Highlights:
Establishments like coffee shops, fast-food chains such as Starbucks and Sheetz, and retailers including Microsoft and Home Depot are now embracing cryptocurrency payments through apps and third-party services.
Increasingly, platforms are facilitating the use of Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP for larger travel bookings and airline reservations.
Luxury brands, premium car dealerships, and real estate developers are adopting crypto payments for high-end products and properties.
Payment processors simplify the process for small businesses to accept cryptocurrency by converting it to fiat instantly, lowering compliance fees.
Cryptocurrencies have transformed from fringe concepts in finance to mainstream options. By 2025, an increasing number of businesses are integrating digital assets, particularly Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and XRP (XRP), as payment methods and strategic assets.
Why focus on these three? They possess strong brand visibility, good liquidity, and varying advantages: BTC serves as a store of value, ETH powers smart contracts, and XRP enables quick settlements and cross-border transactions. Collectively, they provide businesses with trust, functionality, and efficiency.
This article delves into the applications of BTC, ETH, and XRP, ranging from everyday purchases to extensive airline integrations.
Daily crypto transactions: Coffee shops, eateries, retailers
For many cryptocurrency holders, the initial challenge is to determine if BTC, ETH, or XRP can be used like cash for items such as coffee, pizza, or groceries. XRP generally trails behind BTC and ETH in everyday usages, as it is often used in back-end systems or international payments rather than at point-of-sale in cafes.
Coffee shops and diners
As of 2025, buying coffee with crypto now feels like a reality. Numerous chains and independent cafes have made it a part of their routine. For instance, Starbucks allows you to purchase a Bitrefill gift card and pay for your caramel macchiato using Ether or Bitcoin.
Tools like Flexa’s SPEDN wallet and reloadable digital gift cards facilitate token exchanges for everyday purchases.
Convenience stores are joining the trend as well. Sheetz accepts Bitcoin, Ether, and several other cryptocurrencies at checkout. If you prefer XRP, directories like Cryptwerk help you find local spots that will trade tokens for tacos or burgers.
Restaurants and fast food chains
Some McDonald’s locations in crypto-friendly areas allow Bitcoin payments through various apps, making it easy to buy fast food with digital currency.
In the US and Europe, major fast-food chains such as Subway and Burger King continue to adopt crypto payments, often via third-party gift card services or payment processors. Although they may not offer in-house processing for all locations, this method makes it straightforward for consumers to utilize their Bitcoin.
Steak ‘n Shake made headlines in May 2025 by rolling out BTC payments nationwide, which they credit with an 11% increase in sales from tech-savvy customers. Chipotle and Baskin-Robbins also accept crypto payments through BitPay for your burrito bowl or ice cream scoop.
Retail and e-commerce
AT&T enables customers to pay phone bills with either ETH or BTC, helping avoid late fees. Numerous online and select physical retailers accept XRP via platforms like CoinGate.
Tech giants are getting involved too: Microsoft allows direct Bitcoin payments or via processors, while Newegg supports ETH purchases, and Overstock accepts XRP as well. AMC Theatres now takes Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for various services, from Xbox content to movie tickets.
Additionally, e-commerce solutions like Shopify have empowered countless small and medium-sized businesses to adopt cryptocurrency checkouts easily.
Major retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ikea accept cryptocurrencies through gift cards from Bitrefill and BitPay, enabling you to use ETH for your home improvement projects.
Expanding horizons: Travel and luxury
As crypto payments evolve, numerous travel services and airlines are incorporating BTC, ETH, and sometimes XRP for bookings through direct interfaces or middlemen. For flight and hotel reservations, platforms like Travala.com allow users to book using BTC, ETH, and various other cryptocurrencies.
In the near future, Emirates travelers will have the option to purchase first-class tickets with crypto, bypassing foreign exchange hassles. The luxury airline will collaborate with Crypto.com to support this feature. AirBaltic in Europe has been accepting crypto payments since 2014 and has successfully processed thousands of transactions.
High-end luxury brands and prestigious car dealerships are also venturing into crypto payments. For instance, Post Oak Motor Cars in the US accepts Bitcoin for luxury vehicle purchases via BitPay. In Europe, platforms like BitCars specialize in a crypto-only marketplace for premium and classic automobiles.
Luxury brands are also getting on board: Gucci and Ralph Lauren have expanded their crypto payment options in select flagship locations, especially for exclusive collections.
Fun fact: Alternative Airlines supports over 600 airlines worldwide, allowing payments with more than 100 cryptocurrencies, including XRP.
Financial services, remittances, and institutional uptake
When usage expands from consumer transactions to payments infrastructure, institutional use, remittances, and treasury operations, the unique features of BTC, ETH, and XRP become even more apparent.
Remittance and international payments
XRP is a well-suited candidate here, as its consensus-based ledger and Ripple’s framework are designed for cost-efficiency and rapid settlements in cross-border transfers. Companies like Mercury FX and Cuallix have tested or adopted XRP for these purposes.
Payment processors and gateways
To mitigate volatility exposure, businesses are increasingly welcoming cryptocurrency thanks to platforms like PayPal, BitPay, and NOWPayments. PayPal, in particular, has enabled retailers to accept a variety of over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP.
Treasury and corporate portfolios
Some firms, including BitMine, SharpLink Gaming, and VivoPower, are integrating crypto into their treasury operations for strategic reasons, to hedge against inflation, or to create a stronger presence in the cryptocurrency market.
Enabling more small businesses to accept crypto
Step 1: Select a payment processor
Processors like BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, and CoinGate simplify the integration of crypto payments for small businesses with minimal technical knowledge. By converting cryptocurrencies to fiat instantly, these services eliminate the risks associated with price volatility.
Step 2: Minimize compliance costs
Automated tax reporting tools and transparent regulatory frameworks can ease the financial and legal burdens on small business owners.
Step 3: Accept a broader range of digital currencies
With lowered technical hurdles and simplified compliance, businesses can confidently expand their acceptance of various cryptocurrencies.
This article does not provide investment advice or recommendations. Each investment and trading move carries risks, and readers should research thoroughly before making decisions.
