Key takeaways:
Retailers, fast-food chains like Starbucks and Sheetz, and technology companies such as Microsoft and Home Depot are now accepting crypto payments through apps and third-party services.
An increasing number of platforms are allowing the use of Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP for extensive travel and airline bookings.
Luxury brands, upscale car dealerships, and real estate developers are adopting crypto payments for high-end products and properties.
Payment processors simplify crypto acceptance for small businesses by converting it to fiat currency instantly and lowering compliance costs.
Cryptocurrencies are becoming mainstream in finance. By 2025, many businesses are adopting digital assets, especially Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and XRP (XRP), for both payments and strategic investments.
Why these three? They offer strong brand recognition, good liquidity, and unique advantages: BTC as a store of value, ETH with its smart contract capabilities, and XRP for quick settlement and cross-border transactions. Together, they provide businesses with trust, functionality, and speed.
This article examines the usage of BTC, ETH, and XRP, from daily transactions to large-scale airline integrations.
Everyday crypto transactions: Coffee shops, restaurants, retailers
For many crypto holders, the initial test is whether you can spend BTC, ETH, or XRP like cash on items such as coffee, sandwiches, or groceries. XRP typically lags behind BTC and ETH in everyday transactions, as it’s more often used for back-end or cross-border payments instead of at-point sales in cafes.
Coffee shops and small eateries
As of 2025, using crypto to pay for coffee feels more like reality. Numerous chains and independent shops have integrated it into their operations. At Starbucks, for instance, you can purchase a Bitrefill gift card to pay for your caramel macchiato with Ether or Bitcoin.
Apps like Flexa’s SPEDN wallet, along with reloadable digital gift cards, facilitate the exchange of tokens for lattes.
Convenience stores are joining in too, with Sheetz accepting Bitcoin, Ether, and several other currencies at checkout. For XRP enthusiasts, directories like Cryptwerk help you find smaller eateries willing to trade tokens for tacos or burgers.
Restaurants and fast food places
Some McDonald’s locations in crypto-friendly areas accept Bitcoin through payment apps, allowing quick service payments with digital currency.
In the US and Europe, major chains like Subway and Burger King accept crypto, usually via third-party gift cards or payment processors. Although not every location integrates directly, it allows consumers to spend their Bitcoin easily.
In May 2025, Steak ‘n Shake began accepting BTC across the nation, claiming an 11% increase in sales by attracting tech-savvy customers. Chipotle and Baskin-Robbins are onboard too, utilizing BitPay integrations to let customers pay for burrito bowls or ice cream with ETH, BTC, or XRP.
Retail and online stores
AT&T allows you to settle phone bills using ETH or BTC, helping you sidestep those annoying late fees. Many online and some physical stores accept XRP through platforms like CoinGate.
Large tech companies have also supported this shift: Microsoft accepts BTC directly or via processors, while Newegg supports ETH for in-store purchases, and Overstock also welcomes XRP. AMC Theatres lets customers buy products and services, from Xbox content to movie tickets, using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Beyond these large players, e-commerce platforms like Shopify have simplified the integration of cryptocurrency for countless small and medium-sized businesses.
Well-known retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ikea accept cryptocurrency via Bitrefill and BitPay gift cards, allowing you to use ETH for home renovation projects.
Scaling up: Travel and luxury
As crypto payments evolve, numerous travel services and airlines are offering bookings via BTC, ETH, and occasionally XRP, either directly or through intermediaries. For flights and hotel reservations, sites like Travala.com enable travelers to book using BTC, ETH, and a range of other digital assets.
In the near future, Emirates passengers will be able to purchase first-class seats using cryptocurrency, facilitated by a partnership with Crypto.com. AirBaltic has been accepting crypto since 2014, processing thousands of transactions.
High-end brands and luxury car dealerships are also entering the crypto space. For instance, Post Oak Motor Cars in the US accepts Bitcoin for super-luxury car purchases through BitPay. In Europe, platforms like BitCars provide a crypto-only marketplace for premium and classic vehicles.
Luxury brands are expanding their crypto payment options as well, with Gucci and Ralph Lauren leading the way at select flagship stores, particularly for exclusive collections.
Did you know? Alternative Airlines is notable for supporting over 600 airlines worldwide and allows payment with over 100 cryptocurrencies, including XRP.
Financial services, remittances and institutional adoption
As cryptocurrency usage expands beyond consumer transactions into payment infrastructure, institutional applications, remittances, and treasury operations, the strengths of BTC, ETH, and XRP become clearer.
Remittance and cross-border payments
XRP is often highlighted here due to its consensus-based ledger and Ripple’s infrastructure, designed for cost-effective and rapid settlement in cross-border transactions. Companies such as Mercury FX and Cuallix have adopted or are experimenting with XRP for these purposes.
Payment processors and gateways
To mitigate their exposure to market volatility, businesses increasingly accept cryptocurrency through platforms like PayPal, BitPay, and NOWPayments. PayPal, for example, enables retailers to use over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP.
Treasury and corporate holdings
Some companies, like BitMine, SharpLink Gaming, and VivoPower, include cryptocurrency in their treasury portfolios for strategic goals, hedging against inflation, or increasing their involvement in the cryptocurrency market.
How can more small businesses accept crypto?
The solution lies in the development of user-friendly technologies and a more integrated financial ecosystem.
Step 1: Choose a payment processor
Payment processors such as BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, and CoinGate facilitate easy crypto payment integration for small businesses, requiring minimal technical expertise. By converting cryptocurrencies into fiat instantly, these processors mitigate the risk of price volatility.
Step 2: Reduce compliance costs
Automated tax reporting systems and more transparent regulatory frameworks can help small business owners lessen their financial and legal burdens.
Step 3: Embrace a wider variety of digital assets
With technical barriers reduced and compliance made simpler, businesses can confidently accept a broader range of 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.
