Cryptocurrencies in retail: digital payments of the future

16/12/2025

Cryptocurrencies are playing an increasingly important role in retail. National and international examples show that their use has long moved beyond pilot projects. Retailers in particular benefit from lower transaction costs and the opportunity to reach new customer groups.

Close-up of several cryptocurrency coins, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, in gold and silver finishes on a textured surface – a symbol of digital currencies and crypto trading.

Overview: what are cryptocurrencies?

Cryptocurrencies are digital forms of payment that are decentralized and based on blockchain technology. Well-known examples include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and stablecoins such as USDC or USDT. They can be transferred independently of banks and other institutions and enable fast, global payments, often with lower fees than traditional financial systems. Transactions are cryptographically secured and stored transparently on the blockchain.

Role of cryptocurrencies in retail

Retailers can reduce their transaction costs by around two-thirds compared to credit cards through crypto payments, as the example of SPAR Switzerland shows.

The payment works similarly to mobile payment apps: customers scan a QR code at the checkout, authorize the transaction in their wallet app, and receive a receipt as usual.

Cryptocurrency can be especially interesting for internationally active retailers. Payments can be made worldwide without additional bank fees or currency exchange. This advantage is especially useful with stablecoins. Stablecoins are digital currencies whose value remains largely stable (for example, a coin that is always worth approximately one euro or one dollar).

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Current examples: who accepts crypto?

According to the platform 99bitcoins, several retailers, platforms, and brands already accept payments with cryptocurrencies, including PayPal, Microsoft, Apple, Starbucks, Whole Foods, Home Depot, Printemps, and Gucci.

Retailer / Platform

Details on Crypto Payment

Cryptocurrencies

SPAR Schweiz

Over 100 stores already live, expansion to around 300 planned; payment via Binance Pay or wallets such as Cake, Phoenix, or Wallet of Satoshi; automatic conversion to CHF

Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and over 100 other cryptocurrencies

Home Depot

Payment with Bitcoin via the Flexa Spedn app

Bitcoin

Shopify / Stripe

Millions of online retailers can accept USDC via Stripe/Shopify; checkout, for example, through Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask

USDC, other Stablecoins

PayPal („Pay with Crypto“)

Retailers can offer Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a payment method via PayPal; automatic conversion into FIAT.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash (PayPal-personal Selection)

SPAR Switzerland as a pioneer in brick-and-mortar retail

The introduction of crypto payments at SPAR Switzerland is currently one of the most prominent examples in traditional retail. What began as a pilot project in Zug was rolled out nationwide in 2025. At the checkout, payment is made by scanning a QR code using Binance Pay or another compatible wallet. The cryptocurrency is automatically and instantly converted into Swiss francs, resulting in very low costs for the retailer. According to SPAR, customers also incur no additional fees for the crypto transaction.

International developments

The importance of crypto payments is also increasing in international e-commerce. Platforms such as Shopify and payment service providers such as Stripe are increasingly relying on stablecoins. These ensure price stability and can be integrated directly into existing payment systems without creating volatility risks for retailers.

Conclusion and trends

Crypto payments are increasingly evolving from a niche phenomenon into a real part of modern payment systems. While SPAR Switzerland shows that digital currencies can be successfully implemented in physical retail, Stripe, Shopify, and PayPal are driving international acceptance in online commerce.

Sources: SPAR Schweiz press release, Due Ltd blog article, Cointelegraph article

Portrait of Maximilian Kohl, a young man with curly brown hair, round glasses, and a slight smile, in front of a neutral, light background; copyright: Maximilian Kohl

Author: Maximilian Kohl | EuroShop.mag

As part of the EuroShop editorial team, Maximilian Kohl combines in-depth media and marketing expertise with a keen eye for technologies and topics that are shaping the retail world. His experience in digital content and international storytelling shapes his editorial contributions and his keen sense for trends.