Which businesses accept crypto as payment—and should yours?
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren't just for digital payments enthusiasts. Cryptocurrencies have completely changed the landscape of digital payments.1 They've given some people untraditional ways be part of the digital economy.
In fact, popular coins like bitcoin and ether are a form of payment and currency used by many across the world. That's potentially why many large companies are listening to their customers and joining the crypto revolution. According to Deloitte, nearly 75% of retailers plan to accept crypto payments in the next two years.2
As cryptocurrencies grow in popularity, more and more businesses are accepting crypto payments. Does yours? Here are a few of the leading companies working to improve their customers' experience and adapt to the changing digital payment space.
Starbucks
The popular coffee chain has partnered with Bakkt to let its customers buy their morning coffee with bitcoin through the Starbucks app. Customers can add crypto funds to their Starbucks card through the digital wallet application, instantly converting their bitcoin to dollars.3
Microsoft
Microsoft was one of the first companies to recognize that customers want different ways to pay for products. Since 2014, the tech company has accepted bitcoin payments for apps, games, and digital content on Windows and Xbox.4
The Home Depot
Home improvement company The Home Depot is another company that uses a third-party retailer to accept Bitcoin. Customers can pay directly in Bitcoin using digital scanners that convert the crypto into U.S. dollars. That means customers can use the payment method they want, while The Home Depot gets the green dollars it needs.5
Whole Foods
Grocery retailer Whole Foods lets its customers pay with bitcoin, ether, and other types of crypto. The company has partnered with a third-party app that allows users to upload and pay for their groceries using this currency. The app then converts the crypto into U.S. dollars for the merchant.6
PayPal
Fintech company PayPal has allowed users to purchase crypto on its platform for a number of years. It recently expanded its crypto offering to include crypto transfers between PayPal and other wallets and exchanges in response to customer requests. Customers in the U.S. can transfer a number of cryptos, such as bitcoin, litecoin, ether, and more.7
AT&T
AT&T was one of the first mobile carriers to allow its customers to pay through a third-party cryptocurrency payment processor. The company responded to the needs of its customers, many of whom use cryptos. Customers can pay with crypto through their online accounts or via the AT&T app.8
Should your business accept crypto?
Many leading businesses are responding to customer needs by taking steps to make payments easier. With advances in technology and the rise of the digital economy, crypto is becoming part of the mainstream way to pay.
There are many reasons your business might decide to accept crypto. For one, crypto transactions can cost less than other types of point-of-sale transactions like credit cards, which can cost a set fee of up to $0.25 plus as much as 3.15% per transaction.9
Crypto can also provide protection for merchants, helping to safeguard them from fraudulent charges due to the decentralized setup of cryptos. Not to mention that it opens the doors to more customers who use crypto or to international clients who wouldn't otherwise purchase products.
And with third-party applications like Bakkt, it's easier than ever for companies to accept crypto payments, and they can do so without ever directly touching crypto. Bakkt is designed to mitigate risk, with consumer protections in mind throughout the entire process. Bakkt Marketplace, LLC is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity and money transmission by the New York State Department of Financial Services, and is state-licensed as a money transmitter, where required.
Most importantly, your crypto belongs to consumers. The crypto is held on the customer's behalf and never lent or pledged out to others.