Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are finally reaching the mainstream — here's how to accept them

For years, you might have seen luxury brands like Gucci and telecommunications companies like AT&T accepting Bitcoin. But today, crypto payments are much more than an easy bit of PR — they're seamlessly integrating into e-commerce

Key takeaways:

* As of 2025, over 659 million people worldwide are using cryptocurrency, and about 15,000 businesses globally accept Bitcoin, including around 2,300 in the United States.

* Many small businesses are finding that accepting BTC and other cryptocurrencies is a win-win, with the benefits often outweighing any challenges.

* Some businesses are drawn to the potential of holding crypto as an asset, while others prefer to have the cryptocurrency instantly converted to fiat currency to avoid volatility.

* Smaller businesses are now following the lead of major corporations like Tesla and MicroStrategy, who have already included Bitcoin in their asset holdings.

* Startup businesses can benefit particularly from accepting crypto payments as it’s an easy way to carve out a niche for the brand, reaching far more customers than would be possible by offering only fiat payments. This strategy might well mean the difference between failure and success in a competitive startup environment.

And it’s not just a rehash of old news. For years, you might have seen luxury brands like Gucci and telecommunications companies like AT&T accepting Bitcoin. But today, crypto payments are much more than an easy bit of PR — they’re seamlessly integrating into e-commerce, hospitality, travel and even your neighborhood coffee shop.

What started as a niche trend in the early 2010s has accelerated over the years.

As of 2025, over 659 million people worldwide — roughly 1 in 13 individuals — are using cryptocurrency. Moreover, approximately 15,000 businesses globally accept Bitcoin (BTC), including around 2,300 in the United States.

While there are considerations to keep in mind, many view accepting BTC and other cryptocurrencies, even as a small business, as a win-win. The benefits often outweigh any challenges, with minimal downsides and significant potential rewards.

The following sections explore the whos, the whys and the hows.

What companies are currently accepting cryptocurrencies?

As briefly touched upon, it’s not only niche crypto-specific sectors that are accepting Bitcoin payments. Here are some sectors that you might not have considered, with accompanying case studies:

* E-commerce: Major e-commerce platforms like Shopify and eBay now allow merchants to accept crypto payments. For instance, Shopify has partnered with BitPay to enable seamless integration with its e-commerce ecosystem.

* Food and beverage: Restaurant chains such as Burger King and Dunkin' Donuts have begun accepting cryptocurrency payments at select locations. These initiatives are part of broader efforts by large corporations to diversify payment options and cater to consumer preferences for digital currencies.

* Retail: Fashion brands like Gucci and Zara have announced plans to accept cryptocurrency payments in their stores and online. These luxury brands are leveraging blockchain technology to create exclusive digital collections and engage with younger generations.

* Real estate: Real estate companies are increasingly open to receiving payments in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) for properties. This trend is evident in platforms like Benable and companies like REInvest, which facilitate real estate investment opportunities with cryptocurrency.

* Hospitality and travel: Leading hotel chains such as Hilton and Marriott have partnered with crypto payment processors to introduce Bitcoin payment options at their hotels. Similarly, major airlines like British Airways and Air France are integrating cryptocurrency payments for flight bookings.

* Advertising: Large advertising platforms like Meta (formerly Facebook) and Google are now accepting cryptocurrency payments for advertising campaigns. This initiative aligns with the growing adoption of blockchain technology and digital currencies in the advertising industry.

Did you know? The first-ever real-world transaction using Bitcoin took place on May 22, 2010, when programmer Laszlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 BTC. Today, those 10,000 BTC would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, making it one of the most expensive pizza orders in history. This event is now celebrated annually as Bitcoin Pizza Day in the crypto community.

Why are businesses accepting crypto payments?

So, all the big brands are in. But what’s driving this trend, and can small businesses benefit, too?

One of the most significant advantages is lower transaction fees. Traditional payment processors and credit card companies typically charge businesses between 2% and 4% per transaction, while crypto payment gateways often reduce this to less than 1%. For businesses processing high volumes of transactions, such as e-commerce stores or large restaurant chains, these savings can be substantial.

Another key factor is the ability to access a global market without the restrictions of currency exchange rates and international banking fees. Cryptocurrency payments enable seamless cross-border transactions, allowing businesses to serve international customers without friction. This is especially beneficial for industries like travel, luxury goods and digital services, where cross-campus commerce is common.

Security and fraud prevention also play a role. Cryptocurrency transactions are final, eliminating chargebacks — something that costs businesses