Key takeaways:
Various establishments including coffee shops, fast-food chains like Starbucks and Sheetz, as well as retail giants like Microsoft and Home Depot, are now accepting cryptocurrency payments through apps and third-party processors.
Increasingly, platforms are facilitating the use of Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP for extensive travel and airline bookings.
Luxury brands, high-end auto dealerships, and real estate developers are adopting crypto payments for upscale products and properties.
Payment processors simplify the acceptance of crypto for small businesses by converting it to fiat currency instantly and lowering compliance costs.
Cryptocurrencies have moved beyond niche status in finance. By 2025, a growing number of businesses are adopting digital assets, notably Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and XRP (XRP) — both as payment methods and strategic assets.
Why focus on these three? Each enjoys significant brand recognition, good liquidity, and distinct advantages: BTC as a store of value, ETH for its smart contract capabilities, and XRP for its rapid transaction speeds and cross-border functionality. Collectively, they offer businesses the essentials: reliability, functionality, and speed.
This article examines the utilization of BTC, ETH, and XRP, from routine purchases to extensive airline integrations.
Everyday crypto transactions: Coffee shops, restaurants, retailers
For many cryptocurrency holders, the initial challenge is utilizing BTC, ETH, or XRP like cash: for purchasing coffee, snacks, or groceries. While BTC and ETH lead in everyday transactions, XRP is not as commonly accepted at smaller establishments as its strengths lie in back-end or cross-border payments rather than point-of-sale usage in cafes.
Coffee shops and small eateries
In 2025, buying coffee with crypto has become a reality. Numerous chains and local spots have incorporated it into their daily operations. For instance, at Starbucks, customers can use a Bitrefill gift card to purchase their caramel macchiato with Ether or Bitcoin.
Services like Flexa’s SPEDN wallet, or reloadable digital gift cards, facilitate the exchange of tokens for lattes.
Even convenience stores are participating; Sheetz accepts Bitcoin, Ether, and several other coins at checkout. For XRP enthusiasts, directories such as Cryptwerk guide you to smaller eateries willing to trade tokens for tacos or burgers.
Restaurants and fast food places
Some McDonald’s locations in high-crypto-demand areas accept Bitcoin through payment apps, allowing digital dollar transactions for fast food.
Across Europe and the US, major fast-food chains like Subway and Burger King are enabling crypto payments, often via third-party gift card services or payment processors. While not all locations offer direct integration, this approach provides a straightforward method for consumers to use their Bitcoin.
In May 2025, Steak ‘n Shake started nationwide BTC payments, reporting an 11% sales increase by attracting tech-friendly diners. Chipotle and Baskin-Robbins also accept crypto through BitPay integrations, where ETH, BTC, or XRP can be used for your meal.
Retail and online stores
AT&T allows customers to pay their phone bills with ETH or BTC, helping them avoid late fees. Numerous online and some brick-and-mortar stores accept XRP via gateways such as CoinGate.
Leading tech companies have also embraced this trend: Microsoft accepts BTC directly or through processors, while Newegg supports ETH purchases on their site, and Overstock accepts XRP. AMC Theatres has also jumped on board, enabling Bitcoin and other digital currencies for its products and services, from Xbox content to movie admissions.
Additionally, e-commerce platforms like Shopify have made it easier for millions of small and medium-sized businesses to include cryptocurrency as a checkout option.
Major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ikea accept cryptocurrency via Bitrefill and BitPay gift cards, allowing you to use ETH for home improvement projects.
Scaling up: Travel and luxury
As crypto payments evolve, many travel services and airlines, either directly or via intermediaries, provide booking options through BTC, ETH, and sometimes XRP. For flight and hotel reservations, platforms like Travala.com allow travelers to book using BTC, ETH, and various other supported cryptocurrencies.
In the near future, Emirates passengers will have the option to purchase first-class tickets with digital currencies, simplifying the process. The UAE’s luxury airline is collaborating with Crypto.com to facilitate this. In Europe, AirBaltic has been accepting cryptocurrencies since 2014, processing thousands of transactions in this space.
Luxury brands and high-end auto dealerships are also entering the crypto payment arena. For example, Post Oak Motor Cars in the US accepts Bitcoin for ultra-luxurious cars via BitPay. In Europe, platforms like BitCars offer a crypto-exclusive marketplace for premium and classic vehicles.
Luxury fashion brands are also expanding their crypto payment options: Gucci and Ralph Lauren are now accepting digital currencies at select flagship stores, especially for their exclusive collections.
Did you know? Alternative Airlines supports over 600 airlines worldwide and enables payments using over 100 cryptocurrencies, including XRP.
Financial services, remittances, and institutional adoption
As the application of cryptocurrencies transitions from consumer transactions to payment infrastructure, institutional use, remittances, and treasury operations, the unique strengths of BTC, ETH, and XRP become clearer.
Remittance and cross-border payments
XRP is frequently highlighted in this context due to its consensus-based ledger and Ripple’s infrastructure, which are engineered for faster and more cost-effective cross-border transfers. Companies like Mercury FX and Cuallix have adopted or experimented with XRP for these purposes.
Payment processors and gateways
To mitigate exposure to volatility, businesses increasingly accept cryptocurrency thanks to platforms like PayPal, BitPay, and NOWPayments. PayPal particularly allows retailers to utilize over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP.
Treasury and corporate holdings
Some companies, including BitMine, SharpLink Gaming, and VivoPower, are incorporating cryptocurrencies into their treasury portfolios for strategic reasons, such as hedging against inflation or increasing their engagement in the cryptocurrency market.
How can more small businesses accept crypto?
The improvement of more user-friendly technologies and a broader financial ecosystem will provide the solution.
Step 1: Choose a payment processor
Payment processors like BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, and CoinGate facilitate the integration of crypto payments for small businesses with minimal technical skills required. By converting cryptocurrencies to fiat instantly, these processors eliminate exposure to price volatility.
Step 2: Reduce compliance costs
Automated tax reporting systems and more transparent regulatory frameworks can alleviate the financial and legal burdens faced by small business owners.
Step 3: Embrace a wider variety of digital assets
With lowered technical barriers and simplified compliance, businesses can confidently accept a broader range of cryptocurrencies.
This article does not represent investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading decision carries risk, and readers should carry out their own research before proceeding.
