In the second decade of the 21st century, buying Bitcoin is a bit like buying precious metals – you want it as a part of your portfolio as an inflation hedge, but you probably aren't going to walk into a bodega and buy a bag of chips with gold bullion. However, while most stores wouldn't accept a one-ounce Gold American Eagle in exchange for goods and services, many retailers and service providers are learning about the advantages of cryptocurrency as a payment method.

Here are the ways cryptocurrencies are commonly used.

• Money transfers. Transferring cryptocurrency is faster and cheaper than transmitting fiat currency – many altcoins were created especially for the purpose of engaging in monetary transfers. You can move large amounts of money across the world for less than a dollar in fees using any number of cryptocurrencies, and privacy controls allow you to do so with a degree of anonymity.

• Purchases. While Bitcoin isn't accepted everywhere – yet – it is increasingly becoming a legitimate monetary alternative at many online and brick-and-mortar retailers. In the next section we'll list some places that accept crypto for payment.

• Tipping. If you like a podcast, blog post, or online content and want to show your support and appreciation, send a BTC tip! Sending a cryptocurrency tip is easy and cheap enough to make sending small amounts – even a few cents – feasible. Dogecoin even specifically markets itself as a tipping currency for online content creators.

Who Accepts Cryptocurrency as Payment

Cryptocurrency is increasingly accepted for payments, with major companies and online platforms integrating it into their systems for transactions. These are just a few examples, but make sure to check the merchant's Terms of Service before using crypto as payment.

Airplane Tickets

Kiss and Fly Tickets for major airlines

Luna Jets Book a private jet and pay in crypto

Merchandise

New Egg Electronics and home goods

Taabo Imports Exotic imported cars

Rooms To Go Home furnishings

Web Services

Altus Host European server and web hosting

Name Cheap Domain names

NordVPN Virtual private network service

Games

Blankos Crypto games for mobile

Chess Play chess online

Microsoft Games Buy games through your Microsoft account

Charities and Nonprofits

Red Cross Medical help in emergencies

Electronic Frontier Foundation Digital privacy and innovation advocates

The MET Art museum in New York

Countries That Use Crypto as Legal Tender

El Salvador

Central African Republic

Where Can I Buy Bitcoin with Cash Near Me?

If you're looking for a secure and reliable resource for buying Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with cash, CoinFlip ATM terminals are easy and secure resources for buying cryptocurrency. Intuitive, safe, and conveniently located, CoinFlip ATMs can load the cryptocurrency of your choice into your wallet in a fraction of the time it takes to complete a transaction using a Bitcoin exchange. Simply follow the prompts on the terminal, insert your cash, and watch the cryptocurrency load into your wallet! If you want to sell your cryptocurrency for cash, you can use CoinFlip ATMs for that, too.

Want to buy or sell with wire transfer? Try CoinFlip Preferred, our white glove over-the-counter service.

Financial Advice Disclaimer: Nothing in this article constitutes professional or financial advice, performance data or any recommendation that any specific cryptocurrency, portfolio, index, investment product, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. You assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with all financial decisions and should seek the advice of a registered financial advisor when in doubt.