How to pay with Bitcoin: A guide to paying with Bitcoin and crypto
Want to use Bitcoin and crypto to pay for goods and services? Read our guide to learn how to pay with Bitcoin in crypto payments.
By Corey Barchat
Want to use Bitcoin and crypto to pay for goods and services? Read our guide to learn how to pay with Bitcoin in crypto payments.
When Bitcoin first launched in 2009, you'd have been hard pressed to find a merchant that was willing to accept cryptocurrency as a payment method. Besides the odd pizzeria accepting Bitcoin, you could only send crypto from one wallet to another.
As digital currency has grown in adoption since then, so too has the number of merchants and businesses willing to accept Bitcoin and other crypto in exchange for goods and services.
According to Deloitte, there are over 2,350 businesses in the US that accept cryptocurrency for transactions (and this figure doesn't even include Bitcoin ATMs), with this number expected to keep growing in the future.
Whether you want to pay for a new car with Bitcoin, or use stablecoins to purchase a T-Shirt, or charge your customers in Ethereum, there's never been an easier time to start paying with Bitcoin and other crypto.
But how can you use cryptocurrency to pay for goods and services, and why is it beneficial to other payment methods?
This guide explores how to pay with Bitcoin, and the advantages it has over traditional payments.
Benefits of paying with Bitcoin and crypto for payments
Before deciding whether paying via Bitcoin is right for you, it's important to understand the advantages of this payment method type when making transactions.
1. Security
Crypto payments are verified by the blockchain, a public ledger that records all transactions with 100% transparency. Bitcoin transactions are also pseudonymous, meaning they are linked to your crypto wallet address instead of your identity. This offers an additional level of privacy and security that traditional payment methods lack.
2. Lower transaction fees
Paying with crypto will also allow you to save on transaction fees associated with traditional payment methods. Credit card processing fees can be much higher than those from crypto transactions, making digital currency and Bitcoin payments attractive for online transactions.
3. Fast and global
Bitcoin transactions are processed quickly, and they can be made across borders without the need for currency conversion or intermediaries (such as a money transfer service provider).
4. Simple and accessible
Bitcoin is available to anyone with an internet connection, opening up opportunities for those without access to traditional banking services. All it takes is setting up a crypto wallet to start paying with cryptocurrency.
5. Decentralization
Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network, meaning no single entity or government has control over it. This makes it more insulated against political and economic fluctuations, and providing an incentive for merchants to accept crypto in addition to fiat money.
How to acquire Bitcoin
To pay with Bitcoin, you need to first acquire some. Here are the steps to get started:
Choose a wallet: Before acquiring Bitcoin, you'll need a digital wallet to store your coins. There are various types of crypto wallets, such as custodial and non-custodial, mobile, hardware, paper, and more. Each has its own set of advantages and security features, depending on users' specific needs.
Don't have a Bitcoin wallet? Read our handy guide to get started.
Exchange: The most common way to acquire Bitcoin is through a reputable cryptocurrency exchange, such as Binance. Sign up for an account, complete the necessary KYC (Know Your Customer) verifications, and link your payment method (such as a credit card or bank account).
Purchase Bitcoin: Once your exchange account is set up, you can buy Bitcoin using your chosen payment method in your own fiat currency.
Transfer to your wallet: If you prefer, you can store Bitcoin directly on the exchange you used to purchase it, though it's strongly advisable to transfer your newly acquired Bitcoin to a non-custodial wallet for added security. Centralized exchanges are a convenient way to purchase crypto, though they maintain custody of users' deposits. Only through a non-custodial wallet can you have full control over your funds.
MoonPay makes it even easier to buy Bitcoin using a credit card and send the funds directly to any non-custodial wallet address. You don't need to go through extraneous steps on multiple platforms or wait around for days while your funds settle on an exchange. Just instant crypto purchases.
Still not sure how to buy cryptocurrency? Read our guide: How to buy Bitcoin
How to pay with Bitcoin
Now that you acquired Bitcoin and have it safely stored in your wallet, let's explore the various methods available for making payments in crypto.
1. Pay a merchant who accepts crypto payments
Many businesses and online retailers now accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency as a form of payment. To pay a merchant that accepts crypto, follow these steps:
Checkout: When making a purchase on the merchant's website, select Bitcoin (or another cryptocurrency such as Ethereum) as your payment option during the checkout process.
Generate payment address: The merchant will provide you with a unique Bitcoin wallet address or a QR code. This address is where you'll send your Bitcoin payment.
Send payment: In your wallet, select the option to send Bitcoin and enter the provided wallet address and payment amount. Be sure to double-check the wallet details for accuracy, as funds sent to the wrong address will not be able to be recovered.
Confirm transaction: After confirming the transaction, the Bitcoin network will process it. Depending on network traffic and activity, this can take anywhere from a few minutes up to an hour.
Payment confirmation: Once the transaction is confirmed, the merchant will acknowledge your payment, and your order will be processed.
2. Make a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment from your wallet to another wallet
If you want to pay someone directly using Bitcoin, such as a friend or family member, you can make a peer-to-peer payment directly to their crypto wallet. Here's how:
Get the recipient's address: Ask the person you're paying for their Bitcoin wallet address. This is usually a long string of letters and numbers that can be copied or sent via QR code.
Initiate the payment: In your wallet app, select the "Send" option and enter the recipient's Bitcoin address and the amount you want to send to them.
Review and confirm: Double-check the transaction details to make sure you are sending to the correct address. Confirm the payment to transfer Bitcoin.
Transaction processing: The Bitcoin network will process the transaction, and it will be confirmed once verified on the blockchain.
3. Make a crypto payment using MoonPay
MoonPay is a crypto on-ramp service that facilitates cryptocurrency payments and purchases via convenient payment methods. Here's how to pay in crypto using MoonPay:
Choose your preferred platform: Visit a wallet, website or other app that offers MoonPay as a payment option. MoonPay has hundreds of partners worldwide that offer crypto checkouts using a credit card or bank transfer.
Select your cryptocurrency: Choose from over 100 supported cryptocurrencies that you want to pay with, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, USDC, XRP, and more.
Enter Payment Details: Enter the payment details, using your preferred payment method. MoonPay supports credit/debit cards, bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and localized options like UK Faster Payments, YellowCard (Nigeria), and PIX (Brazil).
Review and confirm: Double-check the wallet address and payment details and confirm the transaction. MoonPay will process the order and send the cryptocurrency to the recipient's wallet in minutes.
How to pay with crypto other than Bitcoin
While Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency and has the highest market cap among all coins, there are numerous alternatives—often referred to as altcoins—that you can use for payments. Some popular options include Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), USDC, Litecoin (LTC), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH).
Although vendors are most likely to accept Bitcoin than altcoins, they may have strict requirements that only accept non-Bitcoin tokens. This can be due to personal preferences, such as a desire to accept less volatile crypto assets such as Tether or USDC stablecoins.
To make a payment with a cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin, simply follow the steps outlined above, making sure to select a compatible wallet for your chosen crypto token.
Buy gift cards with Bitcoin and crypto to use anywhere
If you prefer to use Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for everyday purchases, you can always buy gift cards that are accepted practically everywhere by retailers and online platforms.
There are several websites and apps that allow you to purchase gift cards with Bitcoin. This can be a useful alternative to paying with crypto directly, since you are more likely to find gift card merchants that accept cryptocurrency payments.
To buy a gift card using Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency using MoonPay, follow the same steps listed above, using the gift card vendor's Bitcoin address as the recipient wallet.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about paying with Bitcoin and crypto
Which cryptocurrencies can I use to make online purchases?
While Bitcoin is the most widely accepted token, the number of cryptocurrencies accepted for purchases is growing. Before making an online purchase with crypto, you should check with the merchant to see which cryptocurrencies they support. Some popular alternatives include Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Tether (USDT), USDC, and Bitcoin Cash (BCH).
Where can I pay with cryptocurrency?
You can pay with cryptocurrency at various online and offline establishments, including:
Online retailers
Travel booking platforms
Charities
Restaurants
Coffee shops
E-commerce stores
Gift card providers
The acceptance of cryptocurrency is continually expanding, so it's always a good idea to check with the specific vendor.
Who accepts Bitcoin as a payment option?
Specifically, there are many brands and companies that accept Bitcoin and cryptocurrency to receive payments. Here are a few:
Can I donate using Bitcoin?
There is a growing number of charitable organizations and non-profits that accept crypto for donations. Here are some to consider:
What can I buy with cryptocurrency?
You can purchase a wide range of products and services with cryptocurrency, including:
Electronics
Clothing
Food
Gift cards
Airline tickets
Hotels
Digital goods
Entertainment services
Can I pay friends and family using crypto?
Yes, you can send cryptocurrency like Bitcoin to friends and family, just like you would with traditional money transfer or banking apps. So long as you have the recipient's cryptocurrency address, you can easily send them the desired amount in crypto.
What are the fees when paying in crypto?
Transaction fees when using cryptocurrency will depend on conditions like network activity and congestion for the specific cryptocurrency you're using. Ethereum, for example, can have drastically different gas fees based on network traffic at the time of your transaction.
Be sure to consider and check the current fees when making payments via cryptocurrency. Additionally, some platforms may charge a fee for using their services to make crypto payments.
How can I pay with cryptocurrency if I only have Bitcoin?
If you possess Bitcoin and want to pay with crypto using another token, you can exchange BTC for your desired cryptocurrency.
MoonPay makes it easy to swap crypto such as BTC and ETH, with instant conversions for more than 2000+ trading pairs.
Can you pay taxes in Bitcoin?
If you'd like to pay taxes in Bitcoin, you should research your local city, state, or country tax laws to see if this is possible.
Although Bitcoin and cryptocurrency have seen increased mass adoption over the last decade or so, that doesn't mean that digital assets can be used to pay for everything.
There are some cities, states, and countries that have flirted with the idea of allowing residents to pay taxes and fees in Bitcoin and crypto, though until now it is largely been kept to taxes for businesses, as well as individuals that wish to be paid in Bitcoin.
Conclusion: Is it worth it paying in Bitcoin and crypto?
As cryptocurrencies continue to gain acceptance and become more accessible, it's becoming increasingly practical to pay with Bitcoin and other digital assets. Advantages over traditional payments in the areas of security, speed, lower fees, and accessibility make crypto an attractive payments option for both consumers and merchants alike.
However, if you choose to pay with crypto, you should to stay informed about the cryptocurrency market and its latest developments, as well as potential regulatory changes in the web3 space.
If you're considering using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for payments, start by opening a secure wallet, understanding how to make transactions (both sending and receiving), and being aware of the fees associated with transacting in your chosen cryptocurrency.
The freedom to spend digital assets on everyday purchases and send money across borders with ease are but a few of many compelling reasons to explore this exciting new financial world for yourself.
Start your crypto journey with MoonPay
Now that you know how to pay with Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, it's time to experience it for yourself.
With MoonPay, it's easy to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 100+ other cryptocurrencies using a credit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and many other payment methods.
Just enter the amount of crypto you wish to purchase and follow the steps to complete your order.
MoonPay also makes it easy to sell crypto when you decide it's time to cash out your holdings. Simply enter the amount of cryptocurrency you'd like to sell and enter the details where you want to receive your funds.
