Back in 2010, crypto was considered an amusing game or a short-term investment. Currently, more and more businesses accept crypto as a payment method. This kind of payment appears to be comfortable for both small and big companies. In this article, you can get familiar with online and offline businesses that accept or use crypto. You will also find out why crypto will become even more popular in 2024.

Online Business

Online businesses are companies that operate fully or partly online. Usually, they don’t have a big network of physical shops. This kind of business is popular among both startups and big companies. Here are several examples of companies that use crypto as a payment method. 

1. Online casinos. This sphere of business was one of the fastest to start using cryptocurrencies as payment. And it appeared to be more popular than real money. Crypto payments are perfect for players from “gray” zones, who can’t use their real money. When choosing a casino, it is important to find a reliable one. Check out the list of Gratorama BTC casinos that will help you find one that meets all the requirements and is suitable for all kinds of players.
2. Badoo. It may sound strange, but even dating apps accept crypto now. This online dating platform accepts crypto if you wish to get access to premium features, like better matches. 
3. Microsoft Online Xbox Store. Since 2014, users can make purchases in the Xbox Store using Bitcoin. You can buy Xbox itself, games, and apps from both Windows Store and Xbox Store. The company tries to follow the principles of its founder Bill Gates who once said: “Bitcoin is better than currency.”
4. Overstock. This one is a big online retail shop. Here you can buy all kinds of products, from blankets to TVs and laptops. An important part is that Overstock accepts not only Bitcoin but also other cryptocurrencies. These include Litecoin, Ethereum, Monero, Dash, and many other altcoins. Also, the company announced that it will expand the list of cryptocurrencies accepted.
5. CheapAir. This online flight booking service allows users to buy airline tickets and onboard services using crypto. This includes both international and American flights. However, to make purchases you need to have a Coinbase crypto wallet. 

These companies are just a drop in the ocean of businesses that already use crypto. And there is an even greater number of companies which plan to start using it in the next few years. But what about offline businesses?

Offline Business

An offline business describes a company that sells its products in physical shops. During a number of lockdowns, many offline businesses switched fully or partly to online. But it doesn’t mean that there are no offline companies left. Another issue is to find an offline business that accepts crypto. Let’s take a look at a few offline companies whose products you can buy with crypto now.  

1. McDonald’s. Currently, this function is not available internationally, but only in El Salvador. This function works only where cryptocurrencies are legal and equal to standard fiat currencies. However, as more countries create cryptocurrency legislation, the more possible it becomes for McDonald’s to launch this payment option in more countries.
2. BMW. Although BMW is a German company, you can purchase with Bitcoin in the USA and the UK. Multiple car dealerships are accepting crypto payments through integration with crypto payment processors. 
3. Cooperativa Radio Taxi 3570. This small Italian taxi network became extremely popular among locals when it started accepting Bitcoin as a payment method. It may look like a small example, however, it is becoming more and more popular around Europe. And it is logical that taxi services accept digital currencies, as they are becoming more common.
4. Starbucks. Some time ago, Starbucks’ upper management announced that the company won’t accept Bitcoin payments. However, in 2021 they changed their minds, due to the high popularity of crypto. Currently, you can buy drinks through loyalty programs, using Bitcoin and Ethereum.
5. KFC. Food chains accepted the fact that cryptocurrencies are not going to leave our lives in the near future. Now, you can purchase your favorite food using Bitcoin. However, this function works only for online orders and delivery, not in-house purchases.

As you can see, offline businesses don’t stick to only usual currencies. However, there are still big companies, like IKEA or Walmart, that don’t accept crypto. But there is hope that they will do so in a few years.

Reasons Why Crypto Is Becoming Popular in 2024

To sum up, cryptocurrencies are becoming more and more important in our lives. Not so long ago, only miners or IT people would know what crypto was. Currently, nobody can ignore them, including businesses and governments. 

However, there is still one question left. Why is crypto becoming more popular among companies even now, in 2024? Here are two main reasons for that:

• A number of countries are working on cryptocurrency legislation that legalizes cryptocurrencies. When crypto officially becomes legal, more companies, especially offline ones, will accept cryptos as a payment method.
• Bitcoin’s price will increase in 2024. Bitcoin is the most expensive cryptocurrency on the market. This fact lets it set trends for other cryptocurrencies. According to experts’ predictions, the price of one Bitcoin may reach a record $100,000. This makes the cryptocurrency market more attractive to investors and buyers. So, there is no surprise that more people decide to invest in it.

Cryptocurrencies are slowly but surely creeping their way into almost every aspect of our lives. More and more companies from different fields are starting to accept crypto and even incorporate blockchain technology into their operations. The best idea for any business — and government — is to embrace the idea of crypto technology and take advantage of it.