Cryptocurrency payments have become mainstream by 2026, with major global brands, e-commerce platforms, and even local businesses accepting digital assets alongside traditional payment methods. This shift is driven by consumer demand for fast, borderless transactions, lower fees, and improved payment technology, with stablecoins and clear regulations addressing earlier concerns. Cold wallet solutions, such as Tangem Wallet, make spending cryptocurrency secure and user-friendly, further accelerating adoption across various sectors, including travel, retail, entertainment, and real estate.
Cryptocurrency adoption has moved well beyond the early-adopter phase. In 2026, crypto payments sit alongside cards, bank transfers, and mobile wallets as a practical way to pay, used by millions of people and accepted by hundreds of global brands. Faster, borderless transactions, lower fees, clearer regulations, and the rise of stablecoins have transformed crypto into a mainstream payment option. Mainstream companies now rely on gateways like BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, and NOWPayments, which enable customers to pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins. At the same time, merchants have the option to receive local currency. To spend crypto securely without sacrificing simplicity, users need true self-custody. Tangem Wallet achieves this by combining secure hardware with fast, contactless payments, eliminating the need for seed phrases, and keeping private keys safely offline.
Why More Companies Accept Cryptocurrency in 2026
Companies adopt cryptocurrency payments for practical reasons, not ideological ones. First, crypto enables borderless payments. A customer in Singapore can pay a merchant in Canada in seconds, without banks, correspondent fees, or currency conversions slowing down the process.
Second, transaction costs are often lower than traditional card networks, especially for international payments. For businesses with global customers, this directly improves margins. Third, settlement is fast. Blockchain payments settle in minutes, sometimes even seconds, compared to the days required for card chargebacks and bank transfers, improving cash flow and reducing fraud risk.
Payment gateways make adoption simple. BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, and NOWPayments handle invoicing, confirmations, and accounting. Merchants can accept crypto without touching private keys or worrying about volatility. Regulation also plays a role. In many regions, crypto payment rules are more straightforward than they were a few years ago. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC offer price stability, making crypto spending practical for everyday purchases.
How to Pay with Cryptocurrency Using Tangem Wallet
1. Setting Up Tangem Wallet
Getting started with Tangem Wallet takes 3 minutes. There is no seed phrase to write down, and no complex setup is required. You tap the Tangem card on your phone, create a wallet, and you are ready to go. The private key stays securely inside the card.
2. Connecting to a Crypto Payment Gateway
When paying a merchant, you usually scan a QR code generated by BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, or a similar provider. Tangem Wallet supports major blockchains and stablecoins, making it compatible with most gateways used by merchants today.
3. Confirming the Transaction
After scanning the QR code, you review the amount and network fee. One tap confirms the transaction. The payment broadcasts to the blockchain, and the merchant receives confirmation almost instantly.
Benefits of Using Tangem for Payments
Tangem offers contactless payments that feel familiar to anyone who has used NFC (Near Field Communication) cards. It is non-custodial, so you always control your funds. Security is built into the hardware, protecting your assets even if your phone is compromised. For a deeper look at advanced payment flows, see How Send via Swap Works in Tangem Wallet.
Major Companies That Accept Cryptocurrency
Many well-known global brands now support crypto payments directly or through partners.
Microsoft accepts Bitcoin for Xbox content and gift cards in supported regions. Gamers can top up balances without relying on traditional payment methods.
PayPal supports crypto checkout in select countries, letting users pay with supported cryptocurrencies while merchants receive fiat.
Shopify enables thousands of merchants to accept crypto through integrated apps like BitPay and Coinbase Commerce, making Shopify one of the largest crypto-friendly ecosystems globally.
Overstock remains a classic example of early adoption, having accepted Bitcoin for years and subsequently expanded to other cryptocurrencies.
Other notable examples include Newegg for electronics, AT&T for telecom bills, Wikipedia for donations, and Twitch for subscriptions and tips. These businesses that accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies demonstrate that crypto payments can work at scale.
Online Stores and E-Commerce Retailers
E-commerce leads crypto adoption because it benefits most from global, digital-native payments.
Thousands of Shopify-based stores accept crypto through BitPay or Coinbase Commerce. Customers can pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, and more, often without knowing which gateway the merchant uses.
Many Etsy sellers accept direct wallet payments. While Etsy does not officially support crypto, individual sellers often list wallet-based payment options in product descriptions.
Newegg continues to accept crypto for tech purchases. Travala offers crypto-friendly travel bookings. Bitrefill and Namecheap enable users to purchase gift cards, domains, and hosting services with cryptocurrency.
Tangem Wallet integrates seamlessly with these platforms, ensuring secure and straightforward e-commerce crypto payments.
Travel, Flights, and Hotels That Accept Cryptocurrency
Travel is one of the strongest real-world applications of cryptocurrency.
Travala accepts dozens of cryptocurrencies for flights, hotels, and activities. CheapAir allows users to book flights with Bitcoin and other assets. AirBaltic accepts crypto for specific routes, while Destinia supports crypto hotel bookings.
Expedia users can book crypto-friendly hotels through Travala’s inventory. Marriott stays can be paid indirectly using gift cards purchased with crypto.
Restaurants and Retail Chains Accepting Cryptocurrency
Food and retail adoption often happens through intermediaries.
Starbucks allows crypto-funded payments through Bakkt-powered gift cards. Subway has tested crypto payments in several regions. Burger King Venezuela accepts crypto directly in some locations, and KFC Canada ran a well-known Bitcoin promotion.
Delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash do not accept crypto directly, but users can buy gift cards through BitPay or Bitrefill and spend them like cash.
These restaurants that accept Bitcoin, either directly or indirectly, demonstrate how cryptocurrency fits into everyday spending.
Gaming, Entertainment, and Gift Cards
Digital entertainment embraced crypto early.
Twitch accepts crypto-based subscriptions and tips through supported processors. Xbox and PlayStation balances can be topped up using crypto-funded gift cards.
Gift card platforms play a significant role. Bitrefill, Coinsbee, and CryptoRefills enable users to purchase gift cards for hundreds of brands using Bitcoin and stablecoins.
Tangem Wallet supports these platforms, making it easy to buy gift cards with Bitcoin and use them instantly.
Automotive, Luxury, and Real Estate
High-value purchases increasingly involve crypto.
Tesla previously accepted Bitcoin and may reintroduce it as regulations evolve. BMW and Lamborghini dealers accept crypto through BitPay or Crypto.com Pay in select markets.
Luxury brands such as Gucci, TAG Heuer, and Balenciaga have experimented with cryptocurrency payments, particularly in their flagship stores.
In real estate, platforms like Propy, Pacaso, and Harbor Custom Development enable property purchases using cryptocurrency, often with blockchain-based settlement.
Gift Card Platforms and Indirect Payment Methods
Even when a store does not accept crypto directly, gift cards bridge the gap.
BitPay, Bitrefill, CoinGate, and CryptoRefills allow users to convert crypto into spendable balances for major brands.
Tangem Wallet users can securely fund these purchases without relinquishing custody of their assets. This indirect method significantly expands the options for where people can spend their crypto.
Regional Highlights – Where to Spend Crypto Around the World
United States — Crypto payments are common through BitPay and Coinbase Commerce. Major brands include Newegg, AT&T, and Shopify merchants.
Canada — Crypto-friendly merchants include electronics retailers, restaurants, and travel services. Bitcoin ATMs also support local spending.
El Salvador — Bitcoin is legal tender. Many restaurants, hotels, and stores accept BTC directly.
Switzerland, known for its crypto-friendly regulations, supports crypto payments in retail, public services, and luxury goods.
Portugal — Crypto adoption is strong in the tourism, restaurant, and real estate sectors, driven by favorable tax policies.
Singapore and UAE — Both regions support crypto payments in luxury retail, travel, and fintech services.
These examples illustrate crypto adoption by country and showcase global crypto-friendly retailers.
The Future of Crypto Payments
Crypto payments will continue to grow. Stablecoins will dominate everyday spending, offering speed without volatility. CBDCs may coexist with open blockchain payments rather than replace them. Layer-2 solutions, such as the Lightning Network, will enable faster and cheaper Bitcoin payments. Other networks will improve scalability and user experience. Tangem plays a key role by removing friction. Secure, simple self-custody allows users to spend crypto confidently, without technical barriers. For more on emerging payment networks, see What is Hedera (HBAR)?
FAQs – Stores That Accept Cryptocurrency
What companies accept cryptocurrency in 2026?
Companies like Microsoft, Shopify merchants, Overstock, Newegg, and Travala accept crypto via BitPay and Coinbase Commerce.
Can I use crypto on Amazon?
Amazon does not directly accept crypto, but users can purchase gift cards through platforms like Bitrefill.
Do airlines and hotels accept crypto?
Yes. Travala, CheapAir, and Destinia accept various cryptocurrencies for travel bookings.
Many merchants accept stablecoins such as USDT, USDC, and DAI.
Conclusion
Cryptocurrency adoption has firmly moved into the mainstream. From global tech companies to local restaurants, from online stores to real estate transactions, cryptocurrency payments are an integral part of everyday commerce in 2026. Gift cards and payment gateways further expand spending options, making it possible to use cryptocurrency almost anywhere. As stablecoins and layer-2 solutions mature, this trend is likely to accelerate. Tangem Wallet stands out as a simple, secure, non-custodial way to spend crypto in the real world. It combines ease of use with robust security, making cryptocurrency payments practical for everyday life.
