Cryptocurrencies in the Mainstream: Who Accepts Bitcoin, Ether, and XRP in 2025?
The world of cryptocurrencies has come a long way since its inception. From being considered a fringe idea in finance, cryptocurrencies have now become a mainstream phenomenon. In 2025, more and more companies are incorporating digital assets, particularly Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and XRP (XRP), as payment options and strategic assets. But what makes these three cryptocurrencies so special, and where can you use them?
The Rise of Cryptocurrency Adoption
Each of these cryptocurrencies has its unique strengths: BTC is a valuable store of wealth, ETH has a robust Smart Contract ecosystem, and XRP excels in quick billing and cross-border payments. Together, they cover what companies need: trust, functionality, and speed. As a result, various industries, including coffee shops, restaurants, retailers, travel services, and luxury brands, are now accepting these cryptocurrencies as a form of payment.
Everyday Crypto Transactions: Coffee Shops, Restaurants, Retailers
For many crypto owners, the first real test is whether they can spend their cryptocurrencies like cash: a cup of coffee, a sandwich, or food. While XRP may lag behind BTC and ETH in terms of everyday purchases, there are still many places where you can use these cryptocurrencies. For instance, Starbucks now accepts BTC and ETH through gift cards, and Sheetz accepts Bitcoin, Ether, and other coins at the cash register.
Cafés and Small Restaurants
Many chains and independent spots have made it part of their daily operations to accept cryptocurrencies. You can use apps like Pedn Wallet from Flexa or exchange digital gift cards for lattes. Even convenience stores like Sheetz are on board, accepting Bitcoin, Ether, and other coins. If you’re an XRP loyalist, you can refer to directories like Cryptwerk to find smaller restaurants that accept XRP.
Restaurants and Fast Food Locations
Select McDonald’s outlets in crypto-hot zones accept Bitcoin through payment apps, enabling fast food payments with digital dollars. Large fast-food chains like Subway and Burger King also accept crypto payments, often through gift card services or payment processing from third-party providers. Steak ‘n Shake joined the party in May 2025, triggering BTC payments nationwide, which they credited with an 11% increase in sales.
Retail and Online Shops
AT&T allows you to pay phone bills with ETH or BTC, avoiding late fees. Many online and physical retailers accept XRP via gateways like Coingate. Big-tech companies have also jumped on board: Microsoft accepts BTC directly or via processors, while Negegg supports ETH for purchases on site. Overstock also welcomes XRP, and AMC Theater accepts Bitcoin and other digital assets for its products and services.
Scaling: Travel and Luxury
As crypto payments mature, many travel services and airlines offer bookings via BTC, ETH, and sometimes XRP through intermediaries. Websites like Travala.com enable travelers to make bookings with BTC, ETH, and many other supported digital assets. Emirates will soon allow flyers to grab first-class seats with digital dollars, without forex effort, by working with Crypto.com to accept crypto.
Financial Services, Transfers, and Institutional Adoption
XRP is often positioned for cross-border transfers due to its consensus book and Ripple’s infrastructure, designed for lower costs and faster settlement. Companies like Mercury FX and CUALLIX have taken over or tested XRP for such uses. Payer and gateways like PayPal, Bitpay, and Novmentments have made it possible for companies to reduce their volatility by accepting cryptocurrency.
How Can More Small Companies Accept Crypto?
The development of more user-friendly technologies and a larger financial ecosystem holds the answer. Small companies can integrate crypto payments with little technical know-how using payment processors like Bitpay, Coinbase Commerce, and Coingate. By immediately converting cryptocurrencies into fiat currency, these processors remove the risk of price fluctuations.
Step 1: Select a Payment Processor
Pay workers like Bitpay, Coinbase Commerce, and Coingate make it easy for small companies to integrate crypto payments. Automated tax reporting systems and more open regulatory frameworks can reduce the financial and legal burden on small business owners.
Step 2: Reduction of Compliance Costs
With reduced technical obstacles and simplified compliance, companies can confidently accept a wider range of cryptocurrencies. This will lead to increased adoption and use of cryptocurrencies in everyday transactions.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trade movement is a risk, and readers should carry out their own research before making a decision. For more information on cryptocurrency adoption, visit Cointelegraph.
