Key Takeaways
- Coffee shops, fast-food chains such as Starbucks and Sheetz, along with major retailers including Microsoft and Home Depot, now support crypto payments through apps and third-party processors.
- The travel industry is also expanding adoption, with more platforms allowing Bitcoin, Ether and XRP to be used for airline tickets and hotel reservations.
- Luxury fashion houses, premium car dealerships and real estate developers are integrating digital assets into payment options for high-value purchases.
- At the same time, payment processors simplify adoption for small businesses by converting cryptocurrency to fiat instantly and lowering compliance burdens.
Introduction
Cryptocurrencies have moved far beyond being niche experiments in finance. As of 2025, digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ether and XRP are not only held as investments but also embraced by businesses across industries. They are increasingly viewed as legitimate payment methods and strategic financial tools.
These three cryptocurrencies stand out because each offers a unique advantage. Bitcoin has become widely recognized as a store of value, Ether powers the vast ecosystem of smart contracts, and XRP provides extremely fast settlement and is tailored for cross-border payments. Together, they create a blend of trust, functionality and efficiency that businesses of all sizes can leverage.
This article examines how Bitcoin, Ether and XRP are used in practice today, ranging from everyday coffee shop purchases to large-scale integrations in the travel and luxury industries.
Everyday Crypto Transactions: Cafés, Restaurants and Retailers
For many cryptocurrency holders, the most tangible proof of mainstream adoption is the ability to pay for everyday purchases such as coffee, food or household goods. Bitcoin and Ether have achieved greater presence in this area compared to XRP, which still shines more in settlement layers and international transfers rather than direct point-of-sale purchases.
Coffee Shops and Small Eateries
By 2025, paying for a cup of coffee with crypto has become entirely ordinary. Major chains and independent cafés alike have integrated the option. Starbucks customers, for instance, can purchase Bitrefill gift cards and pay for their caramel macchiatos with Ether or Bitcoin.
Wallets like Flexa’s SPEDN and reloadable digital gift cards have made swapping tokens for lattes simple and convenient. Even convenience stores are adopting similar systems. Sheetz accepts both Bitcoin and Ether at checkout, while crypto directories such as Cryptwerk help XRP enthusiasts locate smaller eateries that welcome XRP for tacos, burgers or other casual meals.
Restaurants and Fast-Food Chains
Some McDonald’s outlets in crypto-forward regions now accept Bitcoin through dedicated payment apps. Across Europe and the United States, fast-food names like Subway and Burger King continue to accept crypto, often through third-party processors or gift card intermediaries. This setup, while not a direct in-house integration at every location, still provides consumers with a straightforward way to spend their Bitcoin.
In May 2025, Steak ‘n Shake expanded Bitcoin payments nationwide, reporting an 11 percent sales boost attributed to tech-savvy customers. Similarly, Chipotle and Baskin-Robbins accept payments in Bitcoin, Ether or XRP via BitPay integrations, enabling customers to purchase burrito bowls or ice cream scoops with digital assets.
Retail and Online Shopping
AT&T customers can pay phone bills with Bitcoin or Ether, avoiding late fees with instant settlement. XRP has also entered the retail space, with many online and physical stores using gateways such as CoinGate to process transactions.
Big technology companies have led adoption efforts. Microsoft accepts Bitcoin directly and also supports payment processors, while Newegg allows Ether transactions, and Overstock accepts XRP. AMC Theatres provides crypto payment options for entertainment services and Xbox content.
E-commerce platforms such as Shopify have been especially influential, offering millions of merchants the ability to integrate cryptocurrency checkouts. Large retail chains including Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ikea also enable crypto-based purchases through Bitrefill and BitPay gift cards, allowing Ether holders to fund home renovation projects directly with digital assets.
Scaling Up: Travel and Luxury Goods
Crypto adoption is also expanding into the travel sector and high-end retail. Airlines and hotel booking services are now actively integrating Bitcoin, Ether and XRP, often through partnerships with crypto-friendly platforms.
Platforms like Travala.com already let travelers book flights and accommodations with multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ether. Emirates is preparing to accept crypto directly in partnership with Crypto.com, allowing flyers to purchase first-class seats without the complications of foreign exchange. AirBaltic, which has been a pioneer since 2014, continues to process thousands of crypto-based flight payments across Europe.
Luxury car dealerships and high-end fashion brands are also embracing digital assets. In the United States, Post Oak Motor Cars accepts Bitcoin through BitPay for super-luxury vehicles, while BitCars in Europe provides an entirely crypto-focused marketplace for premium and classic automobiles. Fashion houses such as Gucci and Ralph Lauren are expanding crypto payment availability at flagship locations, particularly for their exclusive collections.
Financial Services, Remittances and Institutional Adoption
Beyond consumer transactions, crypto plays a growing role in financial infrastructure. Remittances, institutional adoption and treasury diversification highlight the strengths of Bitcoin, Ether and XRP in different ways.
Remittance and Cross-Border Transfers
XRP is especially strong in this area. Its consensus ledger and Ripple’s ecosystem allow for faster and cheaper cross-border settlements compared to traditional systems. Companies such as Mercury FX and Cuallix have tested and adopted XRP for these purposes, reducing costs and improving efficiency for international transactions.
Payment Gateways and Processors
Businesses that want to minimize exposure to volatility are increasingly using gateways such as PayPal, BitPay and NOWPayments. PayPal now enables merchants to accept over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether and XRP, providing global scalability with minimal friction.
Treasury and Corporate Holdings
Crypto has also found its way into corporate balance sheets. Companies like BitMine, SharpLink Gaming and VivoPower maintain Bitcoin and Ether in their treasuries, using them as strategic assets for inflation hedging or deeper engagement with the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
How Can Small Businesses Accept Crypto?
The pathway for smaller businesses lies in accessible technology and supportive financial systems.
The first step is choosing a processor such as BitPay, Coinbase Commerce or CoinGate. These services allow businesses to integrate crypto without requiring deep technical knowledge. Since they can instantly convert crypto into fiat currency, they also shield merchants from market volatility.
The second step involves reducing compliance costs. Automated tax reporting tools and clearer regulatory frameworks significantly ease the burden for small business owners.
The third step is adopting a wider range of cryptocurrencies. As barriers fall and systems become easier to manage, small businesses can confidently accept Bitcoin, Ether, XRP and other digital assets, broadening their customer base.
Conclusion
As 2025 unfolds, the integration of cryptocurrencies into daily commerce, travel, luxury purchases and corporate finance continues to expand. Bitcoin, Ether and XRP have established themselves as versatile tools: Bitcoin as a digital store of value, Ether as the foundation of programmable finance, and XRP as a leader in fast settlement and cross-border utility.
From buying coffee at Starbucks to booking a first-class flight with Emirates or purchasing a luxury car, cryptocurrencies are now firmly embedded in real-world economic activity. Their growing acceptance demonstrates not just consumer demand but also business recognition of their strategic potential. For both everyday users and institutional investors, this signals a long-term shift in how value moves in the global economy.
FAQs
Which cryptocurrencies are most widely accepted in 2025?
Bitcoin and Ether dominate in everyday transactions, while XRP is gaining traction in specific sectors such as remittances and select retail outlets.
Can I use crypto to book flights and hotels?
Yes. Platforms like Travala.com support Bitcoin, Ether and several other cryptocurrencies. Airlines such as AirBaltic and Emirates also accept crypto payments either directly or through partners.
Do small businesses risk losing money by accepting crypto?
Not necessarily. Payment processors like BitPay and Coinbase Commerce convert crypto to fiat instantly, eliminating volatility risks for merchants.
Are luxury brands accepting crypto?
Yes. Brands like Gucci and Ralph Lauren, along with luxury car dealerships such as Post Oak Motor Cars, accept crypto payments at select locations.
Why is XRP less common at cafés and shops compared to BTC and ETH?
XRP’s primary strength lies in settlement efficiency and cross-border transactions. While some retailers accept it directly, its broader use case remains in financial infrastructure rather than everyday coffee purchases.