party services.
Blockade Games also integrates blockchain technology, allowing players to buy NFTs for in-game items using cryptocurrencies.
Additionally, for streaming services, Bitrefill offers gift cards for Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, making it easy to spend cryptocurrency on entertainment.
Local Businesses
Looking to spend Bitcoin on local stores but don't know how to find one in your proximity? Use online resources like btcmap.org. This site shows a map of nearby businesses where you can spend cryptocurrency.
You can also check Coin ATM Radar, which not only lists ATMs but also local businesses accepting Bitcoin. This makes it easier for those asking, "Where can you spend cryptocurrency?" to find locations that embrace digital payments.
By supporting local businesses that accept cryptocurrency, you’ll help promote innovation in your community. Furthermore, spending Bitcoin locally encourages more businesses to adopt cryptocurrencies in everyday transactions.
Supporting these businesses also encourages financial independence by using alternative payment methods. This is especially beneficial as customers continue seeking more diverse options for how to spend Bitcoins.
On top of that, spending Bitcoin at local shops fosters economic growth within your community. When you shop locally, the money stays in the community, supporting jobs and services.
How to Spend Bitcoin With Crypto Debit Cards
When talking about how to spend Bitcoin, do you know you can do so with debit cards? Well, crypto debit cards, to be specific, especially those released by trusted entities like Bybit, Coinbase, and KuCoin.
These CEXs aren't just platforms where you can trade Bitcoin for other cryptocurrencies or even derivatives like futures and perpetual swaps.
They also offer innovative services that empower you to integrate crypto into your life even more. The real catch is that you can get cashback whenever you spend Bitcoin on any purchases.
So, let’s find out how you can pay with Bitcoin using crypto debit cards.
Bybit Card
Although it's relatively new, Bybit offers one of the best crypto cards out there. Partnering with a global and leading payment provider, the Bybit Card comes in virtual or physical forms and is practically acceptable by merchants that support Mastercard (there are 90+ million of them worldwide, to be exact).
But the Bybit Card offers even more rewards when you spend your Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. For starters, you can earn up to 8% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) by simply letting your crypto sit idle through the Auto-Savings feature. Plus, many of the card's services are free, from issuance to shipping it directly to your home address.
Moreover, the Bybit Card offers generous cashback opportunities, ranging from 2% to 10%, when you spend crypto for everyday expenses. Let's see how you can sign up for this card, starting from the virtual version:
Step 1: Go to Bybit's website and navigate to "Finance" > "Card". The menu is available in the navigation bar.
Step 2: Select your country of residence. As a reminder, the Bybit Card is only available in the following countries and regions:
Brazil, European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Australia.
That said, the Bybit Card will continuously expand its reach in the future. Even if your country is not supported now, you can register your interest and Bybit will notify you once its card is coming to your country.
Step 3: Complete the first layer of the Eligibility Check, where you'll need to pass the Identity Verification. Here, you'll need to submit a Proof of Identity, which can be a national ID, passport, or driving license (for EEA and Swiss residents only). Sometimes, Bybit may ask you to submit 2 types of Proof of Identity.
Step 4: Once you've passed the first layer, proceed to the second phase, where you'll need to verify your address. Make sure that your Proof of Address is issued within:
- The last three months;
- Any of the supported countries.
There are cases where you only need to enter your Proof of Address without verification.
Step 5: Link your Card to an active email address. Bybit will prompt you to set up a 2FA for protection as well.
Step 6: Once you've filled in all the details, please wait, as the virtual Bybit Card requires further reviews before being released, which may only take a few minutes. In rarer cases, though, the evaluation process may require a full working week. Check your email regularly to see any notifications regarding your Bybit crypto card.
And that's how you apply for Bybit's virtual card! If you prefer a physical card more, obtaining it is easy as you'll only need to click on the Bybit Card Application banner in the same "Card" menu. Afterward, you'll only need to confirm your application information, including your name and address, set up a PIN, and edit your shipping address.
If you already have a Bybit Card, whether in the physical or virtual form, congratulations! Now, you can spend Bitcoin freely, or any supported crypto for that matter, such as XRP, ETH, and BNB. Looking to pay for your Netflix, Spotify, Prime Video, or ChatGPT subscriptions with crypto? Bybit Card has you covered.
Coinbase Card
If you're interested in a way to spend Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies and earn potential rewards along the way, then the Coinbase Card might just be what you're looking for. Different from most crypto cards that are powered by Mastercard, Coinbase works with VISA, another frontrunner in the payment gateway space.
Of course, the real deal lies in: "Where can I spend cryptocurrencies with this card?", especially when you're looking for the best option. The good news is, anywhere VISA is accepted, you can spend Bitcoins with the Coinbase Card, which will automatically convert your crypto holdings into US dollars.
What's best is there are no spending nor annual fees. So, you can kickback and relax as you spend and dine like a king.
Here's how you can spend Bitcoin with Coinbase Card, but as a primer, you'll need to sign up first:
Step 1: On either Coinbase's website or app, sign up for an account or sign in if you have one. For this tutorial, allow me to focus on the desktop version.
Step 2: Before proceeding with how you can spend Bitcoin with the Coinbase Card, make sure that location-wise, you're actually eligible. As of now, the Coinbase Card is only available in 30+ countries across the US, UK, and Europe, except for those residing in Hawaii and restricted regions.
Step 3: As always, complete the identity verification. Coinbase may need to collect the following requirements:
- A valid home address
- Social Security Number
- Form W2
- Other identifying documents to comply with financial regulations
Step 4: Afterward, agree to legal disclosures and select a currency you prefer to earn the rewards. When it comes to cryptocurrencies, the Coinbase Card works with DAI, ALGO, DOGE, and XLM, aside from BTC.
Alright, now you can spend your Bitcoins with your registered virtual Coinbase Card! If you'd like to apply for the physical version, just verify your information and set up your PIN. Once done, your physical card will be well on your way within 2-3 weeks, which you can use in person or at a nearby ATM.
- Secure and reliable
- Low fees
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- 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
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- Fully reserved
KuCard
Another way to spend your Bitcoin is with KuCard, a VISA-powered crypto debit card from the CEX KuCoin.
KuCard is backed by a technology that instantly converts crypto to fiat. It can be used to make purchases at millions of stores worldwide that accept VISA payments without much delay.
Spending Bitcoin or other crypto with KuCard offers many exclusive rewards and benefits, including cashback, discounts, and more.
Now, how do I spend my cryptocurrency with KuCard? Follow these instructions:
Step 1: Go to KuCoin's homepage and hover to the "More" tab. Select "KuCard". Once you're on the page, click "Apply Now".
Step 2: Fill in the required data, such as your full name, nationality, email, phone, and date of birth. Mind that, as of now, KuCard is only available in EEA, but it plans to extend its coverage in the near future.
Step 3: Double-check if the cardholder's name is in line with your KYC details. Once you're sure, tick the "Terms of Use and Privacy Policy" box and click "Next".
Step 4: Now, you can select to either apply for a virtual or a physical card or both. Mind that if you choose the latter, you will be charged an application fee of €9.99.
Step 5: Personalize your card, such as the name you'd like to be imprinted on the card.
Step 6: If you choose to go with the physical card, input the correct delivery address. Then, configure your preferred delivery method, either Standard or Express:
- With Standard Delivery, the physical card will take 1-6 weeks to arrive, and you won't be able to track it. Though, it's a free service.
- With Express Delivery, you'll need to pay €30, but the card will arrive at your doorstep in 5 days. Plus, the service is provided by either DHL or DPD Express.
Step 7: To activate online payments, set up a 3DS password for security purposes.
Once you have KuCard in your hands, you can spend your Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies (KuCard supports USDT, USDC, and XRP) for everyday purchases, specifically VISA-powered ones.
How to Spend Bitcoin With Bitcoin ATMs
So far, I've covered how to spend Bitcoin on online platforms and offline retailers. That said, several in-person options like Bitcoin ATMs and crypto debit cards offer flexibility and accessibility.
Before going onto how to spend Bitcoin in real-world scenarios, it's important to convert your digital assets into actual cash, store them in your pocket, and go about your shopping activities. One innovation specifically stands out in accommodating automatic conversions, or what is also known as a Bitcoin ATM or BTM.
What are BTMs? They allow you to convert Bitcoin into cash or pay directly using the currency. These machines are available worldwide, offering a convenient way to access your cryptocurrency in real-world scenarios.
To find a Bitcoin ATM, you can use tools like Coin ATM Radar or Coin Flip Locator. These tools help you locate the nearest ATM based on your current location.
Before using a Bitcoin ATM, be prepared for basic identity verification, which may include providing your phone number or scanning your ID. Also, ensure your wallet has enough funds if you plan to withdraw cash.
Here is how to use a Bitcoin ATM:
Step 1: Locate a nearby Bitcoin ATM using Coin ATM Radar.
Step 2: At the ATM, select whether you want to buy or sell Bitcoin.
Step 3: Scan the QR code from your wallet to send or receive Bitcoin.
Step 4: Confirm the transaction, and if you're selling Bitcoin, collect the cash once the transaction is processed.
Taking things into consideration, Bitcoin ATMs provide a practical solution, especially for users looking for how to spend cryptocurrency in physical settings. It can also serve as an efficient solution if you're looking to grab some quick cash.
Security Measures When Spending Bitcoin
When navigating how to spend Bitcoin, security is a top priority. Given that cryptocurrencies are digital assets, safeguarding them from unauthorized access is crucial.
One of the most secure methods, especially for those worried about “Can you spend Bitcoin safely?” is using a hardware wallet. Some noteworthy examples are Ledger Flex and Stax. Since these devices store your private keys offline, they highly reduce the risk of hacking.
Moreover, hardware wallets require a PIN for access. Both Flex and Stax are the first wallets in the world that are able to display transaction details on the device's screen in human-readable form, streamlining verification.
Another method for ensuring security when going through the steps on how to spend cryptocurrency is through multi-signature wallets. These wallets require multiple parties to approve a transaction before it can proceed, which prevents single-point failures.
This collaborative setup enhances the security of your Bitcoin assets. No single individual can authorize a transaction independently, as it requires multiple signatures.
Finally, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is another layer of security for those concerned about how to spend Bitcoin safely. 2FA ensures that even if someone gains access to your account credentials, they won’t be able to perform transactions without the secondary authentication code.
Many platforms support 2FA to keep your accounts secure. This added step helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures your assets remain protected.
In addition to using hardware wallets, multi-signature wallets, and 2FA, there are other security practices to consider when learning how to spend Bitcoin. Always conduct transactions over a secure internet connection to minimize the risk of interception.
Additionally, be cautious of phishing attacks, which attempt to steal your login credentials by mimicking legitimate websites. Back up your private keys and seed phrases securely in case you need to recover your wallet, and stay informed about the latest security updates.
Conclusion
When it comes to how to spend Bitcoin, there are so many options available today. From buying everyday items at online retailers, booking flights, and even supporting local businesses, the possibilities are growing. Platforms like Binance, Kraken, and Bybit offer even more flexibility, allowing you to convert, trade, or earn with your Bitcoin.
As the adoption of cryptocurrencies rises globally, Bitcoin is becoming easier to spend in the real world. However, it's important to keep an eye on transaction fees and always prioritize security.
Furthermore, more and more businesses are actively jumping into the bandwagon of adopting cryptocurrency payments, giving you the chance to explore all these exciting options. So, when you’re asking how you can spend Bitcoin in the fastest way, now is the time to get involved and make the most of your crypto holdings.
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. Jiahua X., Feng, Y.: 'Reap the Harvest on Blockchain: A Survey of Yield Farming Protocols';
2. Cong L. W., He Z., Tang K.: ‘The Tokenomics of Staking’; Columbia Business School: ‘Staking Tokenomics Research’.