Everyday purchases, travel, and luxury acquisitions continue to transition into the digital realm. Here’s a look at where Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and XRP are being utilized by 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• Coffee shops, fast-food outlets like Starbucks and Sheetz, along with major retailers like Microsoft and Home Depot, are adopting cryptocurrency payments through applications and third-party services.
• Increased platforms are beginning to facilitate Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP payments for significant travel and airline bookings.
• Luxury brands, high-end automotive dealers, and real estate developers are now allowing cryptocurrency transactions for premium products and properties.
• Payment processors enable small businesses to easily accept crypto by instantly converting it to fiat and minimizing compliance expenses.

Cryptocurrencies have become integral to the financial landscape. By 2025, an increasing number of businesses are integrating digital currencies, particularly Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP, not only as payment mechanisms but also as strategic assets.

Everyday Crypto Transactions: Cafes, Restaurants, and Retail Stores

For many holding cryptocurrencies, the initial challenge is determining if they can spend BTC, ETH, or XRP as cash: purchasing a coffee, sandwich, or groceries. XRP generally falls behind BTC and ETH regarding everyday transactions, as fewer small establishments accept it directly, favoring its use in back-end or cross-border payments.

Cafes and Small Restaurants

As of 2025, paying for coffee using crypto has become a reality. Major chains and independent cafés have incorporated cryptocurrency into their daily operations. For instance, at Starbucks, you can buy a Bitrefill gift card and pay for your caramel macchiato using either Ether or Bitcoin.

Applications like Flexa’s SPEDN wallet and reloadable digital gift cards make it straightforward to exchange tokens for beverages.

Convenience stores are also on board. Sheetz accepts Bitcoin, Ether, and other cryptocurrencies at checkout, and fans of XRP can use directories like Cryptwerk to locate smaller eateries willing to accept tokens for meals.

Restaurants and Fast Food Chains

Some McDonald’s locations in crypto-friendly areas now accept Bitcoin through payment applications, allowing fast food transactions with digital currencies.

Across Europe and the U.S., many well-known fast-food brands, including Subway and Burger King, accept crypto payments through gift card services or third-party payment processors. While not every location has in-house integration, it simplifies the process for consumers to utilize their Bitcoin.

Recently, Steak ‘n Shake reported an 11% sales increase attributed to cryptocurrency payments by catering to tech-savvy customers. Chipotle and Baskin-Robbins have also joined via BitPay, where ETH, BTC, or XRP can cover your meal.

Retail and Online Stores

AT&T allows you to pay your mobile bills using ETH or BTC, avoiding late fees. Numerous online and some physical retailers also accept XRP through platforms like CoinGate.

Big tech companies have shown support as well: Microsoft accepts BTC directly or via payment processors, while Newegg supports ETH for in-person purchases, and Overstock facilitates XRP transactions. AMC Theatres permits payment with Bitcoin and various digital currencies for everything from Xbox content to cinema tickets.

Beyond these colossal firms, e-commerce platforms such as Shopify have simplified cryptocurrency acceptance, allowing countless small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt cryptocurrency checkout options easily.

Major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ikea accept cryptocurrency through Bitrefill and BitPay gift cards, enabling you to utilize ETH for home improvement projects.

Expanding into Travel and Luxury

With the maturation of cryptocurrency payments, numerous travel services and airlines are starting to allow bookings through BTC, ETH, and sometimes XRP, either directly or via intermediaries. For example, platforms like Travala.com accept Bitcoin, Ether, and several other digital assets for travel bookings.

In the near future, Emirates will enable first-class ticket purchases using digital currencies, negating foreign exchange complications. The UAE’s premium airline is partnering with Crypto.com for this initiative. AirBaltic in Europe has accepted crypto since 2014 and has already completed thousands of crypto transactions.

Luxury brands and high-end automotive dealers are also stepping into the cryptocurrency market. For example, Post Oak Motor Cars in the U.S. accepts Bitcoin for the purchase of ultra-luxury vehicles through BitPay. In Europe, platforms like BitCars focus on a crypto-exclusive marketplace for luxury and classic cars.

High-end brands are expanding their cryptocurrency acceptance, with stores like Gucci and Ralph Lauren broadening their digital currency options for exclusive collections.

Did You Know? Alternative Airlines allows payment with over 100 cryptocurrencies, including XRP, supporting more than 600 airlines globally.

Financial Services, Remittances, and Institutional Engagement

As we transition from consumer-use to payment infrastructures, the distinctive advantages of Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP become more apparent.

Remittance and Cross-Border Payments

XRP is frequently highlighted in this area due to its ledger system and Ripple’s technology designed to facilitate cheaper and quicker settlement for international transfers. Companies like Mercury FX and Cuallix have utilized XRP for these applications.

Payment Processors and Gateways

Businesses are increasingly embracing cryptocurrency to mitigate volatility risks, facilitated by platforms such as PayPal, BitPay, and NOWPayments, with PayPal enabling retailers to accept over 100 different cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP.

Corporate Treasury Holdings

Certain companies, including BitMine, SharpLink Gaming, and VivoPower, are incorporating cryptocurrencies into their treasury agreements for responsible inflation hedging or to engage further within the cryptocurrency market.

How Can Small Businesses Accept Crypto?

The solution lies in developing more user-friendly technologies and improving the broader financial landscape.

Step 1: Select a Payment Processor

Payment processors like BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, and CoinGate facilitate the easy integration of cryptocurrency payments with minimal technical expertise needed. By converting cryptocurrencies to fiat immediately, these services alleviate the dangers associated with price volatility.

Step 2: Lower Compliance Costs

Automated tax reporting systems and more transparent regulatory frameworks can reduce the financial and legal burdens on small business owners.

Step 3: Embrace Diverse Digital Assets

With lowered technical barriers and simplified compliance, businesses can confidently accept a wider variety of cryptocurrencies.

This article does not offer investment advice or recommendations. Each investment and trading decision involves risks, and readers are encouraged to do their own research before making decisions.