5 things you can pay for with crypto

With the ever-increasing rise in the popularity and adoption of cryptocurrency around the world, it is unsurprising that tokens can now be used to buy various things. Currently, there is a wide range of items you can buy with your cryptocurrency. If you eventually decide to give spending crypto a try, then knowing what things you can buy is as important as knowing where to spend it. Let’s walk you through 5 things you can pay for with crypto and platforms that accept crypto payments.

Purchasing items with cryptocurrencies

The first known commercial transaction to be made using Bitcoins occurred in 2010 when a programmer known as Laszlo Hanyecz purchased two Papa John’s pizzas for 10,000 BTC. At that time, it seemed like an unfair bargain because Bitcoins and the whole crypto space had just been introduced to the world, so it was unreasonable to exchange it for something tangible. However, now it is an unreasonable bargain because Bitcoin is worth much more than just two stacks of pizza boxes. 

Is it safe to buy things with crypto?

Unlike traditional payment methods (fiat money), crypto users are not protected when spending cryptocurrencies and paying for things with digital coins. The reason for this is that cryptocurrencies are generally decentralized, which means that no central authority or single person is controlling the network. This is not the same for fiat currencies that are government-issued and controlled by the government.

With this in mind, it is very important to research buying things with cryptocurrencies and spending tokens before you execute any trade. 

Also, you need to consider the laws of the country you live in. This is because some countries, such as China and Saudi Arabia have banned the exchange and use of Bitcoin. If you live in a country that doesn’t permit the use of cryptos, it would be very unsafe to buy things with cryptocurrency. 

Which crypto coins can you use to buy products online?

Before we dive into the 5 things you can pay for with crypto, let’s take a look at some popular cryptocurrencies that you can use to buy products online. Currently, Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency and the largest by market cap, so, unsurprisingly, many vendors accept BTC tokens. 

Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that other tokens are exempted and can not be used to pay for items online. Here is a list of some of the cryptocurrencies that are popularly accepted on some e-commerce websites:

• Bitcoin
• Tether
• Ethereum
• Litecoin
• Dogecoin
• XRP
• Dash

5 Things You Can Pay For With Crypto

When it comes to paying for things with cryptocurrencies, your options are not limited as there is a wide range of things to buy with digital coins. However, in this article, we will only list the top 5 things you can pay for with your tokens. Listed below are 5 things you can pay for with crypto

1. Shopping online

Today, there are a lot of e-commerce stores that accept cryptocurrency as a method of payment for items, all thanks to the popularity of the crypto space. One good example of a renowned e-store that accepts crypto is Etsy. Currently, Etsy allows vendors to set Bitcoin as a form of receiving payments for items from buyers.  

Another store that allows you to pay for items in cryptocurrency is Ace Jewelers. Ace Jewelers is a reputable platform that sells quality watches, diamonds, and jewelry. You can pay for any purchase you make with cryptocurrency

2. Insurance

Over the last few years, the insurance industry has started to warm up to cryptocurrency. In 2021, AXA Switzerland announced to the world that it would start accepting Bitcoin as payment for all insurance lines except life insurance. Subsequently, other insurance companies followed the trend. 

Today, Premier Shield Insurance, Atupri Health, and even Metromile accept cryptocurrencies as payment for certain lines of insurance. This advantage also extends to car insurance companies, as Insurance Panda recently announced that they now accept Bitcoin as a method of payment for car insurance. 

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3. Travel bookings and space travel tickets

Expedia, one of the world’s largest and most popular travel and booking agencies, now accepts Bitcoin payments as a method of payment for online hotel bookings. The company collaborated with Coinbase to bring crypto enthusiasts this offer. So you can start using Bitcoins to pay for hotel bookings on this website. 

Also, you can buy space travel tickets from Virgin Galactic using Bitcoin as they currently accept Bitcoin as a form of payment. Many other airlines accept crypto as a method of payment for air tickets. Platforms like Changera also allow you to book flight tickets and pay through your fiat or stablecoins.

4. Gaming and entertainment

Cryptos have been very welcomed in the gaming industry, ever since big shots in the gaming industry accepted them. Microsoft’s Xbox store and Windows Store allow users to buy games, movies, and many kinds of entertainment using Bitcoins. 

You can create a Microsoft account and load it with Bitcoin, then use the recharged card as a method of payment whenever you want to purchase things from the store. However, note that you can not get refunds of the Bitcoin deposit you make on your account so you must be very careful of the amount of Bitcoin you recharge.

Other smaller players in the gaming industry that allow you to pay for things using Bitcoin are Coinmall, BitPlaza, and Zynga. Currently, these platforms permit you to pay for your game and gift card purchases with Bitcoin. 

5. Charity

If you are a crypto enthusiast who has compassion for the needy, then you can do a lot of good with the Bitcoin in your wallet. Binance Charity Foundation, one of the world’s most reputable Charity foundations, accepts donations in Bitcoin. Also, they use the power of blockchain technology to offer donors transparency of all donations. This will allow donors to feel secure knowing that their donations are being used for the right purpose. Other notable foundations that accept crypto donations are UNICEF CryptoFund, Rainforest Foundation, and Electronic Freedom Foundation, among others.

What websites allow spending of Bitcoin?

Here is a list of some websites that allow you to spend Bitcoin: 

• OkCupid (dating site)
• Microsoft (gaming and entertainment)
• CheapAir (travel/hotel booking agency)
• Zynga (Mobile apps/games)
• PizzaForCoins (pizza delivery)
• Etsy (e-commerce, some sellers on Etsy accept Bitcoin as payment)
• AT&T (smartphones and gadgets)
• Burger King (food)
• KFC (food)

Note that several other websites accept Bitcoin so your options are not limited when it comes to paying for things with Bitcoin.

How to purchase items and pay with crypto

Bitmama allows you to create and fund virtual cards with stable coins like USDT and USDT. You can then use this card to pay for all your online purchases.

Follow the steps below to create a virtual card, fund it, and pay for items online with crypto:

Step 1: Download the Bitmama app on Google Play Store or get it on Apple Store, register and log into your account, then click on ”Cards” and navigate to the Cards page, a pop-up box will display showing that you need to verify your account to level (3) three to create virtual cards.

Step 2: Navigate to the verification page in your ”Account” section. Click on the verification button to submit the necessary documents for your verification up to level 3.

Step 3: Return to the home page after completing level 3 verification. Click on get ”Cards” to see available Bitmama crypto cards in different colors.

Step 4: Select your preferred card with its transaction limit per month. Then, navigate to the next step to make payment for the card issuance, choose your payment wallet, and enter your 6-digit pin to complete your payment.

Step 5: Once your payment is successful. Click on ”Continue” to proceed to your cards page. That’s it! you will see your new crypto virtual card.

Fund your virtual card and provide its details to the website you wish to make payment to at the checkout. 

How do returns work if you pay with crypto?

Unfortunately, returns and refunds are not possible when it comes to paying with cryptocurrency. This is because crypto transactions can’t be reversed due to the nature of the blockchain technology, 

With this in mind, you need to check a vendor’s return policy before you decide to pay with crypto. While some vendors may allow you to return items, others may not permit it. So refunds/returns are entirely up to the vendor selling the item. Other vendors may even just offer gift cards for returns on people who paid for items with crypto.

Can I use Bitcoin to pay bills?

Yes, you can use Bitcoin and other kinds of accepted cryptocurrencies to pay some bills. Fortunately, some payment gateways now allow their users to use Bitcoins to settle basic bills. 

Basically, we’ve covered the 5 things you can pay for with crypto, however,  you should know that your options are not just limited to these five things. Hundreds of websites permit users to pay for items with cryptocurrencies. So you can research these websites and spend your tokens on any of the platforms. Lastly, you should understand that cryptocurrencies are not as protected as fiat money so returns and refunds are quite complicated. To avoid running into complex situations, make sure you transfer the right amount of crypto when checking out of the platform. You should also take your time to read about a vendor’s return/refund policy before making payment. 

 Bitmama offers a secure marketplace for crypto enthusiasts. Perform activities like crypto trading and creating virtual dollar cards for online payment. Get started today by downloading the Bitmama app.