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 an
By Corey Barchat
Published on Dec 20, 2023
Last modified on Oct 17, 2025
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 differences it has with traditional payments.
Before deciding whether paying via Bitcoin is right for you, it's important to understand this payment method type.
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.
Paying with crypto will also allow you to save on transaction fees associated with traditional payment methods, such as credit card processing fees. Digital currency and Bitcoin payments may be subject to separate fees.
Bitcoin transactions can be made across borders without the need for currency conversion or intermediaries.
Bitcoin is available to anyone with an internet connection, opening up opportunities for those without access to traditional banking services.
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, which may be an incentive for merchants to accept crypto in addition to fiat money.
To pay with Bitcoin, you need to first acquire some.
But before acquiring Bitcoin, you'll need a digital wallet to store your digital currency. There are various types of crypto wallets, such as custodial and non-custodial, 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 wallet guide to get started.
MoonPay makes it easy to buy Bitcoin using a credit card or debit card, allowing you to send your digital currency 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 a cryptocurrency exchange. Just instant crypto purchases.
Now that you’ve acquired Bitcoin and have it safely stored in your wallet, let's explore some methods available for making payments in crypto.
Some 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:
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:
While Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency and has the highest market cap among all digital currencies, there are numerous alternatives—often referred to as altcoins—that you can use for payments. Some popular options include Ethereum (ETH), USDC (USDC), Litecoin (LTC), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH).
Although merchants may be more likely to accept Bitcoin than altcoins, some may only accept non-Bitcoin tokens. For example, some merchants may prefer stablecoins such as USDC.
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.
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.
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), USDC (USDC), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH).
You can pay with cryptocurrency at various online and offline establishments, including:
The acceptance of cryptocurrency is continually expanding, so it's always a good idea to check with the specific merchant.
MoonPay Balance is an easier way to pay for Bitcoin using fiat currency. To begin, top up your wallet in euros, pounds, or dollars and use your MoonPay Balance for buying cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC). Once funded, use your balance for faster, cheaper transactions and higher approval rates. When you're ready to withdraw, enjoy zero-fee transfers straight to your bank account.
Specifically, there are many brands and companies that accept Bitcoin and cryptocurrency to receive payments. Here are a few:
List of applicable companies subject to change.
There are many charitable organizations and non-profits that accept crypto for donations. Here are some to consider:
List of applicable organizations subject to change.
You can purchase a wide range of products and services with cryptocurrency, including:
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.
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.
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 many trading pairs available.
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 has largely been kept to taxes for businesses, as well as individuals that wish to be paid in Bitcoin.
As cryptocurrencies continue to gain acceptance and become more accessible, it's becoming increasingly practical to pay with Bitcoin and other digital assets, making 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.
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 like Bitcoin for select digital currency 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.
