Key takeaways:
Coffee shops, fast-food chains like Starbucks and Sheetz, and retailers such as Microsoft and Home Depot are now accepting crypto payments through apps and third-party processors.
An increasing number of platforms are allowing the use of Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP for significant travel and airline bookings.
Luxury brands, high-end car dealerships, and real estate developers are adopting crypto payments for premium goods and properties.
Payment processors simplify the process for small businesses to accept crypto by instantly converting it to fiat currency, thus lowering compliance costs.
Cryptocurrencies are mainstream in finance. By 2025, a growing number of businesses are adopting digital assets, particularly Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and XRP (XRP), both as payment methods and strategic assets.
Why focus on these three? They all possess strong brand recognition, decent liquidity, and unique strengths: BTC acts as a store of value, ETH supports a smart contract ecosystem, while XRP excels in rapid settlement and cross-border payments. Together, they fulfill essential business needs: trust, utility, and speed.
This article delves into the usage of BTC, ETH, and XRP, from everyday transactions to large-scale travel integrations.
Everyday crypto transactions: Coffee shops, restaurants, retailers
For many crypto holders, the initial challenge is spending BTC, ETH, or XRP like cash: for coffee, meals, or groceries. XRP is generally trailing behind BTC and ETH for daily purchases, with fewer small businesses directly accepting it, as its advantages are often seen in back-end or cross-border payments instead of at the point of sale in cafes.
Coffee shops and small eateries
As of 2025, paying with crypto for coffee is a reality. Various chains and independent shops have integrated it into their routines. For instance, at Starbucks, you can buy a Bitrefill gift card to pay for your caramel macchiato using Ether or Bitcoin.
Applications like Flexa’s SPEDN wallet and reloadable digital gift cards make exchanging tokens for lattes seamless.
Convenience stores are also joining in; Sheetz accepts Bitcoin, Ether, and other cryptocurrencies at checkout. For XRP enthusiasts, directories such as Cryptwerk help find smaller eateries willing to trade tokens for meals.
Restaurants and fast food venues
Some McDonald’s locations in crypto-friendly areas now accept Bitcoin via payment applications, allowing for quick digital dollar transactions.
In both Europe and the U.S., major fast-food chains like Subway and Burger King are also accepting crypto payments, often through third-party gift card services or payment platforms. While not every location is directly integrated, this provides a handy way for consumers to use their Bitcoin.
In May 2025, Steak ‘n Shake began accepting BTC payments nationwide, crediting this change with an 11% sales increase by attracting tech-savvy customers. Chipotle and Baskin-Robbins are also on board through BitPay integrations, where ETH, BTC, or XRP can fund your meal.
Retail and online shops
AT&T allows you to pay your phone bill with ETH or BTC, avoiding those annoying late fees. Many online and some physical retailers accept XRP via gateways like CoinGate.
Tech giants are supportive as well: Microsoft accepts BTC directly or through payment processors, while Newegg supports ETH for in-store purchases, and Overstock welcomes XRP. AMC Theatres accepts Bitcoin and various digital currencies for all its products and services, from Xbox content to movie tickets.
Additionally, e-commerce platforms like Shopify empower millions of small and medium businesses to add cryptocurrency checkout options easily.
Major retail chains like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ikea accept cryptocurrency through Bitrefill and BitPay gift cards, enabling you to use ETH for home renovations.
Scaling up: Travel and luxury
As crypto payments evolve, numerous travel services and airlines are enabling bookings with BTC, ETH, and sometimes XRP, either directly or through intermediaries. Notable platforms like Travala.com facilitate bookings using BTC, ETH, and a variety of other supported cryptocurrencies.
Soon, Emirates passengers will be able to purchase first-class tickets using digital currencies, thanks to a partnership with Crypto.com. In Europe, AirBaltic has accepted crypto payments since 2014 and has conducted thousands of crypto transactions.
Luxury brands and high-end car dealerships are also venturing into crypto payments. For example, Post Oak Motor Cars in the U.S. accepts Bitcoin for purchasing ultra-luxury vehicles via BitPay. In Europe, BitCars has developed a crypto-only marketplace for premium and classic automobiles.
High-end brands like Gucci and Ralph Lauren have expanded their crypto payment options at select flagship stores, especially for exclusive collections.
Did you know? Alternative Airlines stands out as it supports over 600 airlines globally and accepts payment in 100+ cryptocurrencies, including XRP.
Financial services, remittances, and institutional acceptance
As usage shifts from consumer transactions to payment infrastructure, institutional use, remittances, and treasury operations, the distinct advantages of BTC, ETH, and XRP become more pronounced.
Remittance and cross-border payments
XRP is frequently highlighted in this area due to its consensus-based ledger and Ripple’s framework designed for cost-effective and swift cross-border transactions. Companies like Mercury FX and Cuallix have adopted or are testing XRP for such applications.
Payment processors and gateways
To mitigate volatility risks, businesses are increasingly accepting cryptocurrencies through platforms like PayPal, BitPay, and NOWPayments. PayPal, in particular, enables retailers to accept over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP.
Treasury and corporate holdings
Various companies, including BitMine, SharpLink Gaming, and VivoPower, incorporate crypto into their treasury portfolios for strategic advantages, inflation protection, or to deepen their engagement with the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
How can more small businesses accept crypto?
The solution lies in the development of user-friendly technologies and an expanding financial ecosystem.
Step 1: Choose a payment processor
Payment processors like BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, and CoinGate simplify crypto payment integration for small businesses with minimal technical expertise. By converting cryptocurrencies into fiat instantly, these processors reduce volatility risks.
Step 2: Reduce compliance costs
Automated tax reporting systems and open regulatory frameworks can alleviate the financial and legal burdens on small business owners.
Step 3: Embrace a broader variety of digital assets
With lowered technical barriers and simplified compliance, businesses can confidently accept a wider 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.
