7 Best Places That Accept Bitcoin in 2025
As Bitcoin transitions from a speculative asset to a practical currency, the question on every holder's mind is: where can I actually use it? The ecosystem of merchants accepting BTC is growing faster than ever, spanning from local coffee shops to global e-commerce giants. Whether you're looking to book your next vacation, buy the latest tech, or simply grab a bite to eat, there are now dedicated platforms and directories to help you find places that accept bitcoin. This guide dives into the most reliable and useful resources available today, helping you seamlessly integrate your digital wealth into your everyday spending.
Navigating this landscape requires the right tools. From community-driven maps that pinpoint physical stores in your neighborhood to comprehensive directories from major payment processors, we've curated the definitive list. Each resource offers a unique way to connect with businesses that are part of the growing Bitcoin economy, and we'll show you exactly how to use them with direct links and screenshots. To gain further perspectives on the evolving landscape of digital payment trends and cryptocurrency adoption, consider exploring in-depth discussions on digital payment trends that cover the broader market shifts. Our focus here is on actionable information: we will explore platforms that list direct merchants, services that let you buy gift cards with crypto, and even how major retailers are getting in on the action. Get ready to turn your satoshis into real-world goods and services.
1. BTC Map: Your Hyperlocal Bitcoin Compass
For those committed to supporting the grassroots Bitcoin economy, BTC Map is an indispensable tool. Unlike broader crypto directories, this open-source, community-driven platform focuses exclusively on physical merchants who accept Bitcoin. It provides a pure, unfiltered global map of places that accept Bitcoin, from local coffee shops to electronics stores, helping you live on a Bitcoin standard wherever you are. Its strength lies in its dedicated user base, which actively adds, verifies, and updates listings to ensure the data remains current and reliable.
The platform is a free web app accessible directly from your browser without needing an account, making it incredibly user-friendly and privacy-focused. Its interface is clean and intuitive, centering on a global map that you can search or browse. The "recently verified" feature is particularly valuable, giving you confidence that a listed merchant is still actively accepting Bitcoin payments before you make the trip.
Key Features and How to Use Them
BTC Map's utility extends beyond a simple search. It’s a dynamic ecosystem for Bitcoiners to map out the circular economy in real-time.
- Payment Type Filters: You can filter results to find merchants who accept on-chain payments, Lightning Network payments, or both. This is crucial for planning your spending based on transaction speed and fees.
- Community Verification: Users can verify a merchant's status directly from the app. Look for the green checkmark and "verified" date to confirm a listing's accuracy.
- Contribute and Edit: If you discover a new Bitcoin-accepting business, you can add it to the map yourself. This collaborative approach ensures the map grows organically and stays up-to-date, especially in emerging Bitcoin hotspots.
Why BTC Map Stands Out
The platform's singular focus on Bitcoin is its greatest advantage. By excluding altcoins, it eliminates the confusion and "crypto-accepted" ambiguity common on other platforms, connecting you directly with merchants who truly support the network.
| Feature Comparison | BTC Map | General Crypto Directories |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto Focus | Bitcoin-only (On-chain & Lightning) | Often includes hundreds of altcoins |
| Data Source | Open-source, community-maintained | Typically proprietary and centrally managed |
| Verification | Transparent, user-driven verification system | Verification process is often opaque |
| Cost & Access | Free, no account required for browsing | May require sign-up or have premium tiers |
This dedication makes it an essential resource for anyone serious about finding real-world places that accept Bitcoin.
Visit the website: https://btcmap.org
2. Coinmap: The Original Crypto-Accepting Venue Heatmap
As one of the earliest and most recognized directories, Coinmap offers a broad, historical view of the global crypto economy. It functions as a crowdsourced heatmap, visualizing thousands of physical venues-including shops, hotels, and ATMs-that have been reported to accept cryptocurrency. Unlike Bitcoin-only platforms, Coinmap is crypto-agnostic, providing a wider but less specific look at general crypto adoption. Its long-standing presence means it has a vast dataset, making it a valuable starting point for finding potential places that accept Bitcoin or other digital currencies.
The platform is a free-to-use web app with a straightforward, map-centric interface. Users can easily browse different regions, zoom in on cities, and click on pins to get more information about a specific venue. The ability to filter by categories like "food," "lodging," or "ATM" helps narrow down the search. While its data can sometimes be dated, its crowdsourced nature allows anyone to add new venues or suggest updates, contributing to the ongoing effort of mapping crypto-friendly businesses.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Coinmap's strength lies in its simplicity and large repository of historical data, making it a useful tool for discovering long-standing crypto merchants.
- Category Filters: You can easily refine your search by venue type, such as "cafe," "grocery," or "nightlife." This helps you find specific kinds of businesses that match your needs.
- Venue Pages: Clicking a pin on the map opens a dedicated page with details like the venue's name, address, website, and sometimes a list of accepted cryptocurrencies, though this information is user-submitted.
- Crowdsourced Submissions: Anyone can add a new crypto-accepting venue to the map. This open contribution model has been key to its extensive global coverage over the years.
Why Coinmap Stands Out
Coinmap's value comes from its broad scope and historical depth. While it's not Bitcoin-exclusive, it provides one of the largest and longest-running maps of general crypto merchant adoption, offering a different perspective on the ecosystem's growth.
| Feature Comparison | Coinmap | Bitcoin-Specific Directories |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto Focus | Crypto-agnostic (includes many coins) | Exclusively Bitcoin (On-chain & Lightning) |
| Data Source | Crowdsourced with periodic refreshes | Often community-maintained in real-time |
| Verification | Relies on user reports; can be outdated | Often have active, recent verification systems |
| Cost & Access | Free, no account required for browsing | Typically free with no sign-up needed |
Its inclusive approach makes it a useful resource for exploring the wider world of crypto commerce, but users should always verify a venue's current payment policies before visiting.
Visit the website: https://www.coinmap.org
3. BitPay Merchant Directory: A Curated Gateway to Major Brands
For those looking to spend Bitcoin with established online retailers, the BitPay Merchant Directory serves as a trusted and curated portal. As the official directory from one of the world's largest crypto payment processors, it lists over 250 major brands that have formally integrated BitPay to accept cryptocurrency payments. This platform is ideal for finding reliable places that accept Bitcoin across various sectors, from tech giants to fashion retailers, removing the guesswork of whether a checkout will be successful.
The directory is a free-to-use web page that’s cleanly organized by categories like "Electronics," "Gaming," and "Travel." Its primary strength lies in its reliability; every merchant listed is a verified BitPay partner, ensuring a smooth payment process. The platform also seamlessly connects with the broader BitPay ecosystem, including their wallet app and browser extension, which can streamline the checkout experience even further.
Key Features and How to Use Them
BitPay’s directory is more than a simple list; it's an integrated part of their payment services, designed to make spending crypto as easy as using a credit card.
- Categorized Browsing: Quickly find merchants by category. Whether you’re looking for a new laptop, booking a flight, or paying for a VPN subscription, the organized sections make discovery simple and efficient.
- Integrated Payment Options: The directory highlights different ways to pay. You can pay directly at a merchant's checkout, buy gift cards for hundreds of other brands with Bitcoin, or even pay personal bills through the BitPay Bill Pay service.
- Browser Extension Integration: For a smoother experience, the BitPay browser extension can automatically detect partner sites and prompt you with a "Pay with Crypto" option at checkout, bridging the gap between browsing the directory and making a purchase.
Why BitPay Merchant Directory Stands Out
The platform’s main advantage is its official, curated nature. Unlike community-driven maps, every listing is a verified partner, which guarantees a consistent and professional payment experience. It’s an excellent starting point for new users who want confidence in their crypto transactions.
| Feature Comparison | BitPay Merchant Directory | Community-Driven Maps (e.g., BTC Map) |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto Focus | Multi-coin, including Bitcoin | Often Bitcoin-only |
| Data Source | Centrally managed and verified by BitPay | Open-source, community-maintained |
| Merchant Scope | Primarily large online retailers & brands | Focuses on physical, local businesses |
| Payment Method | Direct checkout, gift cards, bill pay | Primarily direct in-person payments |
This curated approach makes the BitPay Directory a go-to resource for anyone looking to use Bitcoin at well-known online stores with maximum convenience and security.
Visit the website: https://bitpay.com/directory
4. CoinGate Merchant Directory: A Gateway to Digital Services
For those looking to spend Bitcoin on digital goods and online services, CoinGate's Merchant Directory is a powerful resource. As a prominent crypto payment processor, CoinGate provides a curated list of online businesses that use its platform to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This directory is particularly strong in tech-centric categories, making it one of the best places that accept Bitcoin for services like VPNs, web hosting, and other digital subscriptions. It serves as a direct bridge between consumers and a growing ecosystem of crypto-friendly online merchants.
The platform offers a clean, searchable interface that allows users to easily browse merchants by category or name. While it supports numerous cryptocurrencies, its robust support for both on-chain Bitcoin and the Lightning Network ensures users can choose the payment method that best suits their needs for speed and cost. Because the listed merchants are all integrated with CoinGate's payment gateway, you can generally expect a smooth and standardized checkout experience across different sites.
Key Features and How to Use Them
CoinGate's directory is more than just a list; it’s an actively maintained portal for discovering and using crypto-accepting services.
- Categorized Search: The directory is neatly organized into categories like VPN, Hosting, Gaming, and Entertainment. This makes it simple to find specific types of online services you need to purchase with Bitcoin.
- Multi-Currency Support: While our focus is Bitcoin, it's useful to know that merchants listed here accept a wide range of assets. Payments are supported via the Lightning Network for fast, low-fee transactions.
- Verified Merchant Ecosystem: Since all businesses in the directory use CoinGate's own payment processing tools, there is an inherent level of verification. You can be confident that these vendors are set up and actively accepting crypto payments.
Why CoinGate Merchant Directory Stands Out
CoinGate's specialization in digital and high-risk industries gives it a unique edge. It provides access to a specific segment of the market that is often at the forefront of crypto adoption, setting it apart from general-purpose directories.
| Feature Comparison | CoinGate Merchant Directory | General Merchant Finders |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant Niche | Strong focus on digital/tech services | Broad mix of physical and online stores |
| Payment Integration | Standardized via CoinGate's own gateway | Varies widely by merchant |
| Crypto Support | Bitcoin (On-chain & Lightning) + 15+ others | Often limited to just Bitcoin or a few majors |
| Geographic Focus | Global online services, some regional limits | Can be hyperlocal or broadly global |
This focus makes it an essential bookmark for anyone looking to use their Bitcoin for practical, everyday online tools and subscriptions.
Visit the website: https://coingate.com/stores
5. Bitrefill: Your Gateway to Everyday Spending with Bitcoin
Bitrefill acts as a powerful bridge between the Bitcoin economy and traditional retail, allowing you to spend your crypto at thousands of mainstream brands that don't directly accept it. The platform specializes in selling digital gift cards and mobile top-ups for a vast array of global retailers, all purchasable with Bitcoin. This makes it one of the most practical and popular places that accept Bitcoin for day-to-day needs, from groceries at Walmart to app purchases on Apple's App Store.
The user experience is designed for speed and simplicity. You can browse over 5,000 gift cards, select your desired amount, and pay instantly using on-chain Bitcoin or the Lightning Network for near-instant, low-fee transactions. For many purchases, no account is required, and the digital gift card code is delivered to your email within seconds, making it a frictionless way to convert BTC into real-world goods and services.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Bitrefill is more than just a gift card store; it's a tool for integrating Bitcoin into your daily financial life without waiting for mass merchant adoption.
- Extensive Gift Card Catalog: Choose from thousands of popular brands, including Amazon, Walmart, Apple, and Starbucks. Simply select a brand, choose a value, and pay with Bitcoin.
- Lightning Network Integration: For the fastest experience, use a Lightning-enabled wallet. Payments confirm almost instantly, and your digital code is delivered immediately, perfect for in-store, on-the-spot purchases.
- Bill Pay Services: In some regions, you can even pay utility bills or credit card statements, further expanding the platform's utility as a comprehensive crypto-to-fiat spending solution.
Why Bitrefill Stands Out
Bitrefill's primary advantage is its ability to unlock the entire retail landscape for Bitcoin holders. It effectively makes almost any store a place that accepts Bitcoin, albeit indirectly. The speed and efficiency offered by its Lightning Network integration set it apart from slower, on-chain-only services.
| Feature Comparison | Bitrefill | Other Gift Card Retailers |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto Focus | Bitcoin-first (On-chain & Lightning) | Often limited to on-chain or a few altcoins |
| Delivery Speed | Instant digital delivery via Lightning | Can take minutes or hours for confirmation |
| Account Requirement | Optional for many purchases | Frequently mandatory |
| Product Variety | Over 5,000 global brands and mobile top-ups | Typically a smaller, region-specific selection |
This focus on convenience and accessibility makes Bitrefill an essential service for anyone looking to seamlessly use their Bitcoin for everyday expenses.
Visit the website: https://www.bitrefill.com
6. Newegg: The Tech Enthusiast's Bitcoin Haven
For technology enthusiasts looking to spend their Bitcoin, Newegg stands out as a pioneering and reliable option. As a major US-based online retailer specializing in PC components, computer hardware, and consumer electronics, Newegg has been one of the longest-running mainstream places that accept Bitcoin, integrating it as a payment method via BitPay way back in 2014. This long history provides a level of trust and stability, allowing you to directly purchase everything from a new graphics card to a gaming laptop with your BTC.
The platform is renowned for its vast selection and competitive pricing, making it a go-to destination for builders and tech hobbyists. The checkout process is streamlined for crypto users, with a clear "Pay with BitPay" option available on the desktop site. This direct integration means you can complete your purchase in a few clicks without converting your Bitcoin to fiat first, creating a seamless transaction for high-value electronics.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Newegg’s implementation via BitPay makes spending Bitcoin on the latest tech straightforward, but there are a few key details to know for a smooth experience.
- BitPay Checkout: At the payment step on the desktop version of Newegg's site, simply select "Pay with BitPay." You will be redirected to a BitPay invoice where you can choose Bitcoin and complete the payment from your wallet.
- Wide Product Selection: Use your Bitcoin to purchase thousands of products, including CPUs, GPUs, motherboards, laptops, and other consumer electronics from top brands.
- Important Exclusions: Note that the BitPay option is not available for all purchases. It cannot be used for Newegg gift cards, pre-orders, or subscription-based items. It is also currently limited to the desktop checkout process.
Why Newegg Stands Out
Newegg’s commitment to cryptocurrency payments since 2014 makes it a trusted and established player in this space, unlike newer, more volatile platforms. Its focus on a specific, high-demand niche (electronics) provides clear value for a significant portion of the Bitcoin community.
| Feature Comparison | Newegg (via BitPay) | Other Retailers |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto Integration | Direct checkout on desktop | Often requires gift card workarounds |
| Product Focus | Specialized in tech and electronics | General merchandise or niche goods |
| History of Acceptance | Since 2014, a long-term supporter | Newer or inconsistent adoption |
| Refund Policy | Typically issued as Newegg gift cards | Varies widely; can be complex |
This long-standing acceptance, combined with its extensive product catalog, solidifies Newegg’s position as one of the best places that accept Bitcoin for substantial tech purchases.
Visit the website: https://www.newegg.com
7. CheapAir: Book Your Travels with Bitcoin
As one of the earliest pioneers in the travel industry to embrace cryptocurrency, CheapAir has been a reliable option for booking flights and hotels with Bitcoin since 2013. This US-based online travel agency simplifies the process of using your digital assets for real-world travel, making it one of the most established places that accept Bitcoin. It functions like any other travel booking site, offering competitive pricing and a wide selection of airlines, but with the crucial addition of a seamless crypto payment option at checkout.
The platform’s user interface is straightforward and familiar to anyone who has booked travel online. You search for your desired flights or hotels, select your options, and proceed to payment where you can choose "Bitcoin & Other Crypto" as your method. The process is integrated directly into their system, providing a clear invoice and payment address, with electronic tickets delivered via email once the blockchain transaction confirms.
Key Features and How to Use Them
CheapAir’s long-standing commitment to crypto makes it a trustworthy choice for travelers. Its system is well-tested and designed for ease of use.
- Simple Crypto Checkout: After selecting your travel arrangements, choose the crypto payment option. You will be presented with an invoice and a QR code to complete the payment from your Bitcoin wallet.
- Broad Travel Inventory: As an Online Travel Agency (OTA), CheapAir provides access to a vast inventory of flights and hotels worldwide, ensuring you can find options for almost any destination.
- Pay with Bitcoin and More: While it is a key destination for Bitcoin users, the platform also accepts other popular cryptocurrencies, offering flexibility to digital asset holders.
Why CheapAir Stands Out
CheapAir's primary advantage is its proven track record and deep integration of crypto payments. Unlike newer platforms, it has over a decade of experience processing Bitcoin transactions for travel, building a reputation for reliability.
| Feature Comparison | CheapAir | Other OTAs (if they accept crypto) |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto Experience | Pioneer since 2013, experienced process | Often newer, less proven integrations |
| Payment Process | Direct and integrated checkout | May use third-party plugins or gift cards |
| Asset Support | Bitcoin and a curated list of altcoins | Varies widely, may be limited |
| Customer Support | Experienced in handling crypto-related queries | May lack specialized crypto support |
This history makes CheapAir a go-to platform for anyone looking to convert their Bitcoin into a plane ticket or hotel stay without complications.
Visit the website: https://www.cheapair.com
Top 7 Places Accepting Bitcoin Comparison
| Item | Implementation Complexity | Resource Requirements | Expected Outcomes | Ideal Use Cases | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTC Map | Low - community-driven open source | Minimal - web app, user input | Up-to-date map of Bitcoin-accepting physical merchants | Finding local Bitcoin-friendly shops | Bitcoin-only focus, fast updates, open data |
| Coinmap | Low - crowdsourced platform | Minimal - user submissions | Broad coverage of crypto-accepting venues including altcoins | Discovering multi-crypto venues worldwide | Large dataset, simple venue additions |
| BitPay Merchant Directory | Medium - curated & integrated with BitPay | Moderate - curator and integration with BitPay system | Reliable list of merchants accepting crypto via BitPay | Shopping with merchants accepting BitPay | Curated, verified merchants, clear checkout info |
| CoinGate Merchant Directory | Medium - actively developed, multi-crypto support | Moderate - API and merchant tools | Discover digital goods and services accepting crypto | Tech and digital service crypto payments | Multi-currency, growing directory, developer tools |
| Bitrefill | Medium - marketplace with crypto payments | Moderate - digital delivery system | Instant gift cards and prepaid cards paid by crypto | Purchasing mainstream gift cards with crypto | Instant delivery, Lightning payments, indirect spending |
| Newegg | Medium - integrated BitPay checkout | Moderate - ecommerce platform | Buy electronics directly with Bitcoin and other cryptos | Online electronics shopping with crypto | Trusted retailer, straightforward checkout |
| CheapAir | Medium - crypto-enabled travel bookings | Moderate - travel booking system | Book flights and hotels with Bitcoin and other cryptos | Crypto payments for travel bookings | Early adopter, wide airline coverage |
Putting It All Together: From Digital Asset to Daily Use
Finding places that accept bitcoin is no longer a niche treasure hunt reserved for early adopters. The journey from a speculative digital asset to a functional, everyday currency is well underway, powered by an expanding ecosystem of innovative tools and forward-thinking merchants. This article has guided you through the most effective platforms available today, showcasing the diverse ways you can seamlessly integrate Bitcoin into your daily transactions.
From the granular, community-driven data of BTC Map and Coinmap for discovering local gems to the curated, global directories of payment processors like BitPay and CoinGate, the options for direct spending are abundant. For those seeking maximum flexibility, Bitrefill stands out as a powerful bridge, converting your crypto into gift cards for thousands of top brands worldwide. Meanwhile, pioneering e-commerce giants like Newegg and travel innovators like CheapAir demonstrate that major retailers are embracing Bitcoin for high-value purchases, from electronics to international flights.
Key Takeaways and Your Next Steps
The central takeaway is that the right tool depends entirely on your spending habits and goals. Your path to effectively using your Bitcoin holdings starts with identifying what you want to buy and where you want to buy it.
- For Local, In-Person Spending: Start with BTC Map. Its real-time, user-verified listings are invaluable for finding coffee shops, restaurants, and services in your neighborhood that support the Bitcoin economy.
- For Broad Online Shopping: Explore the BitPay and CoinGate merchant directories. These platforms give you a vetted list of online businesses that have formally integrated crypto payments, ensuring a smooth checkout process.
- For Maximum Versatility: Bitrefill is your go-to solution. If a direct payment option isn't available, a gift card almost certainly is, making it a nearly universal tool for spending Bitcoin at your favorite stores.
- For Specific Major Purchases: Head directly to dedicated merchants like Newegg for tech or CheapAir for travel. These companies have invested heavily in their payment infrastructure, often providing a superior user experience. Many of these platforms are built using robust e-commerce development principles, which are crucial for integrating new payment methods and ensuring a smooth user experience.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Needs
As you move forward, consider these factors to make an informed choice:
- Transaction Fees: Compare network fees (which vary based on blockchain congestion) with any service fees charged by platforms like Bitrefill. Sometimes, a direct payment will be more cost-effective.
- Privacy: For users prioritizing privacy, tools that facilitate direct wallet-to-wallet payments or services with minimal KYC requirements are preferable.
- Convenience: Weigh the steps involved. Is it easier to use a gift card service or to complete a direct payment through a merchant's integrated gateway? The answer will often depend on the specific retailer.
The landscape of places that accept bitcoin is constantly evolving. By bookmarking these tools and staying informed, you are not just a spectator but an active participant in building a parallel financial system. Every transaction, whether for a cup of coffee or a new computer, strengthens the network and encourages more businesses to join this financial revolution.
Ready to join the growing list of merchants accepting Bitcoin? With ATLOS Crypto Payment Gateway, you can easily integrate a secure, no-KYC, direct-to-wallet payment solution for your business. Start accepting crypto payments in minutes and become one of the premier places that accept bitcoin.