Bitcoin is the largest cryptocurrency in the world, held by millions of people. When Bitcoin was launched, it promised the possibility of making transfers without needing an intermediary. A lot of things have happened since Bitcoin was created, and many companies have accepted Bitcoin as a payment method. Accepting crypto payments is a big leap, which is why companies need to look at several aspects before making this decision, and the current Bitcoin price is a decisive factor.
Because digital currencies are closer to mainstream adoption, various companies wonder if they should join the crypto movement. However, some big brands have recognized the big potential of cryptocurrencies and accepted crypto payments for some time now.
Here are the top companies that accept Bitcoin payments.
Microsoft
The biggest software manufacturing company started to accept Bitcoin payments in 2014, which means that the new payment alternative was introduced only five years after the release of Bitcoin. First, the enterprise partnered with BitPay, a Bitcoin payment service, and the collaboration allowed customers to buy games or apps for their Windows operating system, Xbox and Windows Phone. Microsoft wanted to give their users a new experience, so this is the reason why the company accepted crypto payments.
But, things didn’t stop at accepting crypto payments, as the company has also experimented with blockchain technology and launched the first blockchain product, Azure Blockchain Service, in 2015. Although the project was closed because customers didn’t show much interest, Microsoft still represents one of the most important companies focusing on finding innovative solutions.
PayPal
Another important organization that accepts Bitcoin payments is PayPal. PayPal is a global system allowing online payment, where users can receive and send money digitally. Because of the service it offers, PayPal has begun to be accepted by plenty of online merchants and has greatly helped with streamlining the shopping process.
PayPal launched its own cryptocurrency service some years ago, and with its help, customers can sell, buy, and hold crypto with their PayPal accounts. Initially, the service was made only for US-based residents, but now, users from the UK also benefit from it. However, some people are still not interested in the PayPal crypto service because it charges high transaction fees.
Shopify
Shopify is an important e-commerce platform that allows business owners to create or manage online stores. The services from Shopify include website templates, payment processing, marketing tools and more. Also, Shopify is one of the first companies that integrated crypto payment, and this is why it has the reputation of being “crypto-friendly.” Shopify has integrated various third-party payment gateways, like CoinPayments or BitPay, so merchants now have the possibility to accept crypto payment methods in their online stores.
With this innovation’s help, Shopify’s user base can now accept Bitcoin, Ethereum and other altcoins, making the platform very accessible. However, because the payments are made with the help of third-party gateways, users will need to pay additional fees to be able to make crypto payments.
KFC
KFC is an important fast-food company that accepted Bitcoin as payment in 2018. It all started with the KFC from Canada, when clients had the possibility to pay (although for a limited time) for the Bitcoin fried chicken bucket, which cost a little over $27. The transactions were processed with the help of BitPay, and the buckets were delivered directly to the people’s homes.
Dell
Dell is an important technology company that specializes in computer software and hardware. Most people have heard of Dell due to their wide range of computers and laptops, but the organization also produces storage devices, servers and other tech accessories. Dell was one of the first companies to embrace crypto payments. This happened in 2014, when the company integrated BTC payments, thanks to the partnership with Coinbase. In this partnership, customers could buy software and hardware using their Bitcoin holdings.
Pavilion Hotels & Resorts
Pavilion Hotels & Resorts is another company that accepts crypto payments. Pavilion Hotels is a luxury hospitality brand with high-end accommodations in one of the best locations in the entire world, including Rome, Thailand, Bali, and the list can continue.
It was the world’s first boutique hotel chain that accepted cryptocurrency payments. This happened in 2021 when customers could make reservations using ETH, BTC and other altcoins. Pavilion Hotels has partnered with Coindirect to facilitate the experience of customers. In order to make a booking, customers need to contact the specific hotel reservation team. Their team will then send clients all the information they need to make a crypto payment.
Customers who want to opt for this alternative need to know that the payment link received in the email will only be available for 90 minutes. Also, they should know that the crypto payments are non-refundable.
Travala.com
Travala.com is an online booking platform that offers various travel services and accommodation options. This company also accepts Bitcoin payments and became popular particularly because of this fact, which set the organization apart from its competitors like Expedia and Booking.com. The platform has integrated gateways like Binance Pay to enable clients to book their accommodation with cryptocurrencies. Travala.com allows customers to pay for their holidays with over 50 cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Bitcoin and Binance Coin.
Twitch
Twitch is a live streaming platform focused on video games, owned by Amazon. Twitch supports crypto, as viewers can donate cryptocurrencies to their favorite streamers. Still, streamers need to set up this feature beforehand so that the payment gateways can facilitate the transactions.
With the help of these gateways, viewers can send tips using over 50 digital currencies. Twitch has become a crypto-friendly platform encouraging users to pay using their digital assets. In 2020, the organization offered a 10% discount to clients who paid their subscriptions using cryptocurrencies.
Plenty of companies accept crypto payments in their operations, and the number is expected to increase more and more due to the popularity of digital currencies.