How Small Businesses Can Accept Bitcoin and Crypto Payments

Key takeaways

• Accepting crypto funds reduces transaction charges, eliminates chargebacks, and permits seamless international transactions.
• Businesses of all sizes, from e-commerce to actual property, are integrating cryptocurrency funds to draw new clients.
• Dangers like value volatility and regulatory compliance may be managed with trusted cost processors like BitPay, CoinsPaid and Coinbase Commerce.
• Establishing crypto funds is less complicated than ever, with zero upfront prices and user-friendly integration choices for small companies.
• The speedy adoption of cryptocurrencies has led companies of all sizes to more and more embrace digital currencies like Bitcoin as a professional cost technique.

And it’s not only a rehash of previous information. For years, you may need seen luxurious manufacturers like Gucci and telecommunications corporations like AT&T accepting Bitcoin. However as we speak, crypto funds are way more than a simple little bit of PR — they’re seamlessly integrating into e-commerce, hospitality, journey and even your neighborhood espresso store.

What began as a distinct segment trend in the early 2010s has accelerated through the years. As of 2025, over 659 million individuals worldwide — roughly 1 in 13 people — are utilizing cryptocurrency. Furthermore, roughly 15,000 companies globally settle for Bitcoin (BTC), together with round 2,300 in america.

Whereas there are concerns to remember, many view accepting BTC and different cryptocurrencies, whilst a small enterprise, as a win-win. The advantages typically outweigh any challenges, with minimal downsides and important potential rewards.

The next sections discover the whos, the whys and the hows.

What corporations are at the moment accepting cryptocurrencies?

As briefly touched upon, it’s not solely area of interest crypto-specific sectors which are accepting Bitcoin funds. Listed here are some sectors that you simply won’t have thought-about, with accompanying case research.

E-commerce

• Shopify permits retailers to simply accept cryptocurrency funds by way of varied cost gateways, together with BitPay and Coinbase Commerce.
• Newegg accepts Bitcoin and different cryptocurrencies for electronics purchases, integrating crypto funds into its checkout course of.
• Rakuten Japan permits customers to transform Rakuten Factors into Bitcoin, Ether (ETH) and Bitcoin Money (BCH), successfully incorporating crypto into its rewards ecosystem.

Meals and beverage

• Subway accepts Bitcoin at chosen areas, with franchises in Europe and North America processing crypto funds.
• Burger King franchises in Brazil and Venezuela enable clients to pay for meals with Bitcoin and choose altcoins.
• Starbucks helps Bitcoin funds by way of the Bakkt app, enabling clients to reload their Starbucks playing cards with cryptocurrency.

Retail

• Home Depot accepts Bitcoin funds through Flexa, permitting clients to make use of cryptocurrency for house enchancment purchases.
• Whole Foods processes crypto funds by way of the Spedn app, which permits Bitcoin and different digital foreign money transactions at checkout.
• Nordstrom integrates crypto funds into its in-store and on-line procuring platforms, supporting purchases with Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Actual property

• In Miami, a $22.5-million penthouse within the Arte Surfside advanced was bought fully with Bitcoin, one of many largest actual property transactions involving cryptocurrency.
• Magnum Real Estate Group bought a retail apartment in Manhattan for $15.3 million in Bitcoin, marking one of many first large-scale business actual property offers in crypto.
• Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty in Texas accomplished a house sale utilizing Bitcoin, increasing crypto transactions into the residential property market.

Hospitality and journey

• Mirai Flights processes cryptocurrency funds for personal jet charters, catering to high-net-worth people.
• Travala accepts BTC, ETH and different cryptocurrencies for lodge and flight bookings, partnering with main journey service suppliers.
• Expedia facilitates crypto funds for lodge bookings by way of Travala, providing Bitcoin cost choices on choose lodging.

Promoting

• Claimr, a Web3 advertising platform, processes roughly 8 million euros yearly, with nearly all of transactions carried out in cryptocurrency.
• Accessible.org started accepting Bitcoin and different cryptocurrencies in 2025, permitting purchasers to pay for digital accessibility providers with crypto.
• Black Iris Social Membership in Richmond accepts Bitcoin for occasion bookings and memberships, integrating cryptocurrency into its operations.

Do you know? The primary-ever real-world transaction utilizing Bitcoin happened on Might 22, 2010, when programmer Laszlo Hanyecz purchased two pizzas for 10,000 BTC. Immediately, these 10,000 BTC could be price a whole bunch of thousands and thousands of {dollars}, making it one of the crucial costly pizza orders in historical past. This occasion is now celebrated yearly as Bitcoin Pizza Day within the crypto neighborhood.

Why are companies accepting crypto funds?

So, all the large manufacturers are in. However what’s driving this development, and can small companies profit, too?

One of the important benefits is decrease transaction charges. Conventional cost processors and bank card corporations sometimes cost companies between 2% and 4% per transaction, whereas crypto cost gateways typically cut back this to lower than 1%. For companies processing excessive volumes of transactions, these financial savings may be substantial.

One other key issue is the flexibility to entry a worldwide market with out the restrictions of foreign money trade charges and worldwide banking charges. Cryptocurrency funds allow seamless cross-border transactions, permitting companies to serve worldwide clients with out friction. That is particularly helpful for industries like journey, luxurious items and digital providers, the place cross-border commerce is widespread.

Safety and fraud prevention additionally play a task. Cryptocurrency transactions are final, eliminating chargebacks — one thing that prices companies billions of {dollars} yearly in fraudulent disputes. This makes crypto funds notably interesting to retailers in industries the place chargebacks are widespread, corresponding to e-commerce and on-line providers.

Do you know? In 2025, chargeback fraud, notably pleasant fraud, has turn into a major concern for retailers. Notably, a latest survey revealed that 55% of Technology Z and 49% of Millennials incomes over $100,000 yearly admitted to partaking in digital shoplifting — a type of first-party fraud the place shoppers falsely declare points with on-line orders to safe refunds or keep away from funds. 

Moreover, companies acknowledge that accepting cryptocurrency aligns with the preferences of a rising demographic of crypto customers. Corporations integrating crypto funds place themselves as forward-thinking and progressive, interesting to solvent, tech-savvy shoppers preferring digital transactions over conventional banking techniques.

Lastly, some companies are drawn to the potential of holding crypto as an asset. Whereas many use cost processors that immediately convert cryptocurrency into fiat foreign money to keep away from volatility, others see it as a chance to realize publicity to a rising asset class. With main companies like Tesla and MicroStrategy holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets, smaller companies are following go well with, recognizing the potential long-term worth.

Small companies stand to learn essentially the most right here, as accepting crypto funds is a simple technique to carve out a distinct segment for the model, reaching way more clients than could be attainable by providing solely fiat funds. The technique would possibly effectively imply the distinction between failure and success in a aggressive startup atmosphere.

Do you know? A survey by Deloitte discovered that 85% of merchants see crypto funds as a technique to attain new clients.

Dangers of accepting cryptocurrency funds

Whereas accepting crypto funds is usually seen as a win-win, companies should additionally concentrate on potential dangers in doing so on their very own, with out correct accounting techniques and crypto processing companions.

Worth volatility

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are identified for important value fluctuations. For instance, in early 2025, Bitcoin’s value dropped from $109,071 to round $80,000 — a nearly 25% decline within a short period. Such volatility can influence the worth of acquired funds if not promptly transformed to steady currencies.

Regulatory and tax compliance

The regulatory panorama for cryptocurrencies varies by jurisdiction and is regularly evolving. For instance, in america, the Inner Income Service (IRS) classifies cryptocurrencies as property, not currency, which introduces complexities in tax reporting and compliance. Businesses should keep knowledgeable about relevant laws to make sure adherence to tax obligations and keep away from potential authorized points.

Safety considerations

Accepting cryptocurrencies necessitates the usage of digital wallets and exchanges, which may be inclined to cybersecurity threats.
With out strong safety measures, companies danger unauthorized access and theft of digital assets. Implementing sturdy cybersecurity protocols is important.

Technical boundaries

Integrating cryptocurrency cost techniques requires technical data that some small enterprise homeowners might lack. Establishing digital wallets and navigating digital currency exchanges may be difficult, probably resulting in operational inefficiencies or errors. Investing in worker coaching or consulting with specialists could also be obligatory to beat these hurdles.

Market acceptance and notion

Regardless of rising adoption, cryptocurrencies are usually not universally accepted or understood. Some clients could also be hesitant to make use of digital currencies as a result of considerations about safety or unfamiliarity, probably limiting the perceived advantages of providing crypto cost choices. Businesses ought to assess their buyer base to find out if accepting cryptocurrencies aligns with their clientele’s preferences.

Use a crypto cost supplier 

It’s unlikely that, as a small enterprise, you’ll take this street alone — particularly when main crypto payment processors provide zero up-front integration prices:

• These processors provide instant conversion providers, reworking risky cryptocurrencies into steady fiat currencies upon receipt, thereby shielding companies from value fluctuations.
• In addition they help in navigating advanced regulatory landscapes by offering instruments for correct tax reporting and guaranteeing compliance with evolving legal guidelines.
• To handle safety considerations, respected processors implement strong cybersecurity measures, safeguarding digital belongings in opposition to potential threats.
• Moreover, they provide user-friendly platforms that simplify the technical points of cryptocurrency transactions, making integration accessible even for these with restricted technical experience.

The following part will discover quite a lot of crypto processing suppliers that you could be want to select from as a small enterprise.

Which crypto cost gateway to decide on in 2025 

BitPay

Based in 2011, BitPay is a pioneering cryptocurrency cost processor. As of 2024, it holds a 6.26% market share within the Bitcoin cost processing sector, serving over 523 clients. 

BitPay caters to a various clientele, together with retailers, funding banking companies, and nonprofit organizations. The corporate affords direct crypto-to-fiat settlements, serving to companies keep away from volatility whereas guaranteeing seamless integration with current accounting techniques. 

Its safety infrastructure contains two-factor authentication (2FA) and encrypted transactions, making it a trusted choice for enterprises trying to settle for cryptocurrency funds.

CoinsPaid

Established in 2014, CoinsPaid has grown right into a complete crypto cost gateway, processing over 41 million transactions price 23 billion euros. The corporate facilitates roughly 8% of all onchain Bitcoin transactions, making it a serious participant within the crypto funds sector. 

Supporting over 30 cryptocurrencies, CoinsPaid serves industries corresponding to IT, advertising, monetary providers, actual property and playing. The platform affords a enterprise pockets, an over-the-counter (OTC) desk for large-volume transactions and software-as-a-service options tailor-made for crypto integration. 

CoinsPaid is licensed in Estonia and complies with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Cash Laundering (AML) laws whereas present process common unbiased safety audits to take care of its status for safe and compliant processing.

Coinbase Commerce

Launched in 2018 by Coinbase, Coinbase Commerce permits retailers to simply accept a number of cryptocurrencies instantly right into a user-controlled pockets. It supplies seamless integration with main e-commerce platforms corresponding to Shopify and WooCommerce, permitting companies to simply accept ETH, Litecoin (LTC) and USDC (USDC). 

Notably, in February 2024, Coinbase Commerce ended support for Bitcoin and other unspent transaction output (UTXO)-based coins. To make Bitcoin funds, customers will want a Coinbase account. The choice comes as Coinbase faces challenges in implementing updates to its Ethereum Digital Machine cost protocol for Bitcoin.

Whereas particular market share knowledge is restricted, Coinbase Commerce is broadly utilized by small to mid-sized companies throughout sectors corresponding to pc software program, utilities and telecommunications. 

The platform affords a simple setup with no transaction charges aside from customary community prices, making it a sexy choice for companies on the lookout for a easy crypto cost resolution with out intermediaries.

Binance Pay 

Binance Pay, launched by Binance, is a cryptocurrency cost resolution that permits retailers and customers to conduct transactions utilizing varied cryptocurrencies. It helps over 30 cryptocurrencies, together with BTC, ETH and BNB (BNB), permitting for versatile cost choices. 

The platform affords zero transaction charges for each retailers and customers, making it a sexy choice for companies aiming to combine crypto funds with out incurring further prices. Binance Pay additionally emphasizes safety by incorporating options corresponding to 2FA and encrypted transactions, guaranteeing secure and dependable cost processing.

Step-by-step information to arrange a crypto cost gateway 

Regardless of a run-in with the Lazarus Group final 12 months, CoinsPaid continues to function as a serious crypto cost gateway, sustaining aggressive setup prices and charges. As such, this part will stroll you thru the steps you’d be anticipated to take when integrating any crypto cost processor, utilizing CoinsPaid’s circulation for instance.

• Request a session: Businesses can start by submitting a request on the CoinsPaid web site. A CoinsPaid consultant will promptly attain out to schedule a gathering and talk about necessities.
• Obtain a free demo and proposal: The CoinsPaid staff supplies an in depth demonstration of the system, solutions any questions, and prepares a tailor-made proposal based mostly on the corporate’s particular wants.
• Onboarding: To finalize the settlement, companies should full the Know Your Enterprise (KYB) verification by submitting the mandatory paperwork for compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Integration: CoinsPaid’s staff assists in integrating the cost gateway into the corporate’s current infrastructure, guaranteeing a easy and environment friendly setup.
• Begin accepting crypto: As soon as integration is full, companies can start providing cryptocurrency funds, offering clients with an extra cost choice whereas probably increasing their market attain.

By following these steps, you may successfully combine CoinsPaid into your small business, providing your clients the choice to pay with cryptocurrencies. 

Integrating cryptocurrency funds is a forward-thinking funding

With decrease transaction charges, entry to a worldwide buyer base and safety from chargebacks, crypto funds present clear benefits over conventional cost strategies.

The dangers related to crypto funds — corresponding to volatility, regulatory compliance and safety considerations — are simply mitigated by utilizing a trusted cost processor like CoinsPaid, BitPay or Coinbase Commerce. These platforms deal with every little thing from immediate fiat conversion to safety and compliance, making the transition to crypto seamless and low-risk.

With main manufacturers already embracing digital currencies, there’s no purpose for small and medium-sized companies to be left behind. Crypto funds are quick, borderless and cost-effective, making them a no brainer for any forward-thinking enterprise. 

Whether or not you’re a startup trying to acquire a aggressive edge or a longtime firm looking for new income streams, integrating cryptocurrency funds is an funding sooner or later.

This text doesn’t include funding recommendation or suggestions. Each funding and buying and selling transfer entails danger, and readers ought to conduct their very own analysis when making a call.