More than 59 million people in the United States today hold some form of cryptocurrency. It’s a growing enterprise that people looking into both as an investment and as an alternative form of spending.
Regardless of why you’re considering Bitcoin, you’ll be glad that you’re up-to-date on it since it keeps you aware of the times.
What can you buy with Bitcoin? We’re happy to explain. Keep reading to learn more about Bitcoin, its benefits, and most importantly, how you can spend it.
What Can You Buy With Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a decentralized type of digital currency that people use for all sorts of transactions. Understanding the ins and outs of Bitcoin will help you figure out how to make transactions that count, and maximize the value from it.
Contrary to previously held popular beliefs, only a fraction of Bitcoin transactions consists of any sort of illegal activity. People used to be wary of Bitcoin for these reasons, but today, it’s as mainstream as ever. To truly get an idea about how mainstream it is, here are just a few of the things that you can buy with Bitcoin:
Purchases From Various Retail Stores
Retail is a $26 trillion industry today globally. It makes sense that retailers would be some of the first to open the door to Bitcoin transactions. Whether you’re shopping with a big box retailer in-person or online, many are beginning to accept Bitcoin for your routine transactions.
Some retail stores that accept Bitcoin payments include:
- Home Depot
- Gamestop
- Microsoft
- NewEgg
- AMC Theatres
Consider checking on your Bitcoin stash the next time you decide to patronize one of these stores or figure out what exchange you would like to use to get your hands on some tokens if you don’t already have them.
New and Used Cars
People searching for automobiles might choose to use Bitcoin as a form of payment. You can use crypto to purchase both gasoline and electric vehicles, depending on what you’re looking for. Car dealerships all over are beginning to allow buyers to close out their purchases by using Bitcoin and other forms of crypto.
You can use Bitcoin either to purchase the vehicle outright, or as a down payment on an automobile. Most notably, Tesla allows buyers to use Bitcoin when ordering a vehicle. The company does this via its own software and will honor the tokens based on its current market value.
Right now, only customers in the United States can purchase vehicles via Bitcoin, though customers around the world will soon be afforded the same luxury.
Tesla aside, there are also third-party auto auction sites that allow you to close your transaction using Bitcoin and other forms of crypto.
Subscription-Based Services
People today are tied to their electronics and entertainment. People get consistent service from these providers thanks to subscription plans of different levels.
Here are a few of the different subscription plans that now allow people to use Bitcoin for their payments:
- AT&T for cell phone data plans and service subscriptions
- Dish Network for satellite TV packages
- Mint.com financial mobile app
Make sure that you look into the differences between the subscription fees when they’re levied in dollars as opposed to Bitcoin. Figure out which amount makes the most sense for your finances and go from there.
Various Types of Insurance
You might also choose to use Bitcoin to pay for your insurance needs. Today, more insurance companies are beginning to accept Bitcoin as payment for your premiums.
Most notably, companies that offer life insurance have started providing these opportunities. Whether you get whole life insurance, term life insurance, or other policies, check with your company to see if they take crypto payments.
Axa is a Swiss-based insurance provider that has been in existence since 1816. They have lasted multiple centuries by setting the standard in their industry, and are continuing to do so by staying on the cutting edge and allowing their customers to use Bitcoin.
Premium Features on Websites
Online forums and discussion groups have long been supporters and advocates of Bitcoin. For many online forum platforms, you can sign up for an account for free and then use Bitcoin and other forms of crypto to get a premium account that comes with more privileges and features.
For instance, Reddit accepts Bitcoin payments from users looking to upgrade their accounts or purchase badges, awards, and other perks. Since Reddit as a platform has a value of $10 billion, you can imagine what kind of growth potential is available in the coming years.
News and Media Publications
If you subscribe to different news publications, you should take the time to see which accepts crypto for subscription fees. Many publications will let you use crypto to pay your monthly subscription fees or pay for annual service in a lump sum. Others accept donations made with crypto.
Examples of some publications that accept Bitcoin include:
- The Chicago-Sun Times
- Bloomberg
- Wikipedia
- Time Magazine
You’ll generally be able to use Bitcoin to pay for these publications both in print and digital form.
Various Purchases With a Bitcoin Debit Card
One of the next evolutions of Bitcoin is the Bitcoin debit card. It works similarly to a typical Visa or Mastercard debit card, except that it is linked to a Bitcoin account.
Like these checking account-based cards, a Bitcoin debit card features a Visa or Mastercard seal, along with a 16-digit minimum, expiration date, and three-digit security code on the back. You can use this card to spend at any point of sale or online transaction where you would normally use a debit or credit card. This is perfect for anyone new to Bitcoin who wants a simple and straightforward way to spend Bitcoin.
The card company will handle the exchange rates for you so that you don’t have to do the math or think about it. You can link your debit card to an app on your phone so that you get alerts every time you swipe. These alerts will show you both in Bitcoin and dollars how much you spent, keep a ledger of each transaction, and let you know your current Bitcoin account balance.
Web Hosts and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
When you need to conduct any sort of online business, it’s always important that you have access to the tools that will assist you. Whether you run a blog, e-commerce website, or any other type of site, you will want to invest in web hosting.
Plenty of web hosting companies today allow you to pay for your hosting and domain by using Bitcoin. This gives you a custom URL and storage space on the web to build your site from the ground up. You can also use Bitcoin to pay for certain Virtual Private Network (VPN) services.
A VPN gives you the chance to protect your identity and location online by using a dummy Internet Protocol (IP) address, rather than your real one. This makes it more difficult to track your activity and allows your internet browsing to remain private.
Real Estate Purchases
Today, real estate professionals and developers are even accepting Bitcoin for real estate transactions. When you’re looking to make a home or land purchase or to otherwise transfer ownership, you might consider using Bitcoin to make it happen.
This is the case whether you’re purchasing from an individual seller or a company that is selling the property. This can help you get a better price for your purchase, which is excellent if you’re looking to get a return on investment (ROI) that boosts your portfolio.
It provides an excellent opportunity to invest in land that you can build on. You can also use Bitcoin to fund your home purchase, whether you’re a first-time home buyer or something looking to expand your portfolio with other properties. Investing in multi-family real estate is an excellent way to grow your portfolio for the future. You can live in one unit and rent out the other one to pay for your mortgage and build an ongoing stream of passive income.
Using Bitcoin for your real estate purchases gives you the chance to control the terms of your purchase while getting the outcomes that you’re looking for.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Transactions of All Types
Of course, you can count on Bitcoin to stay true to its origins, which is Peer-to-Peer (P2P) transactions. You and another individual can engage in any kind of transaction where you opt to exchange good and services using Bitcoin as the method of currency.
Plenty of P2P transaction services, such as PayPal, are even beginning to accept Bitcoin. Figure out which exchange rate works best for you so that you’re able to get the best outcome out of the deal, while also protecting your privacy and finances.
Travel and Lodging
If you’re someone who loves taking trips, you can’t go wrong with using Bitcoin for your travel and lodging. Plenty of travel companies today are on board with cryptocurrency and will allow you to fund your trip using your Bitcoin tokens.
Let’s start with flights. Companies like Norwegian Air and Air Emirates have announced that they’re allowing people to purchase flights and make in-flight purchases with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency tokens. You can also buy flights with third-party sites like CheapAir.com.
Expedia is a large travel website that lets you purchase flights, hotels, rental cars, and other purchases using Bitcoin. This provides you with an excellent option when you’re trying to get the best travel possible at a rate that suits you. Make sure that you keep proof of your confirmation with you and get clarity on how refunds will be processed in the event that something goes wrong.
Live Sporting Events
Professional sports provide some of the best live entertainment experiences that you will find. You can now buy tickets and make concessions, souvenirs, and other in-stadium or in-arena purchases using Bitcoin today.
Certain teams and facilities have gotten on board with crypto and announced that their customers can use Bitcoin as a form of payment. Examples of franchises that will allow you to use Bitcoin include:
- The Dallas Mavericks of the NBA
- The Miami Dolphins of the NFL
- The San Jose Sharks of the NHL
- The Tennessee Titans of the NFL
- The Sacramento Kings of the NBA
- The Oakland Athletics of MLB
You’ll love being able to buy your tickets beforehand and also use Bitcoin once you arrive to the game.
Bitcoin ATM Transactions
Finally, you can also use Bitcoin at the ATM today. There are several Bitcoin ATMs popping up all over that you can use to conduct transactions. They’ll allow you to make Bitcoin withdrawals, deposits, transfers, and other transactions.
Make sure to look into the fees and check today’s exchange rate when you decide to use a Bitcoin ATM. You can also learn more here when you’re doing your research into Bitcoin ATMs.
Start Investing in Bitcoin Wisely
So, what can you buy with Bitcoin? Now that you’re clear on the ins and outs of this form of crypto, you’ll be better able to invest and spend Bitcoin in a meaningful way.
Learn as much as you can about using Bitcoin wisely, and study cryptocurrency updates a few times per week. Choose the best exchange to purchase and store your Bitcoin. Invest in a secure crypto wallet that lets you store your Bitcoin offline.
Once you learn the ropes, you’ll feel comfortable investing in crypto and spending your Bitcoin however you see fit.
Begin with these tips and rely on us when you’re trying to get up-to-date on all things crypto-related.
