Bitcoin Payments: Who Accepts Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies in 2026

For much of its existence, Bitcoin was viewed primarily as digital gold—a store of value meant to be held for the long term. However, this narrative has shifted in recent years. Bitcoin and other digital assets have evolved into functional currencies used for daily transactions across a vast array of industries. From buying a cup of coffee to purchasing real estate, the infrastructure for cryptocurrency payments has matured, offering users a decentralized alternative to traditional banking systems.

This evolution is driven by the foundational ethos of Bitcoin: taking financial power away from intermediaries and giving it back to the individuals. Of course, in order for crypto to mature into a true alternative to traditional finance (TradFi), it must be usable for more than just speculation. It actually has to enable people to acquire the things they need in the real world, while maintaining the individual agency and self-sovereignty that crypto was founded upon.

In this article, Ledger Academy explores the businesses accepting crypto today, the different ways you can spend your assets, and the vital security measures you should take to ensure your payments remain secure.

Why Accept Bitcoin and Other Crypto Payments in 2026?

The reason crypto users might want to pay using their digital assets are fairly obvious. What may not be as clear is why businesses deeply integrated with TradFi services might want to accept crypto. In reality, there are significant incentives for businesses to adopt cryptocurrency as payment for goods and services.

Appealing to Different Customers

Arguably, the primary reason businesses may begin accepting crypto is to reach new customers. According to a Deloitte survey, 85% of surveyed merchants see crypto payments as a way to reach new kinds of customers, specifically younger, tech-savvy customers with disposable income.

By integrating digital assets, brands position themselves at the forefront of financial innovation, appealing to a demographic that values decentralization and digital sovereignty. This early adoption can foster long-term loyalty among a user base that is increasingly moving away from traditional banking rails.

Faster and Cheaper Transactions

The financial benefits that accompany accepting crypto can be equally compelling. For one thing, many crypto networks offer instant or near-instant settlement, 24/7. Compare this to traditional credit card payments, which can take multiple days. What’s more, transaction fees for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies tend to be lower than traditional payment processors. Indeed, standard credit card fees tend to range from 1.5% to 3.5%, while services like PayPal can reach nearly 4% for international transactions.

In contrast, a standard Bitcoin transaction can give businesses a low-cost alternative for larger settlements, while Layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network and high-performance networks like Solana and Ripple can offer accompanying fees of less than a single cent.

Preventing Chargeback Fraud

Another potential game-changer for businesses is the immutability of blockchain transactions. Beyond just offering lower transaction costs, the blockchain can help businesses prevent chargeback fraud. To clarify, because a blockchain payment cannot be reversed by the sender once it gets confirmed on the network, businesses are protected from the fraudulent reversals that often plague traditional credit card networks. 

This permanence effectively eliminates the administrative and financial burden of disputing chargebacks, which is a significant operational headache for many retailers.

Using Complex Financial Operations

Lastly, as the same Deloitte study points out, the programmable nature of crypto enables businesses to explore more complex operations like real-time and accurate revenue-sharing, which would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional payment processes. 

Through the use of smart contracts, businesses can automate payments to suppliers, partners, and employees instantly upon a successful sale. This transparency significantly simplifies back-office reconciliation and allows for sophisticated retail operations that scale with the speed of high-performance blockchains.

Who Accepts Bitcoin and Other Crypto in 2026?

As Bitcoin and other major digital assets have gained more legitimacy in the eyes of global institutions, the variety of businesses that now accept digital assets has expanded far beyond niche tech companies. Today, major players in tech, retail, travel, and entertainment have integrated crypto into their business models.

Tech Giants

Unsurprisingly, some of the first companies to explore the utility of digital assets were large technology companies. Microsoft, for instance, has long accepted Bitcoin payments. Similarly, AT&T became the first major U.S. mobile carrier to support cryptocurrency bill payments via BitPay. 

In the realm of digital media, Twitch allows viewers to support creators and pay for subscriptions using various cryptocurrencies. Tesla has also famously experimented with the ecosystem beyond its corporate Bitcoin holdings, accepting Dogecoin for select products on the Tesla Shop.

Online Retail

Online commerce has become the most common environment for crypto transactions. Electronics retailers like Newegg have long accepted Bitcoin, while Overstock (now Beyond) is widely regarded as the first major retailer to accept Bitcoin as payment. Then there’s the E-commerce giant Shopify, which first incorporated crypto back in 2020, enabling thousands of independent merchants to accept digital assets directly.

Cafes and Restaurants

The food and beverage industry has seen a significant surge in crypto adoption. Large chains such as Chipotle, Burger King, and Subway now accept direct payments through processors like BitPay. Even Starbucks allows customers to top up their account balances using digital assets through integrated third-party partners. 

At this point, many local establishments have also adopted point-of-sale systems that support the Lightning Network, allowing for Bitcoin transactions that are as fast as tapping a traditional debit or credit card.

Luxury and Fashion

In the luxury sector, digital assets are often treated as a premium payment tier. Brands like Gucci and Balenciaga accept multiple cryptocurrencies in selected boutiques and online. Many more luxury outfits, such as Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Ralph Lauren, also offer crypto payments via BitPay. 

Travel and Leisure

Travel remains one of the most practical sectors for crypto payments due to its high frequency of cross-border transactions. That is to say, travelers can avoid currency exchange fees and international transaction surcharges by using borderless digital assets. Travala and Alternative Airlines are two of the major platforms that make it possible to book flights and hotels using dozens of different cryptocurrencies.

Sports and Entertainment

Entertainment venues are another industry where major players have recognized the benefits of letting customers pay with crypto. AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas both utilize third-party platforms to accept payments. In professional sports, there are teams such as the Dallas Mavericks (in its case, largely driven by former majority owner and crypto enthusiast Mark Cuban) that have offered tickets and limited-edition merchandise in exchange for crypto assets.

Subscription and Digital Services

A wide range of digital service providers now accept crypto, in part to appeal to their privacy-conscious users. This includes VPN services like ExpressVPN and privacy-focused email providers like Proton Mail. Even web infrastructure companies like Namecheap accept Bitcoin for domains and hosting services.

Real Estate and High-Value Assets

Real estate represents one of the most significant frontiers for crypto payments. To date, the use of crypto within real estate has largely been dominated by luxury developers in global, crypto-friendly hubs such as the United Arab Emirates. Beyond homes, it is now possible to purchase luxury vehicles or even yachts using digital assets through specialized brokers and marketplaces. For example, luxury dealer groups like O’Gara Coach and yacht brokerages like Denison Yachting have successfully facilitated multi-million dollar deals using crypto payment processors.

Bitcoin and Crypto Gift Cards

For businesses that do not yet support direct on-chain payments, gift cards remain a critical bridge. Platforms like Bitrefill and Gyft allow users to spend BTC, ETH, and stablecoins at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, IKEA, and Uber. This indirect method provides an extra layer of privacy and enables users to utilize their crypto for everyday essentials without the merchant needing to maintain a dedicated crypto wallet.

How To Make Purchases with Bitcoin in 2026

While direct merchant acceptance is growing, Ledger provides tools that make spending crypto seamless while maintaining the highest security standards.

Crypto Card

The CL Card, compatible with Ledger and powered by Baanx, is a standout solution for those who want the convenience of a traditional card with the benefits of crypto. Available in the UK, EEA, and the US, the CL Card integrates directly with Ledger Wallet™. It allows you to spend your crypto at millions of locations worldwide by instantly converting the necessary amount to fiat at the moment of purchase. Crucially, the card gives you the opportunity to earn 1% cashback in BTC, USDC, or USDT whenever you swipe it.

Cash to Stablecoin with Ledger Wallet

Volatility has long been a concern for those wishing to use crypto for daily spending. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC solve this problem by pegging their value to the US Dollar. Through service providers like Noah, Ledger Wallet users can easily transition from cash to stablecoins. This allows for predictable payments while keeping your assets protected by your Ledger signer.

Tax Implications of Making Purchases with Crypto

Users must remain aware that in many jurisdictions, spending cryptocurrency may be treated as a taxable event. In these locales, every time you exchange crypto for a service, it may trigger a capital gains tax based on the asset’s value change since the time you first acquired it. Accurate record-keeping is essential in these cases. Ledger Wallet facilitates this by recommending integrated tax-reporting tools that can help you track your cost basis and simplify your annual filings.

Digital Sovereignty: Financial Freedom Without Compromise

As of 2026, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are well on their way to reaching mainstream utility. The ability to pay for goods and services with digital assets is no longer a novelty. Rather, it’s a practical reality supported by global brands and secure technology platforms.

However, as the ecosystem grows, the core principles of digital security remain as important as ever. True financial freedom hinges on secure digital ownership—retaining absolute control over your private keys to protect your assets from the risks of centralized failure. 

Whether you are using a CL Card for daily errands or transferring stablecoins via Noah, the foundation of your self-sovereignty remains the security of your hardware-isolated keys. 

Explore the expanding world of crypto merchants with confidence, knowing that Ledger keeps your assets secure while you participate in the future of finance—ensuring you remain free from compromise in a world of instant, borderless payments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bitcoin Payments

Where is Bitcoin Accepted?

Bitcoin acceptance has matured into a global phenomenon, spanning every continent and most major industries. While early adoption was concentrated in online tech niches, it is now accepted at tens of thousands of physical retail locations and major e-commerce platforms. All in all, Bitcoin has become a recognized medium for both everyday micro-transactions and significant capital transfers.

Who Accepts Bitcoin as Payment?

The list of Bitcoin-friendly businesses includes some of the most recognizable names in the world, such as Microsoft, Starbucks, and AT&T. Beyond these giants, thousands of independent merchants use platforms like Shopify and PayPal to enable direct Bitcoin checkouts. Specialized industries have also embraced the technology, with luxury car dealers, yacht brokerages, and international travel agencies leading the way in facilitating large-scale payments without the need for traditional banking intermediaries.

Does Amazon Accept Bitcoin?

As of 2026, Amazon does not officially support direct, on-chain Bitcoin payments on its primary platform. However, users can easily spend their Bitcoin at Amazon through indirect methods such as purchasing digital gift cards via providers like Bitrefill or Gyft. 

What Can I Buy with Cryptocurrency in the USA?

In the United States, the utility of cryptocurrency has expanded to include almost every category of commerce. You can use digital assets to pay for mobile phone bills, purchase electronics, book domestic and international travel, and even buy movie tickets or concessions at nationwide theater chains. Furthermore, the arrival of crypto-linked debit cards has bridged the final gap, allowing users to spend their digital holdings at any merchant that accepts standard card payments.