What Can You Actually Buy With Cryptocurrency in 2025?

Cryptocurrency was never meant to sit still in a digital wallet. When Bitcoin launched in 2009, the idea wasn’t just to hold it as a speculative asset—it was to use it like money. Sixteen years later, that vision has gained some traction, but not without roadblocks. You can use crypto to buy everything from luxury watches to airline tickets. Still, purchasing power depends heavily on where you are, which coin you're using, and how you're spending it. The reality is a mix of innovation, experimentation, and limitation.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can spend crypto. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies can be used to purchase goods and services—both directly and via crypto debit cards.
• Popular purchases include electronics, luxury goods, cars, travel, insurance, and even real estate. Acceptance varies by region and retailer.
• Crypto debit cards are the most practical way to use digital assets for daily transactions, converting crypto to fiat at the point of sale.
• Every transaction is a taxable event in many countries, including the U.S., where crypto is treated as property and subject to capital gains tax.
• Merchant adoption is growing but remains limited. Volatility, regulation, and infrastructure gaps still make widespread use challenging.
• AI Crypto Market Xchange supports real-world usage by offering secure trading, fast execution, and seamless wallet integration for crypto spending.

Can You Actually Buy Things With Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency can be used for more than just trading—it can function as a form of payment. But whether it’s practical or widely accepted depends on how you spend it. Here's how real-world crypto payments work in 2025, and what you need to know before making a purchase.

Is Cryptocurrency Considered Legal Tender?

In most countries, no. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in the United States, Canada, or the European Union. This means merchants aren’t required to accept them. The exception is El Salvador, which formally recognized Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. So, when you spend crypto, it’s only because the merchant voluntarily accepts it—or because a third-party service converts your crypto into fiat on their behalf.

How Do People Make Purchases With Crypto?

There are three main ways:
• Direct Payments: Some businesses accept Bitcoin or Ethereum directly, usually through a payment processor like BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, or CoinGate. You scan a QR code, approve the transaction, and the blockchain confirms it.
• Crypto Debit Cards: These work like regular Visa or Mastercard debit cards. You preload the card with cryptocurrency, and it automatically converts to fiat when you make a purchase. Options include the Crypto.com Visa Card, BitPay Card, and Coinbase Card.
• Peer-to-Peer Transactions: You can send crypto directly from your wallet to someone else’s, often used for one-on-one deals, freelance work, or marketplace platforms that support crypto.

Why Aren’t More People Spending Crypto Daily?

There are a few reasons:
• Volatility: The price of Bitcoin can swing wildly within hours. Spending $50 worth of BTC on dinner might feel fine today—but tomorrow, that same BTC could be worth $65, or $35.
• Taxes: In countries like the U.S., crypto is treated as property. That means every time you spend it, you trigger a taxable event and may owe capital gains tax.
• Adoption Gaps: Most retailers still don't accept crypto. While adoption is growing in industries like travel and luxury goods, it remains niche in everyday retail.

The Bottom Line

Yes, cryptocurrency can buy goods and services—but whether it’s practical depends on your goals, location, and the tools you’re using. For many users, crypto debit cards have become the most seamless way to spend. But direct payments are also gaining ground in sectors that value speed, security, or global access.

Popular Categories of Goods and Services You Can Buy With Crypto

While cryptocurrencies aren’t universally accepted, certain industries have embraced them faster than others. From tech to travel, here’s a look at what you can actually buy with digital currencies—and which companies are leading the charge.

Consumer Electronics and Tech

Buying gadgets with crypto is one of the most common use cases. Tech-focused merchants have been early adopters due to their digital-savvy customer base.
• Newegg accepts Bitcoin and even offers discounts for crypto purchases during select promos.
• AT&T was the first major U.S. mobile carrier to allow bill payments via BitPay.
• Microsoft lets users fund their Microsoft accounts with Bitcoin, which can be used for Xbox and Windows purchases.
These transactions typically go through crypto payment processors and are completed in seconds, though they are still subject to network confirmation times.

Cars and Automobiles

You can buy both standard and luxury vehicles using cryptocurrency. Several car dealerships, especially those specializing in high-end brands, now accept Bitcoin or Ethereum.
• Tesla made headlines in 2021 for briefly accepting Bitcoin. While it has since paused that feature, other brands have stepped in.
• AutoCoinCars and Post Oak Motor Cars allow full crypto transactions for luxury cars, including Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley.
It's worth noting that because of volatility, sellers often set a short price-lock window, meaning you must complete the transaction quickly once terms are agreed upon.

Luxury Goods and Jewelry

For shoppers seeking exclusivity, luxury brands and boutiques offer a discreet and global way to buy with crypto.
• BitDials sells luxury timepieces—Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet—for Bitcoin and other major coins.
• Franck Muller created a limited-edition watch that doubles as a Bitcoin cold wallet, complete with an engraved Genesis Block address.
• Some boutique fashion retailers and jewelry designers also accept payments via stablecoins to avoid price swings.
Crypto offers international buyers a way to make high-value purchases without currency conversion fees or wire transfer delays.

Real Estate

In select markets, real estate purchases via cryptocurrency have become possible through partnerships with crypto-friendly brokerages and attorneys.
• In Miami, Dubai, and Portugal, it’s now possible to purchase condos or homes using Bitcoin, often processed through an escrow intermediary.
• Buyers must still complete KYC and AML compliance checks, just like with fiat transactions.
While rare, real estate transactions offer a long-term use case for crypto wealth, especially for international investors seeking cross-border property holdings.

Travel and Hospitality

From hotel bookings to full vacation packages, the travel industry is among the most crypto-friendly.
• Travala.com accepts over 90 cryptocurrencies for flights, hotels, and experiences.
• CheapAir lets users pay for airline tickets using Bitcoin.
• AirBaltic and Destinia also support crypto for flight bookings.
Travelers using crypto debit cards also gain flexibility for international spending without worrying about foreign exchange rates.

Food and Beverage

While not widespread, food and drink purchases with crypto are slowly becoming possible.
• Starbucks allows crypto payments via the Bakkt app, linked to customer wallets.
• Subway franchises in several countries accept Bitcoin.
• A growing number of independent cafés and restaurants list crypto acceptance on platforms like CoinMap.
Still, these are more novelty use cases than everyday habits, as most consumers still opt for credit cards or mobile pay.

Online Retail and E-Commerce

The e-commerce sector has made the most visible shift toward accepting crypto.
• Overstock was one of the first major online retailers to accept Bitcoin, dating back to 2014.
• Shopify stores can integrate with crypto gateways like Coinbase Commerce or BitPay.
• Home Depot has experimented with crypto payments in select locations via Flexa’s payment network.
Whether you're buying furniture or apparel, more merchants are offering crypto as a checkout option—but it depends on the store’s location and payment processor.

Media and Entertainment

Digital content and subscriptions are well-suited to crypto’s fast and low-fee transactions.
• Time Magazine partnered with Crypto.com to offer crypto payment options for subscriptions.
• Twitch (Amazon-owned) allows viewers to tip streamers using various cryptocurrencies.
• Niche streaming platforms and paywalled media sites sometimes offer native token payments or stablecoin support.
In this space, crypto is often used not just for payment, but as part of broader Web3 integrations—like NFT access or gated community perks.

Insurance

A few insurers have started accepting crypto for policy payments, although this remains limited.
• AXA Switzerland allows crypto payments for all products except life insurance.
• Premier Shield Insurance, a U.S.-based agency, takes Bitcoin for home and auto policy premiums.
These are outliers, not the norm, but they show that even traditionally conservative industries are beginning to experiment with blockchain-based transactions.

Using Crypto Debit Cards to Buy Everyday Items

Cryptocurrency debit cards bridge the gap between digital assets and the real economy. Instead of waiting for merchants to accept Bitcoin or Ethereum directly, these cards convert crypto into fiat at the point of sale—letting you spend digital assets almost anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard.

What Is a Crypto Debit Card?

A crypto debit card works like a traditional prepaid debit card. You fund it using cryptocurrency from your exchange wallet, and when you make a purchase, the card issuer converts the crypto into fiat currency in real-time. The merchant receives local currency (e.g., USD, EUR), and you receive a confirmation like any other debit transaction. These cards are offered by major exchanges and crypto platforms, often in partnership with global payment networks. Popular examples include:
• Coinbase Card (Visa)
• Crypto.com Visa Card
• BitPay Card
• Binance Card (not available in all countries)
Each card comes with its own fee structure, limits, and supported coins. Most support stablecoins alongside major cryptos like BTC, ETH, and USDC.

Where Can You Use Them?

Because they operate on the Visa or Mastercard network, crypto debit cards can be used anywhere those networks are accepted—millions of merchants globally, including grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online shops, and more. They also work at ATMs, allowing you to withdraw local currency directly from your crypto balance.

Benefits of Using a Crypto Debit Card

• Convenience: No need to wait for direct merchant adoption. Use your crypto the same way you’d use cash.
• Speed: Transactions are instant, with real-time crypto-to-fiat conversion.
• Rewards: Some cards offer cashback in crypto, tiered benefits, or staking bonuses depending on usage volume.
• Multi-Currency Support: Many cards let you choose which crypto to spend from your wallet, giving you control over how your digital assets are used.

Risks and Drawbacks

• Fees: Cards may charge top-up fees, foreign transaction fees, ATM withdrawal fees, or monthly account fees. Always check the fine print.
• Tax Reporting: Each purchase is treated as a crypto sale under U.S. tax law. That means you must track the fair market value of your crypto at the time of the transaction and report capital gains or losses.
• Volatility: If your crypto balance drops sharply after topping up, you may feel like you overspent.

AI Crypto Market Xchange and Everyday Spending

If you use AI Crypto Market Xchange, you already have access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies and fast transaction tools. The platform allows real-time trading and offers compatibility with mobile apps, making it easier to top up crypto debit cards or manage balances on the go. With its built-in security features—like MFA and cold storage—users can fund and manage their everyday spending securely and efficiently. Crypto debit cards don’t eliminate the complexity of crypto taxation or volatility, but they offer a practical workaround for anyone wanting to use digital currency in the real world. Whether you’re paying for groceries or booking a hotel, these cards make it possible to use your crypto holdings beyond the confines of the exchange.

Legal, Tax, and Regulatory Considerations When Spending Crypto

Spending cryptocurrency isn’t as simple as swiping a debit card and walking away. Because crypto is still treated differently from cash under U.S. and international law, each transaction can come with unexpected tax consequences and regulatory requirements. Before you start using Bitcoin for everyday purchases, it’s important to understand what’s at stake.

Is Spending Crypto a Taxable Event?

In the United States, yes. The IRS classifies cryptocurrency as property, not currency. That means every time you spend crypto—even on a coffee or a movie ticket—you’re technically selling it. If the value of your crypto has increased since you acquired it, you owe capital gains tax on the difference between your purchase price (cost basis) and the fair market value at the time of the transaction. Example: You bought 1 ETH for $1,000. You later use it to buy a laptop when 1 ETH is worth $2,000. You’ve just realized a $1,000 capital gain, and that gain is taxable—even if you never converted the ETH to cash.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Because of this tax treatment, anyone spending crypto needs to keep accurate records:
• Date and cost of crypto acquisition
• Value of crypto at time of purchase
• Capital gain or loss for each transaction
If you’re using a crypto debit card, some providers generate monthly reports to help with tax prep, but not all do. The IRS expects taxpayers to report every disposal of crypto, even small purchases, so tracking tools or professional help may be necessary.

Global Regulatory Differences

The tax and regulatory framework varies significantly by country:
• United Kingdom: HMRC also treats crypto as property. Gains are subject to Capital Gains Tax, but there are annual exemptions.
• Germany: Crypto held for more than one year can be sold tax-free.
• Portugal: As of 2025, crypto gains are taxed under specific rules, depending on whether the activity is occasional or professional.
• El Salvador: Recognizes Bitcoin as legal tender. Businesses must accept it, but many still use intermediaries for conversion.
Before using crypto abroad, it’s critical to check the local tax treatment and whether spending crypto qualifies as a taxable disposal in that jurisdiction.

AML, KYC, and Compliance

Most crypto exchanges and payment platforms require users to complete KYC (Know Your Customer) verification and adhere to AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies. This includes submitting ID, proof of address, and bank details before being allowed to spend or withdraw. Some merchants that accept large crypto payments may also require additional due diligence, especially for transactions involving real estate, vehicles, or luxury items.

Penalties for Misreporting

Failing to report crypto-related income can result in:
• Penalties and interest on unpaid taxes
• Potential audits
• Criminal prosecution in extreme cases
Since 2020, the IRS has made crypto reporting a top priority, even placing a question on Form 1040 asking if the taxpayer received, sold, exchanged, or disposed of digital assets. Using crypto to buy products and services isn't just about convenience—it’s about understanding the legal responsibilities that come with it. A purchase made with Bitcoin isn't anonymous or free from scrutiny. It's a transaction that carries weight under tax law, and it should be treated with the same diligence as any other financial activity.

Why Some Merchants Accept Crypto

While many businesses still steer clear of cryptocurrency, a growing number have started accepting it—not just to chase headlines, but for clear financial and operational reasons. For these merchants, crypto offers benefits that traditional payment systems can’t match, even if it also comes with a new set of challenges.

Lower Transaction Costs

Credit card processing fees typically range from 2% to 4% per transaction. By contrast, crypto transactions—especially those made using layer-2 solutions like the Bitcoin Lightning Network or low-fee blockchains like Solana—can cost just a fraction of that. Merchants using crypto payment processors like BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, or NOWPayments pay flat-rate fees or lower percentages, which helps them preserve margins on large or frequent transactions.

Instant Settlement and Global Reach

Unlike traditional wire transfers, which can take days to settle and cost money across borders, crypto transactions clear quickly—sometimes in seconds. This is especially valuable for international merchants and customers, who otherwise face:
• Currency conversion fees
• Delays due to banking holidays or time zones
• High cross-border payment costs
Accepting crypto enables businesses to sell globally without being bound by traditional financial infrastructure.

No Chargebacks

One of the most attractive features of cryptocurrency for merchants is its irreversibility. Once a transaction is confirmed on the blockchain, it can’t be reversed. That means no chargebacks, no disputes from card issuers, and no loss of inventory from fraudulent returns. This is especially helpful for high-risk categories—digital products, luxury goods, and collectibles—where fraud and refund abuse are common.

Customer Demand and Market Differentiation

For some businesses, accepting crypto is a strategic marketing move. It signals innovation, taps into a wealthy crypto-native customer base, and earns media attention.
• Brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Tag Heuer now accept crypto in certain stores.
• E-commerce platforms using Shopify can integrate crypto payments to reach younger or international buyers.
Even if these payments make up a small portion of revenue, they can enhance the company’s brand image and align it with emerging tech trends.

Hedging Against Currency Risk

In countries with unstable currencies or high inflation, crypto can act as a store of value. Some merchants in Argentina, Turkey, or Venezuela accept stablecoins like USDC or USDT to avoid rapid currency depreciation. Others accept Bitcoin or Ethereum and convert it instantly to USD using a crypto processor. This allows them to operate in volatile markets while protecting their income.

Operational Risks and Concerns

Still, accepting crypto isn’t without trade-offs:
• Volatility: Businesses must decide whether to hold crypto or convert it immediately to fiat. Holding volatile assets could lead to losses if the market turns.
• Accounting Complexity: Crypto payments require updated accounting systems that can handle conversions, valuations, and tax tracking.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: In some regions, crypto income is taxed differently or requires special reporting, which adds complexity for cross-border merchants.
Accepting crypto is no longer just a gimmick. For businesses that understand the tools and the risks, it can be a cost-efficient, borderless, and fraud-resistant way to process payments. Adoption is still uneven—but for the right merchant, it’s not just viable. It’s smart.

Limitations and Challenges to Widespread Crypto Spending

While cryptocurrency has made it possible to buy everything from luxury cars to a cup of coffee, using it as a mainstream payment method still faces steep hurdles. For all its technological promise, the infrastructure, economics, and behavior around spending crypto aren’t fully in place. Below are the key reasons why adoption remains limited.

Price Volatility Makes Spending Risky

Cryptocurrency prices can change dramatically within hours. This volatility discourages both merchants and consumers from using it for everyday transactions.
• For consumers, there's always the fear of buyer’s remorse. Spend 0.01 BTC on dinner today, and tomorrow that same amount could be worth hundreds more.
• For merchants, accepting crypto means deciding whether to hold or convert immediately. Holding exposes them to price drops; converting removes potential upside.
Volatility also affects how businesses price items, making it hard to quote consistent amounts in BTC, ETH, or other coins.

Limited Merchant Adoption

Despite growth in recent years, most businesses—especially small and local ones—still don’t accept crypto.
• Payment gateways like BitPay and CoinGate have improved ease of integration, but technical onboarding still poses a barrier.
• Some merchants are wary of regulatory complexity or lack the infrastructure to handle crypto payments securely.
• Others don’t see enough customer demand to justify the effort.
Even in industries that embrace innovation, crypto remains a novelty rather than the default.

Tax and Accounting Burdens

Every crypto purchase creates a tax event in the U.S. and many other countries. That means users must track the value of each coin at the time of the transaction and calculate any capital gain or loss. This makes using crypto for small purchases—like a coffee or groceries—needlessly complicated. Most people don’t want to track and report dozens of micro-transactions at tax time. On the business side, bookkeeping gets more complex. Merchants must record each payment in both crypto and fiat terms, reconcile fluctuations, and handle potential gains or losses.

Network Congestion and Fees

While some blockchains offer fast, low-cost transactions, others—particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum during peak times—can become congested. This leads to:
• Higher gas fees
• Slower confirmations
• Failed or delayed transactions
For small purchases, a $10 network fee makes no economic sense. While Layer 2 solutions like Lightning Network and rollups help, they aren’t yet universally adopted.

Security Risks and Public Perception

Cryptocurrency remains closely associated with scams, fraud, and hacking. This reputation creates hesitation among consumers and merchants alike.
• Some worry about losing funds due to lost wallet keys or phishing attacks.
• Others distrust the irreversible nature of blockchain transactions.
• The lack of customer protections found in traditional finance (like credit card disputes) is a deterrent.
Without widespread education and better safeguards, trust will continue to be a limiting factor. Crypto has come a long way—but it’s still not ready to replace fiat for everyday use. Until volatility stabilizes, regulation becomes clearer, and the infrastructure matures, spending crypto will remain a niche activity reserved for specific situations or early adopters.

Is It Practical to Use Cryptocurrency for Daily Purchases?

Using crypto to pay for goods and services is technically possible—but practical? That depends on who you are, what you're buying, and why you're using it. For most users, crypto spending isn’t a full-time habit. It’s a strategic choice made under the right conditions.

When It Makes Sense

• International Travel: Using a crypto debit card while traveling can eliminate foreign exchange fees. You can spend in local currency while your wallet is debited in USDC, BTC, or ETH. Services like Travala or CheapAir also make crypto-friendly travel bookings easy.
• Large or Global Purchases: Luxury watches, international real estate, or high-value collectibles are sometimes easier to buy with crypto, especially for international buyers looking to avoid cross-border banking delays.
• Privacy-Focused Transactions: In regions with weak banking systems or for users concerned about surveillance, crypto can offer a way to transact without banks or card companies monitoring spending behavior.
• Early Crypto Investors: For users who bought Bitcoin or Ethereum years ago, spending a portion today feels like using profits. The cost basis is low, and they may prefer to use gains rather than cash out entirely.

When It Doesn’t

• Everyday Shopping: Buying lunch with Bitcoin isn’t practical if you need to record the transaction for taxes or wait 10 minutes for the network to confirm it.
• High-Volatility Periods: When the market is swinging wildly, no one wants to be the person who spent $100 worth of BTC that turned into $300 the next day. Volatility makes crypto less appealing for daily purchases.
• Complex Tax Rules: In the U.S., even small purchases require tracking cost basis and capital gains. That complexity adds friction to routine spending, especially for users who make dozens of micro-transactions per month.

How Most Users Navigate It

For most crypto holders, everyday spending is occasional—not habitual. Crypto is used for specific transactions, strategic purchases, or global payments. The rest of the time, it's held as an investment or stored as digital wealth. Crypto debit cards help bridge that gap. They offer the familiarity of swiping a card, while giving users more flexibility over which assets to spend and when. For those comfortable managing the tradeoffs, they’re currently the most practical way to make crypto part of day-to-day life. Spending crypto today is more possible than ever—but it’s not frictionless. Until regulations ease, tax laws adapt, and volatility smooths out, using digital currencies in the real world will remain a tool for some, not a lifestyle for all.

How AI Crypto Market Xchange Helps You Buy with Crypto

While the idea of spending crypto sounds exciting, it only works if your platform supports real-world use. That’s where AI Crypto Market Xchange stands out. Designed to go beyond just trading, this platform helps users convert their crypto into actionable payments—securely, quickly, and without the typical complexity.

Built for Real-Time Transactions

With 20 million trades processed per day and support for 100+ digital assets, AI Crypto Market Xchange isn’t just a trading hub—it’s a functional bridge between your crypto wallet and the world.
• Fast Execution: Lightning-speed order fulfillment means you’re not stuck waiting when it’s time to top up a crypto debit card or convert coins to fiat.
• Mobile Access: The iOS and Android apps let you monitor, trade, and transfer funds wherever you are. That’s essential for crypto users who rely on flexibility, especially while traveling.

Secure Infrastructure for Confident Spending

Spending crypto involves risk, but AI Crypto Market Xchange was built with a security-first mindset.
• MFA login protocols
• Withdrawal whitelist controls
• Cold storage for the majority of funds
These features help users move assets in and out of the platform without worrying about security breaches or unauthorized withdrawals.

Seamless Integration with Crypto Debit Cards

AI Crypto Market Xchange makes it easy to fund your crypto debit card using your wallet balance. That means you can:
• Instantly convert your holdings into spending power
• Load up cards backed by Visa or Mastercard networks
• Make purchases online, in-store, or abroad

Whether you’re buying tech gear, booking a hotel, or grabbing coffee in a different country, the platform supports smooth transitions from investment to transaction.

Regulated and Globally Accessible

Operating in over 30 countries and regulated by U.S. entities like the SEC, IRS, and FinCEN, as well as the Canadian Securities Administrators, AI Crypto Market Xchange offers legal clarity for users serious about compliance. That means the crypto you spend is fully trackable, auditable, and—most importantly—legitimate. In a market filled with sketchy services, that level of transparency helps ensure your transactions are protected under relevant laws. AI Crypto Market Xchange doesn’t just help you buy crypto. It helps you actually use it. With institutional-grade security, mobile access, and fast execution, it’s built for those who want to go beyond holding—and start spending.

Final Thoughts

Spending cryptocurrency is a growing reality for those who know where and how to do it. From tech gadgets to real estate, crypto has carved out a legitimate place in the payments landscape. But that doesn’t mean it’s frictionless. There are real barriers: tax obligations, market volatility, and limited merchant adoption continue to keep daily crypto spending in check. Yet for the right user—especially one who values global access, speed, and financial autonomy—crypto offers something traditional money can’t: borderless, bank-free purchasing power.