How To Buy Stuff With Crypto (& Who Accepts It)

Remember when paying with your phone felt futuristic? Yeah…maybe we’re aging ourselves, but there was a time when even that was modern. That’s old news. These days, crypto is next in line to take over the tab.

The idea is simple. Instead of swiping your card or fumbling with cash, you send digital money straight from your crypto wallet.

But before you go scanning QR codes like a crypto cowboy, there are a few things you should know. You’ll need a wallet, some coins, and a few smart tips to make sure you’re not accidentally tipping your barista $500 in Bitcoin.

We’ll show you the ropes on how to pay with crypto, so people raise their eyebrows and comment about how savvy you are, instead of becoming the cautionary tale on someone’s finance TikTok.

Set Up A Crypto Wallet

Before you can pay with crypto, you need a place to store it. That’s your crypto wallet, and there are several good wallets to choose from. Think of it like Apple Pay, but instead of dollars, it holds Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other cryptocurrency you’re using to make purchases.

There are two main types: hot wallets and cold wallets. A hot wallet is an app (like Coinbase Wallet or MetaMask) that stays connected to the internet. It’s super convenient for daily use. You can send, receive, and pay in seconds. The trade-off is that since it’s online, it’s slightly more vulnerable to hackers.

Cold wallets, on the other hand, are physical devices, kind of like a fancy USB stick. They store your crypto offline, making them ideal for long-term storage and better protection.

Most people start with a hot wallet to make quick payments and keep smaller amounts. You can download one from your favorite exchange or app store. To keep your wallet safe, create your recovery phrase (never lose it), and you’re good to go.

Buy Crypto

You don’t need a finance degree to buy crypto. It’s an online purchase that’s as easy as buying a new pair of sneakers. You need a legit app, a quick ID check, and a payment method.

Follow these steps:

1. Pick an exchange/app. Choose one with low fees, good reviews, and smooth withdrawals. Coinbase, Binance, and the Crypto.com app are all reliable choices.
2. Verify your ID. Complete the quick KYC (Know Your Customer) check so you can buy and move funds normally.
3. Secure it. Enable two-factor authentication with an authenticator app. Save backup codes in a safe place.
4. Add a payment method. Link a bank account for lower fees or a debit/credit card for speed.
5. Choose a coin. Start simple with Bitcoin or Ethereum, as they’re the most popular and most reliable.
6. Enter amount & review fees. Start small, check the total, and confirm the quote before you commit.
7. Buy. Your coins will appear in the exchange wallet within seconds or minutes.
8. (Optional) Withdraw to your wallet. If you plan to pay from a self-custody wallet, withdraw a tiny test first and match the address and network exactly.
9. Save the receipt/Tx ID. Keep a record for your notes and taxes.

Find Retailers That Accept Crypto

Now it’s time to buy stuff!! But hold your horses for just a second. Not all establishments accept crypto, but the number is growing. You’d be surprised how many big-name retailers actually do.

To find them, start with merchant directories, such as BitPay’s[1] . They list hundreds of businesses that take Bitcoin and other coins, and you can filter by location.

If you shop online, platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce allow merchants to enable crypto checkout by adding a third-party platform, such as BitPay or Coinbase. Look for a “Pay with Bitcoin” or “Crypto accepted here” option on the payment page.

Or better yet…check out our list below for a handful of popular businesses that accept crypto. You’re welcome.

Businesses That Accept Crypto In 2025

Here’s a quick roundup of major brands that accept digital payments. Some accept it directly, and others do through a third-party payment processor. Each one gives you a way to spend your coins without converting back to cash. And if your favorite spot isn’t on board yet, there’s still a way. Check the next section for easy hacks to pay with crypto, even where it’s not accepted… yet.

• Ralph Lauren: You can finally buy a polo shirt from the iconic brand using crypto, among other select purchases.
• Newegg: Gamers and tech nerds rejoice. Newegg’s been on the crypto train for years. Load up your cart with GPUs, gadgets, and gear.
• Microsoft: You can’t buy Windows with Dogecoin or other meme coins as of 2025, but you can use crypto to grab digital goods from Microsoft’s store, such as games, movies, and apps. A small win for gamers and crypto fans alike.
• Shopify: Merchants can enable crypto payments, so your favorite indie candle shop might take Bitcoin next time you check out.
• The Home Depot: Nothing says “DIY legend” like buying lumber with Litecoin. The Home Depot accepts crypto through payment processors, so you can literally build your dream house on the blockchain.
• AMC: The movie chain went full meme stock and never looked back. AMC now takes Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin for tickets and popcorn.
• Cafe Casino: That’s right! Yours Truly happily accepts crypto payments as deposits. Shoot us over a $10 minimum in crypto, and play your game as usual with familiar USD. When it comes time to cash out, request your withdrawal via crypto, too, and stuff your wallet within 15 minutes or less after we approve your request.

What about businesses that don’t accept Bitcoin directly?

Not every store’s ready to ride the crypto wave, and that’s okay (but we’re watching you). You can still spend your Bitcoin even if the business doesn’t take it directly.

Crypto Gift Cards

The easiest workaround is crypto gift cards. Platforms like Bitrefill, BitPay, and CoinGate allow you to purchase digital gift cards using crypto. Then, the world is your oyster, with a practically endless list of brands accepting crypto gift cards, including Amazon, DoorDash, Airbnb, IKEA, and Whole Foods – you name it.

Crypto Debit Cards

Another option is crypto debit cards. Services like Crypto.com, Coinbase Card, or BitPay Card instantly convert your crypto to cash at checkout. You swipe or tap it anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted, and your wallet handles the conversion behind the scenes.

Direct Transfer

Or, if you’re sending money peer-to-peer (say, paying a friend for concert tickets), you can just transfer crypto directly to their wallet. It’s like Venmo, but decentralized, and without the awkward “payment for tacos” emoji.

Speaking of your friends. Next time you’re on Venmo, shoot them a message with a link to join Cafe Casino. You receive a cash referral bonus after they sign up and make a deposit, and they receive our juicy Welcome Bonus. It’s a win all around.

It’s true – people are buying stuff with crypto in 2025. Pretty cool, huh? From Gucci to Chipotle, major retailers are opening their doors (and checkout pages) to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and beyond. You’ll still need a wallet, a little know-how, and maybe a backup card, but crypto payments are officially part of daily life. Take these tips and jump on the bandwagon. The future of payments is here.