Over the last few years, crypto payment infrastructures have been widely implemented across industries, allowing more companies to enable crypto payment options for their consumers. From SMEs to major enterprises, crypto is widely becoming a feasible payment method for many businesses.
This is majorly due to the massive increase of cryptocurrency traders and investors in the last two years. According to reports, around 43% of Americans between the ages of 18 to 30 are actively trading in cryptocurrencies. Globally, 1 in every 10 people has already invested or traded in at least one cryptocurrency. With this increased adoption of cryptocurrencies across the globe, it is a good time to look at some of the major companies that are already accepting Bitcoin payments.
Here are the top 9 S&P500 companies that are currently accepting Bitcoin payments, either on their platforms or for specific products.
Starbucks
The major coffee shop chain has been accepting Bitcoin payments since March 2020. Starbucks partnered with Bakkt digital wallet and iPayYou to allow its consumers to use BTC as a payment method for any purchases. Consumers can use this service only via the Starbucks app. The company is constantly working to improve its BTC integration, and the payment service might soon be available outside of the app, within the payment kiosks of the retail outlets.
Microsoft
Global tech giant Microsoft was one of the earliest adopters of crypto, as the company started accepting BTC payments in 2014. The company currently accepts Bitcoin for a number of its products and services including Xbox live, Windows Store, and Microsoft flagship games. Consumers can directly link their digital crypto wallets to Microsoft’s payment service and complete the transaction.
Whole Foods
Amazon’s subsidiary Whole Foods started accepting crypto payments in 2019. The company accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, Gemini Dollar, and Bitcoin Cash directly on their e-commerce platform. The company uses a direct payment channel for crypto, instead of partnering with any external wallets or exchanges. Consumers can pay to the designated wallet address of Whole Foods when purchasing any grocery.
AT&T
2019 was a critical year for crypto payments, as major telecom service provider AT&T also started accepting BTC payments in the same year. The company partnered with BitPay to become the first major US mobile carrier to accept crypto payments. Consumers can use the myAT&T app and pay for their desired cellular network plan using Bitcoin.
Overstock
Overstock was also an early adopter of crypto payments like Microsoft, as they started integrating BTC payments back in 2014. The company was the first major retailer in the world to accept crypto payments. The company has an active partnership with Coinbase to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, Litecoin, and other crypto payments from their consumers.
Home Depot
The largest home improvement retailer in the world started accepting BTC payments in 2019. Although the payment option is not available for all products, consumers can buy any amount of Home Depot gift cards using the major cryptocurrency directly on their platform and on other subsidiary retail outlets.
PayPal
Major fintech platform PayPal started accepting BTC payments in 2021 from several merchants. The company is still rolling out the payment option across various regions, with different regulatory concerns slowing down the process. Last month, PayPal partnered with blockchain platform Paxos to roll out crypto payment functions in Singapore.
Twitch
The popular streaming platform Twitch started accepting BTC payments back in 2014. However, due to regulatory and maintenance concerns, the platform halted the payment option in 2018. Twitch then brought back the function in 2019, with the platform now accepting a range of different cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, LTC, and BCH. Users of the platform can now accept donations from fans in crypto directly on the platform.
Etsy
The popular e-commerce platform focused on vintage and handmade products started accepting Bitcoin payments in 2021. Although Etsy does not integrate directly with any crypto payment providers to allow these payments, merchants on the platform can set up their own crypto payment methods, allowing their consumers to directly in major cryptocurrencies.
