Key takeaways:
Retailers such as Starbucks, Sheetz, and tech giants like Microsoft and Home Depot are now allowing crypto payments through apps and third-party solutions.
More travel platforms are increasingly accepting Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP for significant travel and airline bookings.
Luxury brands, high-end car dealerships, and property developers are now facilitating crypto payments for exclusive goods and real estate.
Payment processing services simplify crypto acceptance for small businesses by converting it to fiat instantly, reducing compliance expenditures.
Cryptocurrencies have transcended their fringe status in the financial sphere. By 2025, a growing number of businesses are adopting digital assets, notably Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and XRP (XRP), as both payment methods and strategic investments.
Why focus on these three? They boast strong brand recognition, adequate liquidity, and distinct advantages: BTC as a value store, ETH due to its smart contract capabilities, and XRP for rapid settlements and international transactions. Together, they offer businesses the essentials: trust, functionality, and efficiency.
This article delves into the applications of BTC, ETH, and XRP, ranging from everyday transactions to major airline integrations.
Everyday crypto transactions: Coffee shops, restaurants, retailers
For numerous crypto enthusiasts, the initial real test lies in spending BTC, ETH, or XRP like regular cash for items such as coffee, sandwiches, or groceries. XRP usually sees less acceptance for everyday purchases, as it excels more in backend or cross-border transactions than at cafes’ point-of-sale.
Coffee shops and small eateries
As of 2025, using crypto to pay for coffee is no longer a futuristic concept. Many chains and independent cafes have integrated it into their operations. For instance, at Starbucks, you can purchase a Bitrefill gift card to pay for your caramel macchiato using Ether or Bitcoin.
Using apps like Flexa’s SPEDN wallet or reloadable digital gift cards makes exchanging tokens for lattes convenient.
Even convenience stores join the trend. Sheetz accepts Bitcoin, Ether, and other digital currencies at checkout. For XRP fans, directories like Cryptwerk can guide you to smaller dining spots willing to accept tokens for tacos or burgers.
Restaurants and fast food places
In crypto-centric areas, some McDonald’s locations accept Bitcoin through payment applications, allowing quick service payments with digital currency.
Across Europe and the US, notable fast-food chains like Subway and Burger King are also accepting crypto payments, often via third-party gift card solutions. Though not all locations have direct integrations, it provides consumers with an easy way to use their Bitcoin.
In May 2025, Steak ‘n Shake initiated nationwide BTC payments, reporting an 11% sales increase by drawing in tech-savvy patrons. Chipotle and Baskin-Robbins similarly accept crypto through BitPay for customers wanting to fund their meals with ETH, BTC, or XRP.
Retail and online stores
AT&T allows you to pay your phone bills using ETH or BTC, helping you avoid late payment fees. Various online and some brick-and-mortar retailers accept XRP through payment gateways like CoinGate.
Major technology companies have shown support as well: Microsoft accepts BTC directly or via processors, Newegg supports ETH for on-site purchases, and Overstock accepts XRP too. AMC Theatres takes Bitcoin and other digital currencies for various products and services, from Xbox content to movie tickets.
Beyond these large entities, e-commerce platforms like Shopify have facilitated cryptocurrency usage, enabling millions of small and medium businesses to offer crypto checkout options.
Prominent retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ikea accept cryptocurrencies through Bitrefill and BitPay gift cards, allowing you to utilize ETH for your home renovations.
Scaling up: Travel and luxury
As crypto payment systems evolve, various travel services and airlines—either directly or via intermediaries—are providing booking capabilities with BTC, ETH, and sometimes XRP. For flights and hotel reservations, platforms like Travala.com offer the ability to book using BTC, ETH, and multiple other digital currencies.
Shortly, Emirates passengers will even have the chance to purchase first-class tickets with digital currencies, eliminating foreign exchange complications. The UAE’s luxury airline is partnering with Crypto.com to enable crypto acceptance. AirBaltic, in Europe, has welcomed crypto payments since 2014, processing thousands of transactions.
Luxury brands and high-end car dealerships are also stepping into the crypto payment realm. Post Oak Motor Cars in the US accepts Bitcoin for ultra-luxury car purchases via BitPay. In Europe, BitCars has developed a crypto-only marketplace that sells premium and classic automobiles.
Luxury brands are expanding their crypto payment methods as well: Gucci and Ralph Lauren have been increasing their options at select standout stores, particularly for exclusive collections.
Did you know? Alternative Airlines serves as a key example, supporting over 600 airlines globally and allowing payments with more than 100 cryptocurrencies, including XRP.
Financial services, remittances and institutional adoption
When the focus shifts from consumer transactions to the infrastructure for payments, remittances, and corporate operations, the unique advantages of BTC, ETH, and XRP become more apparent.
Remittance and cross-border payments
XRP is often highlighted in this domain, as its consensus-based ledger and Ripple’s infrastructure are tailored for affordable and swift cross-border transactions. Companies like Mercury FX and Cuallix have adopted or tested XRP for these purposes.
Payment processors and gateways
To mitigate volatility risks, businesses are increasingly accepting cryptocurrency through platforms like PayPal, BitPay, and NOWPayments. Notably, PayPal enables retailers to engage with over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP.
Treasury and corporate holdings
Some businesses, including BitMine, SharpLink Gaming, and VivoPower, incorporate crypto into their treasury portfolios for strategic reasons, to hedge against inflation, or to deepen their involvement in the cryptocurrency market.
How can more small businesses accept crypto?
Developing user-friendly technologies and a broader financial environment provides the solution.
Step 1: Choose a payment processor
Solutions like BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, and CoinGate enable small businesses to seamlessly integrate crypto payments with minimal technical expertise. By converting cryptocurrencies to fiat currency instantly, these platforms help mitigate the risks of price volatility.
Step 2: Reduce compliance costs
Automated tax reporting solutions and clearer regulatory environments 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 broaden their acceptance of various cryptocurrencies.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
