Cryptocurrency usage has drastically increased in the last few years, thanks to several megacorporations embracing blockchain technology. While Bitcoin, the first digital currency, still remains the most valuable and popular, other cryptocurrencies, notably Ethereum and Tether, which were conceived later, have changed the entire digital landscape.
Many online platforms, physical stores, popular websites, and e-commerce sites have extended their compatibility with crypto payment services. This has had a huge effect on the consumer market, which has become more fast-paced due to the swift nature of crypto transactions.
Crypto wallets today can do more than just store your digital assets; some of them even allow you to store NFTs, access Web3, DApps, and much more. These wallets work seamlessly whenever you want to make purchases using cryptocurrency. You can learn more about crypto and everything related to it at cryptocurrencyhelp.com.
Here are the 10 major online stores that accept cryptocurrency
The below-listed companies range from e-commerce stores to online service providers and gift card retailers.
Microsoft
Microsoft is the second largest company in the world by market cap ($2.743 Trillion). Being a tech behemoth of this size, the company’s early adoption of crypto was responsible for the general populace’s increased trust in blockchain’s credibility. Users can purchase anything from Microsoft Store including games, movies and applications using Bitcoin.
NewEgg
Newegg Commerce, Inc is an online retailer specializing in computer hardware and consumer electronics. Newegg ships products worldwide and has been doing so since 2001, establishing itself as a leading global online retailer and go-to store of every gamer needs. The store accepts most of the major cryptocurrencies including Shiba Inu Token, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Bitcoin and more when checking out with BitPay.
Shopify
Shopify is an e-commerce company that provides a platform to retailers and businesses to sell online and offline. It offers retailers an array of services including marketing, inventory management, customer engagement tools, and more. The way Shopify platform uses cryptocurrency is by creating an environment for its retailers to accept payments in crypto for themselves.
Ralph Lauren
The Ralph Lauren brand needs no introduction, it is easily the most well-known fashion brand around the globe. The brand recently opened its first ever store that supports crypto payments in Miami’s Design District. Customers can buy in-store merchandise with Bitcoin, MATIC tokens, Ethereum and more. Though the same crypto payments option isn’t available on the company’s online store.
NordVPN
As far as VPN companies go there are a very few out there that can match NordVPN services. With over 5000 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN provides one of the fastest VPN connections out there. NordVPN accepts Bitcoins, Ethereum and many other cryptocurrencies with CoinPayments as its crypto payment gateway.
Gyft
Gyft is a digital card platform that allows you to buy gift cards from hundreds of brands, such as PlayStation, Walmart, UberEats, Adidas, American Airlines and many more. Gyft accepts Bitcoin payments, thus indirectly allowing users to use crypto at stores that do not support it yet.
Twitch
Twitch is a video-streaming platform, mostly known for video games, that allows users to top up bits using Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, USDC, and more. The popular streaming platform has been accepting crypto payments since 2014, making it one of the early adopters of crypto.
The Amazon-owned streaming service discontinued its support for crypto in Q1 2019, but it was only for a short period of time. After soon reintroducing it, the platform has been encouraging its subscribers to use crypto over other payment modes.
PayPal
PayPal is a Fortune 500 company, and it’s one of the most used payment platforms worldwide. PayPal allows users to use Bitcoin at checkout; however, this feature is only available to US accounts. PayPal manages your cryptocurrency like any other digital wallet, except the platform doesn’t transfer asset ownership to you. Meaning you can’t take your cryptocurrency out of your PayPal wallet without cashing it out first.
Tesla
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has always been an enthusiastic supporter of cryptocurrency. Musk’s Automotive Company only accepts Dogecoin for some of the company merchandise. Elon Musk launched Bitcoin payments for Tesla cars in 2021, but that initiative was short-lived. Now the Tesla store only accepts Dogecoin, and you can’t use it to buy cars.
Starbucks
Starbucks started accepting cryptocurrency in 2021 for coffee and everything else sold in its stores. Customers can use Bitcoin and Ethereum to load money in their Starbucks cards thanks to the brand’s partnership with PayPal and Bakkt.
Wrapping Up
With so many platforms accepting cryptocurrency payments, it’s important to note that you will need a supported wallet readily available. BitPay will seamlessly connect with most online platforms, allowing you to make swift transactions.
Stores such as Amazon still don’t accept crypto payments; however, you can purchase Amazon gift cards with Bitcoin and then use them as traditional cash at the online store.