What Can You Buy with Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency adoption has grown significantly in recent years, transforming digital assets from speculative investments into practical payment methods. While Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies face challenges in mainstream adoption due to volatility and limited merchant acceptance, the landscape is rapidly evolving. This comprehensive guide explores the various products, services, and industries where cryptocurrency payments are accepted, along with practical methods for spending digital assets and how to buy with crypto.

What Can You Buy with Bitcoin?

The cryptocurrency payment ecosystem has expanded substantially, encompassing multiple industries and major brand names. However, acceptance policies vary widely between merchants, with some accepting only specific cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, while others limit crypto payments to certain geographic regions. Before attempting to buy with crypto, it's essential to verify the merchant's payment policies through their website, customer service, or dedicated apps like BTCMap that provide interactive maps of Bitcoin-accepting businesses.

Food and Beverages

The food and beverage industry holds historical significance in cryptocurrency adoption, dating back to May 22, 2010, when programmer Laszlo Hanyecz purchased two Papa John's pizzas for 10,000 BTC—a transaction that demonstrated the first real-world use case to buy with crypto. This transaction, celebrated annually as "Bitcoin Pizza Day," marked the first real-world purchase using Bitcoin. Today, major chains like Starbucks allow customers to use cryptocurrency to purchase or reload gift cards. Fast food restaurants including Chipotle, McDonald's, and Subway are experimenting with crypto payments in select markets. Grocery chains such as Whole Foods, VARUS, and Pick n Pay have also implemented crypto payment solutions, making everyday shopping with digital assets increasingly feasible for those looking to buy with crypto.

E-Commerce Stores

E-commerce platforms represent a natural fit for cryptocurrency payments due to their digital infrastructure. Pioneering retailers like Overstock.com and Newegg.com have been accepting crypto payments for years and continue to support various digital assets for home furniture and electronics purchases. Microsoft has also integrated cryptocurrency payment options on its Microsoft Store, enabling customers to buy with crypto. The Shopify platform has integrated cryptocurrency payment options, while rideshare giant Uber has expressed interest in Bitcoin payments. Although Amazon has not directly adopted cryptocurrency, third-party platforms like BitPay and Bitrefill enable users to purchase gift cards for Amazon and other major retailers using crypto. Additionally, Tokyo-based cashback website Rakuten accepts cryptocurrency payments across its partner stores, further expanding opportunities to buy with crypto in the e-commerce sector.

Video Games and Virtual Collectibles

The gaming industry represents one of cryptocurrency's fastest-growing adoption sectors, with decentralized games accounting for a significant portion of the gaming market. Major companies like GameStop and Twitch accept digital asset payments, while studios such as Square Enix and Sony are investing heavily in Web3 applications. Blockchain-based games have created entirely new economies where cryptocurrency serves as both reward mechanisms and in-game currency. Axie Infinity exemplifies this trend, featuring unique NFT creatures called Axies that players use in battles to earn Smooth Love Potion (SLP) tokens. Open-world metaverse games like Decentraland and The Sandbox utilize crypto tokens for in-game payments and NFTs representing virtual items, characters, and land ownership, creating comprehensive digital economies where users can buy with crypto countless virtual goods and services.

Designer Clothes, Jewelry, and Apparel

The fashion and jewelry industries have embraced Web3 innovations enthusiastically, with numerous luxury brands accepting cryptocurrency payments. Notable companies offering crypto checkout features include LVMH, PacSun, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, TAG Heuer, Farfetch, and Jomashop. These brands recognize cryptocurrency holders as a valuable customer demographic and have adapted their payment systems accordingly to allow customers to buy with crypto. Beyond traditional fashion, the precious metals industry has also entered the crypto payment space. Online vendors like JM Bullion accept cryptocurrencies for physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium purchases, allowing digital asset holders to convert their virtual wealth into tangible precious metals.

Taxes and Bills

Government and utility sectors are gradually adopting cryptocurrency payment options, though widespread implementation remains limited. Some countries have recognized Bitcoin as legal tender, enabling citizens to use BTC for all transactions, including taxes. Even in nations without legal tender status, certain local jurisdictions accept cryptocurrency for tax payments. The telecommunications industry has been more progressive, with major providers like AT&T and DishTV allowing customers to pay phone, TV, and internet bills with cryptocurrency. This growing acceptance in essential services represents a significant step toward mainstream cryptocurrency adoption and expands the practical ways to buy with crypto.

Can You Buy a Car with Crypto?

The automotive industry's relationship with cryptocurrency has been volatile yet promising. In recent years, Tesla CEO Elon Musk experimented with accepting Bitcoin payments for electric vehicles, though environmental concerns regarding Bitcoin mining led to adjustments in their payment acceptance policy. Tesla currently accepts Dogecoin (DOGE) in its apparel store. Despite various shifts in corporate policies, several forward-thinking dealerships have embraced crypto payments. Ohio-based Jeff Wyler Automotive Family accepts cryptocurrency across its locations and has completed successful crypto payments for luxury vehicles including Mercedes-Benz. Although the list of crypto-accepting dealerships remains relatively short, the automotive industry shows increasing interest in digital asset payment options, making it possible to buy with crypto in this sector.

How to Spend Cryptocurrency: A Few Methods

Spending cryptocurrency requires understanding both direct payment methods and alternative solutions. For direct payments to crypto-accepting merchants, users need a self-custodial crypto wallet capable of sending digital assets to the merchant's address. The payment process typically involves the merchant displaying a QR code representing their wallet address, which customers scan using their crypto wallet application. The standard transaction flow includes selecting the appropriate cryptocurrency, clicking Send or Withdraw, entering the payment amount, scanning the merchant's QR code, reviewing transaction details, and confirming the transfer to complete your purchase and buy with crypto.

When merchants don't accept direct cryptocurrency payments, several alternative methods exist. Gift card platforms like BitPay and Bitrefill enable users to trade cryptocurrency for gift cards from hundreds of retailers, effectively converting crypto into purchasing power at non-crypto merchants. Payment rail integrations through apps like PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp offer crypto-to-fiat conversion services, allowing users to send cryptocurrency while merchants receive local currency—a seamless solution benefiting both parties. Crypto debit cards from various providers function like traditional Visa or Mastercard products while drawing funds from cryptocurrency holdings. These cards handle crypto-to-fiat conversions automatically, ensuring merchants receive standard currency payments while users buy with crypto effortlessly.

Conclusion

The cryptocurrency payment ecosystem has evolved from a novelty commemorated by Bitcoin Pizza Day to a diverse marketplace spanning food, e-commerce, gaming, fashion, utilities, and automotive industries. While challenges remain regarding merchant acceptance, volatility, and regulatory frameworks, the trajectory clearly points toward increasing integration of digital assets into everyday commerce. Major brands across multiple sectors have demonstrated willingness to adopt cryptocurrency payments, and technological solutions like gift card platforms, payment rails, and crypto debit cards continue bridging gaps between crypto holders and traditional merchants. As more businesses explore crypto payment integrations, the question "What can you buy with cryptocurrency?" continues to have an ever-expanding answer. The future of cryptocurrency in commerce depends on continued innovation, regulatory clarity, and merchant adoption, but the foundation for widespread opportunities to buy with crypto has been firmly established. Whether you're looking to purchase everyday items, luxury goods, or services, the options to buy with crypto continue to grow, making digital assets an increasingly viable payment method for diverse consumer needs.

FAQ

Can I buy something using crypto?

Yes, you can buy goods and services using crypto. Many retailers now accept cryptocurrencies, and crypto debit cards allow for easy purchases anywhere.

How much is $1000 Bitcoin in US dollars today?

As of 2025-12-05, $1000 worth of Bitcoin is equivalent to approximately $93.35 million US dollars, based on current market rates.

How much is $100 Bitcoin in US dollars?

As of 2025-12-05, $100 worth of Bitcoin is approximately $9,310,500 in US dollars, based on current market rates.

How much would I have if I invested $1000 in Bitcoin 5 years ago?

If you invested $1000 in Bitcoin 5 years ago, you would have approximately $9,784 today, outperforming many traditional investments.